The hottest Criticism Substack posts right now

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Orwell on Kipling

David Friedman’s Substack • 152 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
📚 Literature Criticism Poetry Essay Novel
  1. Orwell viewed Rudyard Kipling as a talented writer, despite being despised by many in his time.
  2. Orwell criticized Kipling's realism as 'sadism,' but believed Kipling's writing reflected a different perspective on handling life's unfairness.
  3. Orwell underestimated Kipling's skill as a poet and short story writer, failing to recognize the depth of his work beyond popular pieces.

Review: The 95th Academy Awards

Obvious Bicycle • 263 implied HN points • 10 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Film Entertainment Art Criticism
  1. Certain winners at the 95th Academy Awards had their mic cut off during acceptance speeches, raising questions of disrespect.
  2. The movie 'Everything Everywhere All At Once' dominated the Oscars, winning in major categories despite divisive opinions on its quality.
  3. The success of 'Everything Everywhere All At Once' reflects a shift in awarding more original and risky films, indicating a positive direction for the future of cinema.

Stop Reading Harari!

Castalia • 239 implied HN points • 01 Nov 22
📚 Literature Books History Philosophy Criticism Culture
  1. Yuval Harari's books are popular because they simplify complex ideas about history into easy-to-understand stories. This appeals to many readers who want to grasp big concepts without much effort.
  2. Although his ideas are widely accepted, some people feel they miss important nuances about history and human behavior. Not everything in history follows a clear path of progress; sometimes, societies regress or choose different directions.
  3. Harari's view of ideas as 'viral' can be dangerous. It suggests that people have no control over their beliefs, but history shows us we can resist harmful movements and make choices that defy conformity.
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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.

Mind Reading and Stolen Wits

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 59 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
📚 Literature Analysis Narrative Interpretation Criticism
  1. The scene between Glaucus and Diomedes in the Iliad showcases the establishment of xenia, a storytelling of ancestral lineage, and the exchange of armor to signify continuing friendship.
  2. Ancient commentators were intrigued by Zeus taking away Glaukos' wits after the armor exchange, offering various interpretations about this judgment by the Homeric narrator.
  3. Glaukos strategically uses storytelling to avoid fighting Diomedes, showcasing how narratives can be weaponized for complex outcomes, akin to Odysseus' skill in mind-reading to subjugate and manipulate others.

What's the Point of Literary Criticism?

Holodoxa • 99 implied HN points • 21 Mar 23
📚 Literature Criticism Analysis
  1. Literary criticism is a valuable exercise that involves analyzing and interpreting literary works.
  2. Good critics should focus on describing the form and content of a work rather than interpreting it in a way that limits its impact.
  3. Art, including literature, contains ideas and conveys values that are as important as the emotional experience it provides, making literary criticism essential for understanding and appreciating works of art.

Curator

Castalia • 139 implied HN points • 22 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Criticism Philosophy Religion Science
  1. Literary prizes can distract from an artist's true growth and craft. They often create a focus on external validation rather than personal development in art.
  2. Critics have strayed from their true role, becoming more about filtering works for the public than truly engaging with and interpreting art. Real criticism should be a creative dialogue alongside artists.
  3. Science is not as objective as people think. Its methods and findings can change with cultural beliefs, and it's important to recognize that it operates within a social context just like any other belief system.

Brief note on stylisation and formulaicity*

Logos • 19 implied HN points • 01 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Art Film Aesthetics Narrative Criticism
  1. Stylisation refers to a unique approach in art where form and content stand out from each other. It can bring something fresh but might also lessen the impact of the subject being represented.
  2. Formulaicity means using a predictable framework or pattern in storytelling. While some formulaic works can still be enjoyable, if they're poorly executed, they can end up being boring.
  3. When a work is both stylised and formulaic, it can be entertaining but often falls short of greatness. It's important that both style and execution are well-balanced for a piece to stand out.

A History of Meritocracy

Holodoxa • 79 implied HN points • 07 May 23
💾 History Meritocracy Criticism Origins
  1. Meritocracy is the idea of distributing social and economic advancement based on talent, skill, and effort rather than kinship or power.
  2. Adrian Wooldridge's book presents a historical defense of meritocracy, addressing its origins, modern status, and contemporary challenges.
  3. Wooldridge discusses the flaws of modern meritocracy, like the perpetuation of privilege, but believes these issues can be resolved with better meritocratic practices.

The Hard Truths of Writing

Trantor Publishing • 119 implied HN points • 02 Nov 22
📚 Literature Writing Authors Creative Process Criticism
  1. Writing is hard work that requires consistency and dedication over time to improve and complete projects.
  2. It's important to finish your work and put it out to an audience for feedback and building a fanbase.
  3. World building is essential but should not overshadow the storytelling aspect; focus on story first and use world building to enhance it.

Organic & compositus belief

Philosophy bear • 71 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Beliefs Ideologies Thinking Revision Criticism
  1. Beliefs can be organic or compositus, with different approaches to spreading and defending them
  2. Organic beliefs are more open and less defensive than compositus beliefs, making them better at adapting and working with other ideas
  3. Compositus beliefs can lead to group fragmentation under tough times, while organic beliefs are more adaptable and open to revision

A word on incubators

Sam’s Newsletter • 58 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
💼 Business Tradeoffs Criticism
  1. Incubators combine ideas, people, and money to create new companies.
  2. Different models of incubators have clear trade-offs to consider.
  3. Common criticisms of incubators include ownership stakes, founder loyalty, and the track record of big successes.

A sneak peek at Chinese fast fashion giant Shein's DC lobbying efforts

Wenhao’s news blog • 58 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Lobbying Congress Criticism
  1. Shein has hired powerful lobbying firms and influential individuals to lobby Congress amid criticism of its practices.
  2. The company faces scrutiny over labor and business practices, especially regarding allegations of forced labor in China's Xinjiang region.
  3. Shein's lobbying efforts show the company's proactive approach to navigating challenges and protecting its interests in the US market.

Ways of Seeing—On Bernhard's Old Masters

Vremya • 199 implied HN points • 11 Aug 22
📚 Literature Fiction Philosophy Art Criticism Psychology
  1. Everything in art, as in life, has flaws. When we look closely, we’ll often find faults, even in the greatest masterpieces.
  2. Our personal experiences shape how we see the world. Sometimes, our pain or feelings can color our view of things, making us more critical or negative.
  3. Losing someone we love changes everything. It can make us see things differently, and sometimes, we may feel that nothing else holds the same meaning or value.

Night Raids and Gimmick Episodes

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 39 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
📚 Literature Epic Narrative Analysis Criticism
  1. Book 10 of the Iliad, also known as the 'Doloneia', explores the themes of politics, heroism, and narrative traditions through a nighttime raid by Diomedes and Odysseus.
  2. There is debate among scholars about the inclusion of Book 10 in Homer's Iliad, with some suggesting it was a later addition by Peisistratos.
  3. Gimmick episodes like the Doloneia in the Iliad serve as side quests, allowing for experimentation and expansion of the narrative world, providing a break from the main plot while still contributing to the overall story.

Why the Right Wing Needs to Abandon the Term "Mary Sue"

Trantor Publishing • 99 implied HN points • 25 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Criticism Narrative Fiction Politics Art
  1. The concept of a 'Mary Sue' in storytelling is complex and can't be defined solely by a list of traits.
  2. The focus should be on evaluating the overall narrative and meaning of a story, rather than nitpicking character traits.
  3. Trying to label characters as 'Mary Sues' can sometimes overlook the importance of understanding the author's beliefs and intentions behind the story.

Experiment in style: Testing times

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 10 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
📚 Literature Writing Genres Narrative Poetry Criticism
  1. Trying different writing styles can help improve your writing skills. It’s fun to see how changing the style can change the story's tone.
  2. Reworking a text into something like an exam can be a creative exercise. This approach encourages deeper thinking about the content.
  3. Using humor and different literary techniques can make writing more engaging. Experiments like these help explore the balance between seriousness and playfulness.

On the Spectator Urge

Autoscriptorium • 59 implied HN points • 07 Feb 23
📚 Literature Fiction Reading Analysis Criticism Writing
  1. The concept of mimetic desire in reading involves imitating the desire itself, not just external representations.
  2. In literature, the mimetic interpretive lens involves subjecting characters to social criticism and evaluating them based on our own experiences.
  3. The mimetic urge in reading can be a way of seeking out desire, constantly evaluating and comparing, possibly as a protective mechanism in the current media-saturated world.

A. R. Ammons Goes For a Walk

Autoscriptorium • 59 implied HN points • 04 Feb 23
📚 Literature Poetry Authors Criticism Form Nature
  1. Poetry is about the line, which contains thoughts spilling beyond; the breaks and movements are perceived differently by the eye than by the ear.
  2. A.R. Ammons was a prolific American poet who had a unique background outside of the typical academic path, with origins in rural North Carolina.
  3. In Ammons' poem 'Hymn,' he explores themes of seeking unity with something beyond oneself, incorporating precise scientific language into his work.

A Criticism of Marc Andreessen's Techno-Optimist Manifesto

Anima Mundi • 61 implied HN points • 28 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Criticism Tech industry Market Dynamics Innovation
  1. Criticism of Marc Andreessen's Techno-Optimist Manifesto's blind faith in technology and free markets.
  2. Perception of double standards in Andreessen's viewpoints due to his success being intertwined with government assistance.
  3. Andreessen's narrative lacks actionable solutions and seems more like a tech industry rant than a source of valuable insights.

The Polemicist's Dilemma

Holodoxa • 59 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Debate History Criticism Society Literature
  1. Polemics are rampant in modern discourse and have a long history, but it's essential to navigate them carefully and focus on high-quality arguments rather than defaulting to base instincts.
  2. Current narratives of political grievance in America have roots in the cultural upheavals of the 1960s and have led to a deep polarization, making it crucial to understand these origins to navigate discourse effectively.
  3. Polemics have lost persuasiveness in modern times due to technological influences and societal changes, urging a shift towards promoting complex ideas, embracing humility, and addressing real-world issues.

Science Magazine Reaches New Low, Defames Their Critics

The DisInformation Chronicle • 35 implied HN points • 19 Mar 24
🔬 Science Research Journalism Virology Pandemic Criticism
  1. Science Magazine published a defamatory article attacking critics but later had to retract false information, exposing a consistent theme of inaccuracy in science reporting.
  2. The journalists at Science Magazine showed bias and ignored evidence that contradicted their reporting, leading to criticism for unethical practices.
  3. Researchers pointed out flawed research and misleading behavior from virologists, highlighting the importance of ethical journalism and integrity in science reporting.

True Transhumanism Part 2

Extropic Thoughts • 39 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
📖 Philosophy Transhumanism Perfection Criticism Technology Progress
  1. In transhumanism, the focus is on continual improvement, not on reaching perfection or paradise.
  2. The concept of perfection as a static state goes against the principles of transhumanism, which emphasizes perpetual progress.
  3. Critics often misinterpret transhumanism as seeking a utopia or ideal state, but in reality, transhumanists aim for continuous advancement towards 'extropia'.

The Skinhead Macbeth

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 6 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
📚 Literature Writing Culture Criticism
  1. This version of Macbeth uses modern slang to make the story easier to understand. It mixes traditional and contemporary language.
  2. Lady Macbeth plays a strong role, pushing Macbeth to take drastic actions for power. Their relationship shows a mix of ambition and conflict.
  3. The humor in the dialogue adds a light-hearted twist to a dark story. It invites readers to see Shakespeare's work in a new, fun way.

Curator

Castalia • 119 implied HN points • 02 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Philosophy Sexuality Criticism
  1. Literary criticism helps reflect the health of a society through its culture. Critics believe that poor artistic standards can lead to societal decay and a decline in political morals.
  2. Longtermism, a philosophical idea focused on the importance of the future, can oversimplify ethics by assuming we can predict and control outcomes for future generations. It's more complicated than that.
  3. The debate over sex positivity versus prudishness highlights how different views on sexuality impact women. It's important for women to have the freedom to define their own experiences without societal pressure or shame.

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 119 implied HN points • 22 Jul 22
📚 Literature Book Reviews Contemporary Fiction Criticism Author analysis Cultural Commentary
  1. Tommy Orange's book 'There There' is praised by many, but it also has critics who find its writing bad. There’s a debate over whether the acclaim it received is deserved.
  2. Jaron Lanier's 'You Are Not A Gadget' critiques how the internet has changed society for the worse. He argues that the tech industry's ideals often hurt real human connections.
  3. Both authors highlight serious issues—Orange with Native American narratives and Lanier with digital culture. They suggests that being truthful isn't enough; good writing and meaningful expression matter too.

On Selective Pressure

Autoscriptorium • 39 implied HN points • 09 Feb 23
📚 Literature Writing Fiction Novels Creativity Criticism
  1. Selective pressure plays a crucial role in writing, balancing brevity with the desire to convey substantial thoughts worth sharing.
  2. Contemporary fiction faces the challenge of seamlessly integrating data and information into the narrative without interrupting the flow.
  3. The evolution of modern fiction and writing styles is influenced by various factors, such as trends, educational programs, and cultural contexts.

The End of Solitude?

Holodoxa • 79 implied HN points • 23 Sep 22
📚 Literature Essays Criticism Technology Education Cultural analysis
  1. William Deresiewicz's collection of essays 'The End of Solitude' covers various themes like technology's impact on culture, higher education issues, and reflections on Jewish identity.
  2. Deresiewicz questions the effects of technology on solitude, argues about the problems with higher education focusing on academic elites, and suggests a reevaluation of cultural and intellectual practices.
  3. The book delves into topics often missing from mainstream discourse, highlighting the importance of the humanities and showcasing a blend of influences through essays that challenge readers.

Experiments in Style Special Edition

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 5 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
📚 Literature Criticism Reviews Writing Fiction Essays
  1. Literary criticism plays an important role in understanding and discussing literature. It helps us explore the complexities of writing and its impact.
  2. The book 'The Secret Miracle' features a character who can read letters without opening them. It uses a unique story structure, which fits into larger literary themes.
  3. The debate over what makes a good writer is complex and subjective. Comparing authors can lead to misunderstandings about literary merit and creativity.

As Lovely as a Tree

Crow & Colophon • 3 HN points • 15 Jun 24
📚 Literature Poetry Prose Programming Interpretation Criticism
  1. The question of whether algorithms can be considered beautiful, like poetry, sparks thoughtful considerations about the nature of code and its impact on our world.
  2. The discussion highlights the interconnectedness between literature, programming, and the human condition, prompting reflections on the beauty and artistry inherent in code.
  3. Various perspectives from programmers and computing experts showcase the idea of code as poetry and how programming can be seen as a form of art, invoking creativity, skill, and ingenuity.

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 59 implied HN points • 20 Nov 22
📚 Literature Book Reviews Fiction Non-fiction Writing Criticism
  1. The book 'Less' by Andrew Sean Greer explores themes of aging, love, and living in the moment. It shows how life can be rich and meaningful even if it's not traditional or perfect.
  2. In 'Bad Sex,' Nona Willis Aronowitz shares her personal experiences but often comes off as judgmental and hypocritical. Her attempts to connect sex and feminism reveal the challenges of aligning personal desires with political beliefs.
  3. Both books offer different insights into life and relationships, with 'Less' being more uplifting and 'Bad Sex' being more critical. They both reflect on how personal experiences shape broader conversations about identity and society.