The hottest Biography Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Late bloomers, Iliad, strategic romance, classic physics, Murdoch v Amis, Swift's grammar, opera boy, long sentences, Hayek/Mill/game theory

The Common Reader • 389 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
📚 Literature Book Reviews Classics Biography Comedy
  1. Late bloomers can achieve great success, like the 43-year-old tennis champion Rohan Bopanna
  2. Different paths lead to success - Larry David's comedy career took off in his 20s and 30s
  3. The journey to success may involve struggles and challenges before finding one's true calling

Fame’s inflection point

quite useless • 393 implied HN points • 19 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Fame Biography
  1. The summer of 'the riddle of the artist' explores the relationship between art and the biographies of artists.
  2. Artists' biographies often follow archetypal narratives like rags to riches and autodidacism.
  3. Passing fame's inflection point means the value of an artist's work derives more from who they are than what they create.
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On Sinead O'Connor and Borderline Personality Disorder

Disaffected Newsletter • 499 implied HN points • 08 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Music Mental health Biography Art Media
  1. Sinead O'Connor's life and struggles highlight the challenges of living with Borderline Personality Disorder. It's important to understand the emotional ups and downs that come with this condition.
  2. Mental health issues can affect anyone, regardless of their success or fame. Sinead's story reminds us to be compassionate towards others who are suffering.
  3. Discussing and raising awareness about mental health is crucial. It helps to break the stigma and encourages people to seek help when they need it.

August bookclub reveal

The Shift With Sam Baker • 259 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
📚 Literature Bookclub Biography Fiction Memoir
  1. The Shift With Sam Baker bookclub reveals a book blending memoir, biography, and fiction about George Orwell's wife, Eileen O'Shaughnessy.
  2. The book focuses on giving recognition to Eileen O'Shaughnessy, who has been overlooked in history.
  3. Anna Funder discovered Eileen O'Shaughnessy and decided to shed light on her story through this unique book.

Ernest Hemingway: Macho Cat Dad

Litverse • 479 implied HN points • 05 Oct 22
📚 Literature Biography Criticism Authorship Writing Style
  1. Ernest Hemingway, known for his macho image, had a deep connection with cats and spent a significant part of his life breeding them.
  2. Hemingway's persona often overshadowed the complexity and sensitivity in his writing, leading to misconceptions about his work.
  3. Through his unusual interactions with cats, Hemingway's true character emerges as a blend of strength and vulnerability, challenging common perceptions of his masculinity.

Billingsgate Goes West

Mister Slang • 137 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture History Literature Memoirs Biography
  1. The 18th and early 19th centuries saw a shift in the content people sought: from erotic dialogues to memoirs of those in the profession.
  2. Madames and prostitutes of the past were often the subjects of 'autobiographies' and other works, contributing to a rich history of scandalous literature.
  3. Jane Davies, a celebrated figure, had a reputation for her eloquence in swearing and obscene talk, showcasing the colorful language of the time.

The 80-20 Rule and the Trickster Archetype

Daoist Methodologies • 216 implied HN points • 22 Jul 23
📚 Literature Archetypes Philosophy Historical Fiction Biography Mythology
  1. The Trickster Archetype is a quasi-universal figure known for being amoral, oafish, and ultimately successful despite failures.
  2. In the Stratagems, Qin Shihuang is portrayed as a trickster god figure, providing insightful assessments and charm in his actions.
  3. Individuals who take high-risk, trial-and-error approaches in chaotic situations may appear as 'serene bumblers' but strategically use repeated failures to achieve success.

The Argentine Dream: Aristotle Onassis

BowTiedMara - Geoarbitrage & Mobility Assets • 196 implied HN points • 09 Apr 23
💾 History Biography Wealth Family Argentina Legacy
  1. Aristotle Onassis went from a broke nomad to the world's richest man by making his fortune in Argentina.
  2. Onassis used unconventional methods like insider trading, bribery, and eavesdropping to increase his wealth.
  3. Family tragedies marked the downfall of the Onassis empire, with deaths, divorces, and misfortunes impacting future generations.

Strange Lives

Life and Letters • 59 implied HN points • 26 Mar 24
📚 Literature History Biography Marriage Philosophy Renaissance
  1. Marriage in the past often involved complicated discussions about money and family, just like today. The way partners handle these issues can lead to tensions.
  2. People in earlier times were concerned about remarriage and family dynamics, especially due to high mortality rates. They thought about how relationships would impact their children in the future.
  3. Age played a significant role in marriage decisions. For example, marrying young was less common by the Elizabethan period, showing changing views on when to start a family.

One-Paragraph Book Reviews

Going Awol • 179 implied HN points • 26 Mar 23
📚 Literature Biography Philosophy Religion Ethics History
  1. One-paragraph book reviews can provide insightful summaries of multiple books in a concise format.
  2. Different authors and philosophers offer unique perspectives on value theory, justice systems, and historical analysis.
  3. Book reviews can offer recommendations, insights, and critical analysis to help readers make informed decisions about what to read next.

All Part of Science's Rich Tapestry

Counting Atoms • 58 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🔬 Science History Biography Physics Politics Innovation
  1. The book 'The Making of the Atomic Bomb' by Richard Rhodes provides a comprehensive history of the Manhattan Project and includes a lot of vivid scientific details.
  2. Leo Szilard plays a central role in the story, from inspiring the idea of nuclear chain reactions to trying to prevent the use of atomic bombs.
  3. The book can be overwhelming due to the multitude of people and organizations involved, but it offers a rich tapestry of science and history.

George Orwell, Snobby Truthteller

Litverse • 119 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
📚 Literature Biography Criticism Themes Impact Analysis
  1. George Orwell's descriptions of poverty and working-class conditions often came across as snobbish and elitist to some critics.
  2. Orwell's upbringing in a family benefiting from the Empire's sins influenced his perspectives on injustice and societal change.
  3. Through his gardening, Orwell showed a commitment to beauty and resistance, highlighting the importance of finding beauty in life despite its cruelties.

Henry Flagler, Original Florida Man

Litverse • 99 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
💾 History Biography Legacy Florida Mystery
  1. Henry Flagler embodied the spirit of the original 'Florida Man' with his irrational pursuits and relentless drive to leave a lasting legacy.
  2. Flagler's legacy was not just in the railroad he built, but in inspiring a state, a people, and a unique spirit with his reckless determination and unconventional approach.
  3. Despite the commercial failure and eventual destruction of the Overseas Railroad, Flagler's true legacy was the impact of his pioneering efforts and the enduring spirit of the 'Florida Man' he represented.

Øyster Hunting, Elon book, Agency Math, Ditching ClickUp

Play Permissionless • 99 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
💼 Business Productivity Biography Entrepreneurship Recreation
  1. Ditching ClickUp for Airtable improved task management by consolidating data and tasks in one place, leading to a more efficient workflow.
  2. The Elon Musk biography by Walter Isaacson was found to be a bit boring with more focus on celebrity gossip than insights into how Elon Musk operates.
  3. Understanding the mathematical reasons behind agencies getting stuck at $50k MRR can help in strategizing ways to break through the revenue plateau.

On Literary Careerism

Castalia • 159 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
📚 Literature Literary Criticism Writing Biography Cultural Commentary Publishing
  1. Careerism in writing means that many authors focus more on their professional image than on genuine creativity. This leads to writing that feels bland and lacks boldness.
  2. To be a true writer, you need to express your honest self and not get caught up in how you are perceived. Writing should be an extension of who you are, not just a job.
  3. Many contemporary authors, influenced by a careerist mindset, often miss the chance to speak out on important issues, unlike past writers who felt compelled to share their truths actively.

Every Love Story is a Ghost Story

Holodoxa • 79 implied HN points • 21 Jun 23
📚 Literature Author Biography Legacy Analysis Criticism
  1. David Foster Wallace was a highly influential writer known for his complex personal struggles and literary achievements.
  2. The biography 'Every Love Story is a Ghost Story' by D. T. Max offers a comprehensive look at Wallace's life, connecting personal experiences to his unique writing style and themes.
  3. Despite some shortcomings, the biography provides valuable insights into Wallace's deep honesty, his exploration of contemporary issues, and his literary legacy.

Thomas Hardy, Genius

Autoscriptorium • 99 implied HN points • 02 Feb 23
📚 Literature Poetry Author Themes Biography Style
  1. Poetry involves sound and requires a voice. Thomas Hardy believed in conveying meaningful messages through poetry, not just elegant words.
  2. Thomas Hardy, a talented architect turned poet, had a diverse range of influences and taught himself various languages. He was known for his unique style inspired by folk music and rhythm.
  3. Hardy's poem 'The Voice' beautifully conveys deep emotions and longing through its poetic language and structure. Each line reveals layers of complexity and evokes strong emotions.

'Raging Bull' and the Quest for Space Guns

Ulysses • 59 implied HN points • 16 Nov 23
💾 History Innovations Warfare Biography
  1. Gerald Bull was a Canadian engineer who aimed to shoot satellites into space using massive artillery pieces.
  2. Bull faced setbacks but persevered, reaching significant achievements like firing projectiles to record-breaking altitudes and building the world's largest operational artillery piece.
  3. Despite his dream of launching satellites into orbit, Bull's involvement in creating 'Doomsday weapons' led to tragic consequences for him.

a personal note of truthful expression | must reads

Tumbleweed Words • 70 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
📚 Literature Non-fiction Biography Poetry Fiction Bookstores
  1. The author reflects on their three years on Substack and the preference for minimal self-sharing on social media.
  2. Reading 'On the Road' at sixteen inspired the author's love for writing and reading, shaping their literary journey.
  3. The author's travels to different places like Paris and America introduced them to various literary figures, fueling their passion for words.

The Jester of Death

Marlene’s Newsletter • 4 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
💾 History Medieval Folklore Biography Legends Ghost stories
  1. Tom Skelton was a jester at Muncaster Castle, but he had a dark side. He sometimes directed travelers to their doom, showing his cruel nature.
  2. Tom was involved in a murder plot, killing a carpenter to please a nobleman. This act led to tragedy for many people, especially the nobleman's love interest.
  3. After his death, strange happenings at the castle continued, and his ghost is said to haunt the place, making it a site for eerie stories.

McClellan in the PNW

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 119 implied HN points • 02 Sep 21
💾 History Military Exploration Biography Indigenous Peoples Civil War
  1. George B. McClellan was sent to the Pacific Northwest to survey for a railroad route and a military road, but he struggled with both tasks.
  2. His writings show he was quite critical of the landscapes and conditions, often describing them as bleak and unimpressive.
  3. Despite his challenges, McClellan's journey helped him leave a mark on the region, with places named after him and a few observations about the local Indigenous people.

On Portraying Nietzsche—Or Whether a Philosopher's Biography Should Be Philosophical

Vremya • 99 implied HN points • 03 Jun 21
📖 Philosophy Biography Philosophers Literary Analysis Human experience
  1. Different authors have different approaches when writing about philosophers. Some focus on the philosopher's life, while others emphasize their ideas and philosophies.
  2. Biographies aim to show a person's uniqueness and complexity, which can be difficult because there’s so much detail in anyone's life to cover.
  3. Understanding a philosopher's life can help connect their personal experiences to their ideas. A good biography should find a balance between storytelling and philosophical insight.

Legibility

The Leftovers • 39 implied HN points • 10 Dec 21
📚 Literature Language Identity Writing Biography Translation
  1. Moving to a new place can make you rethink your identity and rewrite your story, leading to a sense of becoming unfamiliar.
  2. Writing in a second language can influence how you express yourself in your native language, blurring the lines between identities.
  3. In writing, balancing authenticity and legibility can be challenging, as it involves navigating personal identity and how others perceive you.

VOL 67: Nikola Tesla The Visionary Genius: A Man Ahead of His Time

MAP's Tech Newsletter. • 14 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
💾 History Inventors Achievements Controversies Legacy Biography
  1. Nikola Tesla was a visionary genius in science and technology, known for revolutionizing domains like electricity and radio.
  2. Nikola Tesla had unique personal traits and exceptional accomplishments, such as mental calculations and fluency in 8 languages.
  3. Nikola Tesla's inventions, like the induction machine, solidify his status as a remarkable pioneer in electrical engineering.