The hottest Aesthetics Substack posts right now

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Top Culture Topics

The Frustrating Bias Against Strut-leg Chairs

The American Peasant • 2395 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🪑 Design Furniture Craftsmanship Construction Aesthetics Repair
  1. Strut-leg chairs are simpler to build and use less material, making them efficient for craftspeople.
  2. They are easier to repair compared to chairs with stretchers, needing only minor adjustments instead of full disassembly.
  3. Strut-leg chairs have a unique visual appeal and can sometimes actually be stronger than traditional chairs with stretchers.

Why Skyscrapers Became Glass Boxes

Construction Physics • 59712 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🪑 Design Architecture Urban planning Real Estate Construction Aesthetics
  1. Skyscrapers today are mostly glass boxes because they are cheaper and easier to build. This style lets developers create more usable space while saving on construction costs.
  2. Real estate developers play a huge role in deciding how a skyscraper looks. They focus on what will make money, often opting for simpler designs that meet tenant needs but lack ornamentation.
  3. Our interest in building design shapes what gets built. While many developers prefer beautiful designs, the market often pushes for simpler, more modern aesthetics that make financial sense.

Doomscroll: Matty Healy

Joshua Citarella's Newsletter • 656 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Internet culture Pop Music Aesthetics Public Space
  1. Counter-culture has become more like a safe, marketable trend rather than a true rebellion. It's lost its original edgy vibe over time.
  2. Social media is changing how we experience public spaces and culture. We need to think about what a completely privatized world might look like.
  3. Conversations about culture and creativity are crucial. They can help us understand our current challenges and how to move forward.

Why Is the Tesla Cybertruck So Depressingly Ugly?

The Honest Broker • 30021 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Design Aesthetics Art Criticism Cultural Commentary Society
  1. The design of the Tesla Cybertruck is seen as ugly and intimidating, making it resemble a military vehicle rather than a car. This choice of design seems to prioritize power over aesthetic beauty.
  2. Many modern designs, including the Cybertruck, lack the nuances and curves that characterize beautiful art and architecture. Instead, they often appear harsh and cold, making them feel less welcoming.
  3. The trend towards ugly and aggressive designs reflects a cultural shift towards asserting power and dominance in society, which affects creativity and art negatively.
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Let the silence have you

Silentium • 499 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Ethics Epistemology Logic Aesthetics
  1. Silence can be a powerful tool for reflection and personal growth. Taking time away from noise helps us better understand ourselves.
  2. Embracing moments of silence can lead to greater clarity and peace of mind. It allows us to recharge and connect with our inner thoughts.
  3. Creating spaces for silence in our daily lives is important. It can improve our mental well-being and help us focus on what truly matters.

Ask Bear anything

Philosophy bear • 64 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Logic Aesthetics
  1. Subscribers can ask questions while everyone can read the answers. This makes it more inclusive and fair.
  2. There are two ways to get answers: one from the author and another one from Bear. You just need to mention which one you prefer.
  3. The system is based on honor, meaning the author trusts those asking questions without subscriptions are doing so because they can't afford it.

The forest years

Silentium • 539 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Aesthetics
  1. Silence can be a powerful tool for reflection and personal growth. Taking time away from noise helps us understand ourselves better.
  2. Spending time in nature can greatly benefit our mental health. The forest offers a calming environment that promotes peace and tranquility.
  3. Embracing quiet moments allows for deeper connections with our thoughts and feelings. It's important to make space for stillness in our busy lives.

A sunlit absence

Silentium • 619 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Metaphysics Ethics Epistemology Aesthetics
  1. Finding moments of silence can be really beneficial for the mind. It helps to clear thoughts and allows for better focus.
  2. Embracing quietness encourages deeper reflection. This can lead to personal growth and understanding.
  3. Taking time away from noise can enhance creativity. A peaceful environment often sparks new ideas and inspiration.

Niall Ferguson: The Vibe Shift Goes Global

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 6543 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Trends Pop culture Aesthetics Geopolitics Society
  1. Culture influences politics and geopolitics, making it important to understand cultural trends.
  2. There have been distinct vibe shifts in pop culture over the years, each with its own style, like Hipster/Indie and Hypebeast/Woke.
  3. Recent changes in tech culture reflect a shift towards a more unfiltered environment, especially with Elon Musk's influence.

The field

Silentium • 619 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Logic Aesthetics Political Philosophy
  1. Silence can be a powerful tool for personal reflection and growth. Taking time away from noise helps us understand ourselves better.
  2. Embracing silence can lead to greater creativity and inspiration. It allows our minds to wander and generate new ideas.
  3. Creating a space for silence can improve mental well-being. It's important to disconnect from the busyness of life sometimes.

The empty hand

Silentium • 799 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Logic Aesthetics
  1. Silence can be a powerful tool for reflection and understanding. Taking time to be quiet helps us connect with our thoughts and feelings.
  2. The metaphor of the 'empty hand' suggests being open and receptive. It encourages letting go of distractions to find clarity.
  3. Inviting silence into our lives can lead to personal growth. Embracing quiet moments allows us to gain insight into ourselves and the world around us.

The art of discernment

Silentium • 539 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Logic Epistemology Aesthetics
  1. Discernment is about making clear choices. It helps you decide what is right for you in different situations.
  2. Silence can be a powerful tool for gaining clarity. Taking a moment to pause can improve your understanding and judgment.
  3. Practicing discernment can enrich your life. It allows you to navigate complex decisions with confidence and purpose.

Doomscroll: Yung Chomsky

Joshua Citarella's Newsletter • 377 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Fitness Online Communities Health Nutrition Aesthetics
  1. Yung Chomsky talks about his journey into the world of weight lifting and how he learned from different online communities. It's an interesting mix of lifting culture and personal growth.
  2. He addresses common mistakes people make when starting to lift weights, like following bad advice found online. Understanding proper training and nutrition can help you reach your fitness goals more effectively.
  3. The episode also touches on the surprising links between fitness culture and politics, particularly how some online groups can influence attitudes and behaviors.

Inner looking

Silentium • 579 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Metaphysics Aesthetics Epistemology
  1. Silence can help us see ourselves more clearly. It gives us a chance to reflect and understand our thoughts better.
  2. Taking time for inner looking can lead to personal growth. Being quiet allows us to explore our feelings and motivations.
  3. Embracing silence is an important practice. It can improve our mental health and help us find peace in our busy lives.

Friendly And Hostile Analogies For Taste

Astral Codex Ten • 19615 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art Taste Fashion Aesthetics Criticism
  1. Taste in art can feel very subjective, with many believing that what they like is good while critics might argue otherwise. It's confusing when different groups don't agree on what is 'good' art.
  2. Just like there are fashion rules that people follow, there are also rules for taste that might seem arbitrary. Sometimes, these rules change quickly, and what's considered 'good' or 'bad' can shift over time.
  3. People often feel a strong reaction to art or style they dislike, similar to how some think bad grammar is wrong. This suggests that our sense of taste might be more about learned reactions than fixed truths.

To sweep our own path

Silentium • 639 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Aesthetics
  1. Silence can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and clarity. Taking time away from noise helps us understand ourselves better.
  2. Creating our own path requires intentionality. We should actively choose how we want to live and what we want to achieve.
  3. Embracing stillness can foster creativity and ideas. When we quiet our minds, inspiration often finds us more easily.

Nietzsche the Natalist

Bet On It • 186 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Metaphysics Aesthetics Political Philosophy
  1. Many people with high fertility rates in the U.S. tend to be very religious. This shows a strong connection between faith and the desire to have children.
  2. Nietzsche criticized those who focus only on the negative aspects of life, encouraging a more positive view on existence. He argued that life has value despite its struggles.
  3. Even though Nietzsche didn't have children, his ideas on life's worth contrast with those who do find joy and fulfillment in raising families, like Catherine Pakaluk who has eight kids.

A Matter of Taste

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1792 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art Aesthetics Taste Criticism Philosophy
  1. Taste can be compared to grammar, meaning that there are rules and structures to follow within different contexts. You can appreciate different kinds of taste, similar to how you can master varied languages or styles.
  2. Sometimes, taste seems like a competition to stay trendy or relevant. There are instances where people's taste can be influenced by social status or group preferences, rather than genuine appreciation.
  3. It's important to appreciate both high-quality and low-quality things. Having taste doesn't mean you should dismiss simpler pleasures; learning to enjoy a range of experiences can be enriching.

Aesthetic Warfare (and the Power of Coining an Aesthetic)

Working Theorys • 141 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art Fashion Politics Identity Aesthetics
  1. Culture fights are more about looks and feelings than simply ideas. Aesthetics are how people connect and relate to those ideas.
  2. Aesthetic authorship is really important today. Anyone can create and share new styles, which can change how people see themselves and their values.
  3. Art needs a human touch. While AI can create amazing visuals, it lacks the deeper meaning and intent that only a human artist can bring to their work.

Maxi's Toolkit Vol.10: The Social Sublime and the Empathic Sublime

Heir to the Thought • 139 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Aesthetics Epistemology Existentialism
  1. The social sublime is the feeling of sadness knowing there are countless people we could connect with but never will due to time and circumstances. This awareness can motivate us to cherish our current relationships more.
  2. The empathic sublime occurs when we deeply connect with another person, sometimes through powerful experiences like art or shared hardships. It allows us to see the world from someone else's perspective, enriching our own lives.
  3. Both sublimes challenge us to find a balance in our relationships. We need to appreciate those we know while also longing to understand others, making active effort to connect and grow from those interactions.

The Class Tier List

Knowingless • 1256 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Sociology Trends Identity Arts Aesthetics
  1. People judge class based on wealth and aesthetic taste. For example, some activities may be rich but seen as low-class in taste, while others might be poor yet viewed as classy.
  2. A survey was conducted to rank various items by class, but it was only a small snapshot of one specific culture. The responses were mostly from young American men.
  3. The context of class rankings can vary and lead to surprising results, illustrating that people's perceptions of class are influenced by trends and cultural views.

Getting a new tooth

Disaffected Newsletter • 1199 implied HN points • 19 Apr 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Dental Health Mental health Medical Procedures Personal Finance Aesthetics
  1. Getting a dental implant can help you feel better about your appearance if you've lost a tooth. It's important to consider both the physical and mental effects of tooth loss.
  2. Delaying dental work can lead to more problems later, like losing jaw bone. Taking care of your teeth right away can save you money and hassle in the long run.
  3. The dental implant process involves several steps, but it doesn't have to be painful. With modern techniques and anesthetics, many people experience minimal discomfort during and after the procedure.

The Anti-Airbnb-Space

Culture Study • 5104 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Design Aesthetics Hospitality Trends Personalization
  1. The concept of 'airspace' refers to a trendy design style popular in the past but now considered outdated and replaced by more unique and diverse aesthetics.
  2. The rise of Airbnb has led to a shift in the hospitality industry towards standardized, 'cool' interiors, sometimes at the expense of personal touch and uniqueness in spaces.
  3. Creating a truly comfortable and inviting space goes beyond trendy decor and requires a personal touch that reflects individuality and a sense of being lived in.

Box #6

What Is Called Thinking? • 10 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Theology Aesthetics Poetry Literature Religion Creativity
  1. Tyler Cowen and Ross Douthat discuss religion, highlighting the difference between viewing it as psychological vs. recognizing genuine experiences of the divine. They agree that our deeper longing for meaning persists even in a scientific world.
  2. Katherine Boyle mentions that aesthetics in business are important today, as people value intangibles like talent and style over just physical assets. She points out that companies like Apple thrive on a strong aesthetic, unlike others that focus on frugality.
  3. John Ashbery's poetry suggests that creativity comes from making mistakes, not avoiding them. This idea shows that wandering or 'erring' can lead to valuable creative outcomes.

Mastering Irreverence

Polymathic Being • 85 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Stoicism Existentialism Ethics Aesthetics Cultural critique
  1. Irreverence helps us see the truth behind societal norms and values. By questioning these, we can break free from the distractions that keep us from what truly matters.
  2. Reverence allows us to appreciate the beauty and wonder in life. Feeling awe for nature or art can elevate our mood and give us a sense of connection to something greater.
  3. Balancing irreverence and reverence is essential for clear thinking and meaningful living. We need both to challenge old ideas while also grounding ourselves in what gives life depth and value.

Hidden Open Thread 353.5

Astral Codex Ten • 688 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Logic Metaphysics Aesthetics Political
  1. This is a thread for subscribers to discuss various topics openly. People can share their thoughts and insights freely.
  2. It is exclusive to those who have paid a subscription. This means that the discussions here are intended for a smaller, dedicated group.
  3. Engagement is encouraged, with comments and sharing options available. Subscribers can interact with each other in a more personal space.

Box #4

What Is Called Thinking? • 21 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Existentialism Metaphysics Mind Religion Aesthetics
  1. Being outraged online seems to be popular, even though it's not a nice feeling. People share outrage more than any other emotion, which might say a lot about our current social media habits.
  2. Our minds focus on what we find important, similar to how certain AI models operate. This brings to light how rituals and habits can shape our thinking and keep what matters most in our attention.
  3. There's a growing recognition that we all have a perspective on the future, even if we don't realize it. Discussions about technology and its impact hint at deeper societal issues that we need to consider.

The other chair

Product Identity • 118 implied HN points • 29 Jul 24
🪑 Design Furniture Aesthetics Product Design
  1. The HÅG Capisco chair is unique and has a very different design compared to typical office chairs. It encourages users to change their sitting posture often for better comfort.
  2. This chair, although on the pricier side around $1,000, stands out for its aesthetics and quality. It's not just a piece of furniture but also an art piece that can spark conversations.
  3. Designed with inspiration from horse saddles, the Capisco challenges how we think about office chairs by promoting movement and discouraging sitting still for too long.

Setting up my new blogging engine

Overthinking Everything • 314 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Writing Literature Technology Aesthetics History
  1. Using a typewriter is a unique and physical writing experience. It feels different from typing on a computer or handwriting because you have to hit the keys hard to get the letters to show up.
  2. Setting up a typewriter can be complex but satisfying. You may need to fix things like the ribbon, which teaches you about how mechanical objects work.
  3. Writing on a typewriter can help you focus better. Unlike computers, which distract you with notifications, a typewriter keeps you engaged in the writing process.

Twee Whistler: Internet Core

Do Not Research • 938 implied HN points • 31 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Digital Art Contemporary Art Internet Art Aesthetics
  1. The term 'Internet core' emerged within contemporary art, encompassing net art, post-internet, and new media, highlighting a shift towards internet-centric reality and engagement.
  2. Artists within the Internet core scene are creating works more focused on personal narratives, political interpretations, and user engagement outside traditional gallery settings, shaping a distinct approach to digital art.
  3. The Internet represents more than just a medium; it is a mindset, an approach, and a language for artists, shaping their practices and leading to a diverse range of artistic expressions beyond categorizations.

Friday Thread: Can you become stronger at your broken places?

The Recovering Academic • 435 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Philosophy Individualism Aesthetics
  1. The path from academia to entrepreneurship can be filled with contradictions and tension, but owning and navigating them honestly can lead to growth and survival.
  2. Navigating modernity and its challenges may require reevaluating one's relationship with delight and joy, and finding ways to adapt and thrive amidst brokenness.
  3. Building bonds of reciprocal obligation with others might be a way to combat individualism, even in virtual spaces like LinkedIn and Zoom.

Does The Past Exist?

Castalia • 579 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
📖 Philosophy Existence Literature History Critique Rationalism Aesthetics
  1. Some people believe that the past doesn't matter as much because they think progress leads to better results today. They argue that everything improves over time, like athletes breaking records.
  2. However, the author argues that past achievements in areas like literature and chess have their own unique value and should not be dismissed. The past has lessons and beauty that are still relevant today.
  3. It's important to respect the past and recognize its significance. It shouldn't just be seen as a stepping stone for the present.

#144 Design Déja Vu

Design Lobster • 479 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Design Typography Creativity Aesthetics Visual Arts
  1. Corporate Memphis or Globohomo is an overused illustration style characterized by flat colors, geometric elements, and simplistic human figures, popular in Big Tech software.
  2. The Lobster typeface, designed by Pablo Impallari, became widely popular in the 2010s for its retro-contemporary appeal, but font choices should always align with the intended message.
  3. Designers should aim to bring a human touch to designs without relying on typical illustrations, considering alternatives to communicate warmth and humanity.