The hottest Arts Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

every anti-EA thinkpiece

Going Awol • 838 implied HN points • 23 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. Effective Altruism focuses on maximizing utility by prioritizing certain causes over others, even equating enjoyment of art with eating a sandwich.
  2. EAs have shifted towards 'longtermism', emphasizing the importance of future generations and sometimes at the cost of present concerns like supporting independent journalism.
  3. Effective Altruism has had a controversial history, including issues of racism, and it quantifies the value of various aspects of human life against the utility of saving shellfish.

Celebrate MLK with 'Agape'

Classical Wisdom • 1886 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. Martin Luther King Jr. was deeply inspired by the Greek concept of 'agape' which is transcendent love for others.
  2. Socrates and Martin Luther King both practiced civil disobedience and accepted the consequences for the sake of their beliefs.
  3. Both Socrates and Martin Luther King faced unjust consequences and suffered tragically for their ideas, but their actions left a lasting impact on the pursuit of justice.

Baseball Players in the Wrong Profession

Life Since the Baby Boom • 1383 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. Some baseball players have names that sound like they should be doing something else in life. It's fun to think about what other professions they could have had instead.
  2. For example, one player could be a mystery novelist while another might be playing music in a mariachi band. These alternative stories highlight their unique names.
  3. Imagining these players in different careers shows the charm of their names and adds a creative twist to how we see them beyond baseball.

Tuesday Thread: Non-Fiction Concierge

Culture Study • 1167 implied HN points • 12 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. The post discusses non-fiction books and their recommendations.
  2. Listeners are encouraged to explore a newsletter called 'The Maris Review' for more book ideas.
  3. The conversation highlights the importance of sharing and discussing non-fiction resources.
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Backcountry Coffee n' Donuts

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 319 implied HN points • 20 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. Finding old objects in nature, like the donut insulator, can remind us of the people who built things in the wilderness. It's interesting to think about their challenges and dreams.
  2. Many trails in the mountains were created by miners and builders long ago, showing how humans have changed the landscape. These paths help modern hikers enjoy nature today.
  3. Nature has a way of recovering even after human impact. This is a hopeful reminder that the forest can bounce back despite our past actions.

Thanks to Lutherans I skipped ballet

Garrison Keillor and Friends • 2653 implied HN points • 15 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. Lutherans have a long history of being predominantly white due to their origins in countries that were not major colonial powers.
  2. Growing up in a Lutheran culture in Minnesota influenced the author's perspective on personal choices, culture, and lifestyle.
  3. The author avoided pursuing a career in ballet due to their upbringing among Lutherans, which shaped their values and lifestyle choices.

What Are You Watching?!? (in August)

Culture Study • 961 implied HN points • 05 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. Being busy outdoors can disrupt your usual TV watching habits. It's normal to go through periods where you watch less.
  2. Getting back into a routine can help you enjoy watching shows again. Just like picking up a book, finding a way to get back into watching can make it easier.
  3. Using reminders or strategies can help keep your viewing habits consistent. It's all about creating the right environment for your interests.

Hatchlings into fledglings

Austin Kleon • 3996 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. A writer creates the story, and the reader brings it to life in their imagination. They both play important roles in enjoying a book.
  2. Celebrating the life of cartoonist Al Jaffee, who entertained many with his creativity, shows the impact of humor and art across generations.
  3. Listening to audiobooks and travel stories can inspire new experiences and adventures, like dreaming of visiting far-off places with family.

San Quentin Coda: So I Tried It Again. Nope.

Technohumanism • 79 implied HN points • 13 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. Assumptions can be misleading, so it's important to question what we think we know.
  2. Living in a prison cell is a constant reminder of loss and lack of freedom.
  3. People often share a strong connection to their identity through clothing, but don't view their cells as personal spaces.

'Oppenheimer' Composer Thanked Parents for Giving Him Guitars, Not Video Games

The Analog Family • 699 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. Parents can help kids develop creativity by choosing activities like music instead of video games. This can lead to lifelong passions and career opportunities.
  2. Kids benefit from the boredom that comes from not having constant screen entertainment. It helps them think, create games, and practice new skills.
  3. Creating a focused environment allows children to discover their interests and talents. This can prevent wasted potential in a world full of distractions.

Suzy Weiss: What Do Rich Dorks Buy?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 899 implied HN points • 12 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. Rich people today often come from tech backgrounds, not traditional industries like gold or railroads. This shift is changing the way we think about wealth.
  2. Tech entrepreneurs are using their money for various ambitious projects, from space exploration to changing biology. Their influence is reshaping many aspects of society.
  3. People who were once seen as nerdy, like gamers and coders, are now some of the wealthiest individuals. Their success has transformed what it means to be successful in today's world.

Jesus Models and Luigi-Scolds

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 2627 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. In Utah, there’s a growing trend of hiring lookalikes of Jesus for family portraits and events. These models often face high expectations from those who hire them.
  2. The 'Luigi-Scolds' online don't aim to change minds; they just like to criticize. Their approach is more about expressing their views rather than persuading others.
  3. Podcasts are becoming a popular medium for discussing hip-hop battles, especially between big names like Kendrick Lamar and Drake. They bring a new angle to how fans engage with music.

Culture Study Classifieds, Heart of Winter Style

Culture Study • 2372 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. The classifieds section connects readers from all over the world, allowing them to share services and create groups like book clubs.
  2. People can post about services they offer, skills they want to share for free, or projects they're proud of to gain support and praise.
  3. This space encourages readers to find recommendations, make new friends, or even trade items, creating a supportive community online.

What Are You Watching?

Culture Study • 2231 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. People are feeling overwhelmed by negative news and events. It's tough to stay positive when everything seems so heavy and scary.
  2. Discussing feelings and finding community can help ease the weight of these emotions. Connecting with others can bring comfort during hard times.
  3. There will be an advice session focused on culture and community. Sharing experiences can be an antidote to the negativity.

Historical Fiction: The Problem Genre

Castalia • 459 implied HN points • 15 Apr 24
📚 Literature Arts
  1. Historical fiction can be tricky because it's hard to write about the past without getting it wrong. Authors need to balance modern ideas with how people thought back then.
  2. There are different paths writers can take in historical fiction, like blending their creativity with real history or using the past to imagine new outcomes, which can make stories exciting.
  3. Despite its challenges, historical fiction is important because it helps us connect with the past and understand our world better. It should not just be seen as romance or costume drama.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 633 implied HN points • 15 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. Feeling low and tired at home was part of the week, but celebrating a birthday lifted the mood. Sometimes having fun can really help shake off the blues.
  2. This year, there was no stress about turning a year older, which may come with age or life experience. It's nice to reach a point where birthdays feel less overwhelming.
  3. A lot happened throughout the week, which included various content consumed. Exploring different things can be a good way to keep life interesting.

The West Is Still Alive in Nevada

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2170 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. Nevada has a unique spirit that sets it apart from other Western states. It's a place where the old Wild West vibe still exists, especially in small towns.
  2. The state is known for its tough and desolate landscapes, which can test the limits of those who venture there. Many who seek fortune may find both success and hardship.
  3. Visiting places like Elko can be an adventure filled with unexpected experiences, from lively bars to the harsh realities of the desert life.

Really, Really Big News

DrawTogether with WendyMac • 1533 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
🚌 Education Arts
  1. DrawTogether is launching DrawTogether Classrooms for educators for free, combining art and social emotional learning.
  2. DrawTogether Classrooms is adaptable for various learning environments and designed for students aged 4-11.
  3. Educators signing up immediately get access to resources, curriculum, and support, with a focus on building a community.

An Update on "Commercial Upzoning"

The Discourse Lounge • 189 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. Commercial upzoning can impact local businesses and institutions, like museums, that give the community unique experiences.
  2. Habitot Children’s Museum is an important place for kids and has faced challenges due to changes in the area.
  3. Supporting local pop-up services and charities can help keep valuable community resources available for families.

Can the philistine supremacy be stopped?

The Common Reader • 2232 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. Schools are changing curriculums in ways that some believe exclude important classics, like Shakespeare and ancient texts. This might limit students' exposure to foundational literature.
  2. There is a push to replace traditional cultural experiences, like theater and museums, with more relatable activities for students. Critics argue that this could reduce opportunities for learning and growth.
  3. Knowledge from literature and history plays a big role in helping students from all backgrounds move up in society. It's important to ensure all students have access to enriching educational experiences.

What Tom Lehrer Left Us

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 644 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. Tom Lehrer was a fun and sharp satirical songwriter and mathematician known for his music from the 1950s.
  2. The influence of Lehrer’s music can be felt even today, despite many not growing up in musical families.
  3. Listening to Lehrer’s songs brings nostalgia and a unique blend of humor and intellect to the musical landscape.

Suzy Weiss: My Afternoon with the Vibe Coders

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 876 implied HN points • 07 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. Technology is becoming more involved in everyday life, especially in cities like New York. It's changing how people interact and live.
  2. There are ongoing conflicts and competitions within the tech world. These rivalries can impact innovation and the development of new technologies.
  3. Cultural figures like Jesse Armstrong and Taylor Swift also influence discussions in the tech space. Their actions and statements add to the broader conversation about technology and society.

Tuesday Thread: What Games Are You Playing?

Culture Study • 1654 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. There's a new series where people share about their work lives and how they manage their time. It will help others learn how different professionals organize their days.
  2. The focus is on understanding how people protect their time and handle tasks like emails. This can give useful insights for managing one's own work.
  3. Participants will do their interviews using Google Docs, making it easy for everyone to share and read their experiences.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 611 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. Reading about the experiences of others can bring strong emotions to the surface, especially when it relates to identity and culture.
  2. Social media can make us question our own traits, like being hypermobile, which might not apply to everyone.
  3. Engaging with different forms of storytelling, like essays and articles, helps us connect with diverse perspectives and ideas.

On Cultural Relativism and some books I've recently read

Chris Arnade Walks the World • 1510 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. Cultural differences really shape how people behave and interact. Some cultures have strong values like respect and responsibility, which can lead to better experiences in daily life.
  2. Traveling can be a mix of good and bad experiences, but visiting different places teaches us a lot. Some regions may offer more enjoyable or meaningful interactions than others.
  3. Books can provide deep insights into culture and history. Reading helps us understand different perspectives and can be an enriching part of traveling.

The book that changed my life

Austin Kleon • 6074 implied HN points • 15 Mar 22
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. The book 'Steal Like an Artist' encourages creativity by showing that it's okay to borrow ideas from others. It teaches that creating something new often comes from remixing existing concepts.
  2. The author had a significant life change after writing this book, leading him to quit his job and pursue his passion full-time. This shows how following your creative journey can lead to unexpected opportunities.
  3. The book's unique style and design were influenced by personal limitations and a desire to create something that felt handmade and authentic. It reminds us that constraints can sometimes spark the most creativity.

Poor Things and Past Lives

Castalia • 399 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. The movie 'Poor Things' explores female sexuality in a bold and open way. It shows the journey of a woman named Bella as she navigates her desires and experiences self-discovery through various relationships.
  2. In contrast, 'Past Lives' is seen as a less engaging film. It presents a story about characters who struggle to make meaningful connections, feeling lost in their choices and societal expectations.
  3. Both films address the complexities of relationships, but 'Poor Things' does so with more depth, highlighting the challenges women face in their journey, while 'Past Lives' feels flat and fails to invoke much emotion.

Tuesday Thread: What Are You Watching?

Culture Study • 1859 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. Watching shows can be a great way to escape tough emotions like grief. It allows us to get lost in stories that can be comforting.
  2. Having a show that moves quickly, like _The Diplomat_, can make it easy to binge-watch when feeling low. It provides a distraction from daily stress.
  3. Strong performances by actors, like Alison Janney's in _The Diplomat_, can enhance the viewing experience and make the story even more engaging.

‘Emilia Pérez’ and the Curse of Oscar Bait

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1358 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. The film 'Emilia Pérez' is a strong Oscar contender, despite losing money at the box office. Many viewers may feel left out because it wasn't made with them in mind.
  2. Oscar bait films are designed to catch the attention of Academy voters, who often favor serious dramas and social commentary. This leads to films that resonate more with industry insiders than with general audiences.
  3. Past Oscar winners like 'Moonlight' and 'Nomadland' show a pattern of how the awards often favor poignant stories, even if they don't perform well commercially.

The fabric Nightclub Book Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1266 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. The fabric nightclub in London is unique because it has maintained a strong focus on music and guest experience for many years. Many nightclubs chase nightlife trends and greed, but fabric stays true to its roots.
  2. The book about the nightclub captures its rich history and the passion of its community, including famous DJs and emerging artists. It highlights how important these connections are to the club's identity.
  3. Hospitality is essential for a great night out. At fabric, every detail, from security to coat checks, is handled carefully to create a welcoming experience where guests feel safe and taken care of.

What I'm reading about the tech right and Trump, a gonzo Iron-Age movie with dialogue in proto-Latin, my all-time favorite album now on streaming

Read Max • 1290 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. There are lots of interesting articles out there about tech leaders like Trump, Elon Musk, and Mark Zuckerberg. They cover some pretty serious topics.
  2. A fun Italian movie set in the Iron Age is being recommended. It's cheesy and entertaining, perfect for a light watch.
  3. One of the all-time favorite albums of the author is now available to stream online. It's exciting to have it accessible again.

Everyone Has a Plan Until…

Seven Senses • 179 implied HN points • 20 May 24
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. Life is full of surprises, and plans often change unexpectedly. It's important to be flexible and adapt when things don't go as you hoped.
  2. Sometimes, when you let go of strict plans, you can discover new and delightful experiences. Embracing the unexpected can lead to happy surprises.
  3. Remember that not everything beautiful in life is planned. Many wonderful moments happen when you least expect them.

Back to Work

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 535 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. The Hinternet is introducing a new column called 'Housekeeping' to share important news without sticking to traditional gender roles in writing tasks.
  2. They are holding their first Essay Prize Contest with three esteemed judges and aim to publish work that can inspire significant change.
  3. The publication is raising funds for a member's son's medical expenses and is considering creating a 'Charitable Giving Corner' to encourage ongoing support for those in need.

Tuesday Thread: What Are You Working On?

Culture Study • 1000 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. Engaging in gardening can be a fun and rewarding hobby. It allows you to witness small changes, like a plant budding, which can bring joy.
  2. Taking cuttings from plants can help you expand your garden without needing to buy new ones. It's a clever way to grow your collection.
  3. Working on a personal project or hobby can be a great distraction. It offers both relaxation and a sense of accomplishment as you see progress.

Shakespeare Schedule 2025

The Common Reader • 1275 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. There is a schedule for reading Shakespeare's plays throughout 2025. Each play will be discussed on a Sunday at 7 PM UK time over Zoom.
  2. The schedule includes various famous plays like 'Richard III', 'Midsummer Night’s Dream', and 'Macbeth'.
  3. Participants will receive a Zoom link the day before each meeting to join the discussion.

Dispatches from Denver: Day 1 at Psychedelic Science 2023

The Microdose • 864 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. Psychedelic Science 2023 is a large conference featuring over 11,000 attendees and 300 speakers.
  2. The conference covers various topics in the psychedelics field, including therapy, legislation, and business.
  3. Speakers at the conference expressed concerns about rapid changes in the psychedelic space and the need for balanced growth.

Britain's last acceptable hatred

Wrong Side of History • 441 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. Glastonbury is a famous music festival in Britain, but it gets a lot of criticism for being expensive and mostly attended by privileged people.
  2. People often see Glastonbury's left-leaning politics as annoying, but most attendees are just there to enjoy music and have a good time.
  3. The festival's founder acknowledges it may seem too middle-class, and some believe it reflects the trends of the wealthy getting more progressive in their views.

Spooky season! 👻

Austin Kleon • 2677 implied HN points • 30 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. Spooky season is a time for fun and cozy activities like watching scary movies. It's a great way to enjoy the change in the air and get into the spirit of fall.
  2. Reading is highlighted as a wonderful pastime, with recommendations for both fiction and non-fiction books. This can inspire others to dive into new stories or learn something new.
  3. Sharing experiences like interesting events or personal reflections can connect people and spark conversations. It’s a reminder of the joy of community through shared interests.