The hottest Criticism Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

in the midnight hour | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 21 implied HN points • 06 Jan 26
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Sometimes you need a quiet, even lonely moment to notice that life keeps happening around you.
  2. When the old structures are broken, there’s a push to commit and move forward, even if you don’t yet know where you’re headed.
  3. Let go of pride and time’s constraints, listen to inner desires, and do the things you need for yourself.

The standard in poetry is that you have to try to write poetry

Philosophy bear • 185 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Writing poetry should be encouraged, even if it's not perfect. Everyone can express themselves, and that's important.
  2. There's a worry about what people enjoy in poetry. Not all poetry connects with deeper feelings, and some seems too simple.
  3. Good poetry should strive to break through ordinary language and create a fresh perspective. It's about making the reader see things in a new way.

Dissecting Electronic Music News

First Floor • 334 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
🎶 Music Criticism
  1. Music journalism involves a lot of opinion and interpretation.
  2. Analyzing the content of news sections can reveal editorial biases.
  3. Publications' commitments to diversity are examined through their news coverage.

Dear John

gen yeet • 294 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. The story of 'Cat Person' delves into the complexities of modern dating and consent.
  2. The protagonist's reflections on past relationships highlight themes of self-discovery and evolving perceptions.
  3. The narrative explores the impact of personal experiences on individual identity and memory.
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Sunday March 12 2023

S/FJ • 294 implied HN points • 12 Mar 23
🎶 Music Criticism
  1. You can pre-order the memoir 'Earlier' by Sasha Frere-Jones, releasing on October 24th, 2023.
  2. Hammer & Hope is a new magazine about Black politics and culture, with the first issue available for free.
  3. Enjoy some recommended music including a Radiohead show, Kassel Jaeger's latest work, and a compilation of an '80s Congolese band called Balka Sound.

Why not to shy away from your mediocre work?

10x your mind • 119 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Putting yourself out there before you feel ready is key for growth and improvement.
  2. Creating mediocre work is part of the journey towards producing great work.
  3. Don't be afraid to share your work, even if it's not perfect - it's better to put it out there and learn from feedback.

A Note on Literacy from Brother Martin XoPo

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 345 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Literacy is changing in our fast-paced world. It's important to keep up with how people read and share information.
  2. New publications, like The Metropolitan Review, are trying to bring fresh ideas to the boring literary scene. They aim to shake things up and inspire new conversations.
  3. Engaging with technology and machine evolution is crucial for the future of reading. We need to blend the old ways with new innovations to thrive.

Inside looking in

The Leftovers • 139 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Memoirs can pose challenges for authors and critics, leading to delicate evaluations and special treatment.
  2. Authors can offer universal insights by looking inward, Personal experiences can embody broader themes and human conditions.
  3. Advocating for a shift from 'the political is personal' to 'the personal is political', encouraging connections and unity amidst societal fragmentation.

The Eternal Midwit

The Lifeboat • 172 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Nadezhda Teffi was a popular writer known for her humor and insight, especially in her critiques of society. She gained fame in early 20th century Russia and compared to Chekhov.
  2. The term 'midwit' describes someone who thinks they are smart but lacks true wisdom. They often overanalyze things while missing the bigger picture.
  3. Teffi's writings can help us understand social issues that are still relevant today. Her unique perspective brings humor to serious topics, making them timeless.

Make self-publishing great again

The Leftovers • 219 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. The preconception that traditionally-published books are inherently better than self-published ones is flawed; both avenues have their own strengths and weaknesses.
  2. Gatekeeping in the literary world may not always be based on merit, leading to snobbish attitudes towards self-published works.
  3. The way a book is released does not determine its greatness; classic works like those of Proust and Dickens were self-published and have stood the test of time.

Review of a City on Mars (Part III)

Planetocracy • 137 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Criticism
  1. Space law and international treaties can be used to argue against human expansion but may have unexplored assumptions.
  2. The concept of collective property in space, favored by some, could lead to a bureaucratic system overseen by an international body like the UN.
  3. Enforcing international law on Mars, especially in the face of defiance, poses challenges that have not been thoroughly considered by critics of human expansion.

What Do You Do With a Problem Like Achilles?

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 99 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Book 21 of the Iliad portrays Achilles' extreme violence and cosmic impact, highlighting the danger he poses and his conflict with gods.
  2. The narrative in the Iliad marks Achilles' actions as excessive and transgressive, questioning the traditional heroic depictions in battle.
  3. Ancient readers and scholia saw the behavior of Achilles in book 21 as excessive and indicated a shift in the epic's storytelling approach.

Ernest Hemingway: Macho Cat Dad

Litverse • 479 implied HN points • 05 Oct 22
📚 Literature Criticism
  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.

Units

Dada Drummer Almanach • 115 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  1. The traditional role of arts critics is changing, with some being reassigned to different duties at major publications. This shift raises questions about the future of arts coverage.
  2. There's a belief that reviews play an important role in shaping our understanding and appreciation of art. However, some argue that personal experiences with art have less economic significance in today's digital world.
  3. The decline of daily arts reviews could lead to a more impersonal approach to covering culture, which might not resonate with audiences or support individual artists like it once did.

Trail Runner's editor-in-chief vows to remain a hypocritical, privileged imbecile who dismisses athletically, intellectually, morally, and creatively superior people as "trolls"

Beck of the Pack • 137 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  1. The editor-in-chief of Trail Runner has been criticized for being hypocritical and dismissive of others
  2. There is concern over the quality and integrity of content in certain running publications
  3. Ethical concerns have been raised regarding the behavior of individuals in the running industry

Andrew Sullivan and EM Forster

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 11 implied HN points • 10 Jan 26
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Andrew Sullivan comes across as warm, open, and genuinely easy to talk to, making even serious topics feel like a friendly conversation. He’s sincere and has a warm, joking manner that lightens heavy subjects.
  2. Democracy depends more on private conscience, affection, friendship, and cultivated character than on abstract institutions, so it’s fragile and deserves cautious praise rather than blind enthusiasm. Its strength lies in admitting variety and permitting criticism, not in heroic certainty.
  3. Small private decencies and an “aristocracy” of sensitive, considerate people are the best bulwark against fanaticism and the corrupting effects of power. Affection and personal loyalty can undermine fanaticism more effectively than argument, and these little lights keep public life humane.

Beloved liar, cheater, coward, and quitter Latoya Snell BAILS from ANOTHER race, collects ANOTHER sham medal, and belches out MORE nonsense from Scamtown

Beck of the Pack • 117 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  1. Latoya Snell is criticized for bailing from races and collecting medals under false pretenses
  2. The running industry is portrayed in a negative light regarding ethics and integrity
  3. The author expresses frustration with the lack of accountability in the running community

Knights and Hawkes: inside Shakespeare's dream

The Common Reader • 779 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Shakespeare's characters were not meant to be seen as real people but rather as symbols representing larger themes and ideas in his plays.
  2. The historical context of drama before Shakespeare involved using archetypes to make moral points, which influenced how Shakespeare's characters were perceived by the contemporary audience.
  3. While some critics argued that only what is explicitly stated in the text matters, it is also important to consider the depth and complexity of characters beyond what is directly mentioned.

Essay Club: Why I Write by George Orwell

Mind & Mythos • 179 implied HN points • 18 Nov 23
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. George Orwell wanted to make political writing more artistic and impactful. He believed that writing should not just inform, but also engage the reader emotionally.
  2. Orwell reflected on his personal motivations for writing, showing that his experiences shaped his views and style. He felt that understanding one’s own reasons for writing is crucial.
  3. His work reminds us that writing can be a powerful tool for social change. Orwell believed that through good writing, we can influence thoughts and inspire action.

Story Thirty-Four

Stories From The Rail • 279 implied HN points • 24 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criticism
  1. Tucker Carlson faced consequences and got kicked out by Fox with little fanfare.
  2. Be careful with your text messages, as they can easily be seen and shared by others.
  3. Supporting individuals in need can make a significant difference in their lives, whether through financial contributions or subscriptions.

Book out Book in

Splattern • 39 implied HN points • 21 May 24
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. _A Pearl in the Storm_ is a powerful memoir about resilience and finding purpose, highlighting the importance of inner strength during tough times.
  2. In _The Best and the Brightest_, Halberstam explains how fear of being labeled soft on communism influenced American decisions in the Vietnam War.
  3. Halberstam enjoyed the process of researching and interviewing for his book, finding it to be a fulfilling intellectual journey.

Some Notes on Hate-Watching

Banana Peel Pirouette • 197 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  1. The practice of hate-watching involves watching shows or movies that are disliked, without enjoying them but still keeping up with the content.
  2. Hate-watching can stem from strong emotional responses like umbrage or aversion, leading viewers to engage with content they dislike on a sub-rational level.
  3. Hate-watching has evolved with modern media, offering a safe way for audiences to consume and critique content remotely, often leading to online discussions and shared sentiments.

Election Links

In My Tribe • 364 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criticism
  1. Elections are needed for people to give up power, but they often lead to fear and anger, making them tough to navigate. It can feel like a necessary evil.
  2. Mainstream economists are worried that neither candidate is addressing serious economic issues, like the future of Social Security and Medicare. It's frustrating when major problems aren't talked about honestly.
  3. Critics say some proposals, like expanding Medicare or helping first-time homebuyers, could actually lead to higher costs for everyone. Policies might sound good but can have unexpected negative effects in the long run.

Who's afraid of A.C. Bradley?

The Common Reader • 673 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Discussions on Shakespeare's characters often avoid delving into them as people, and those who do, like A.C. Bradley, are sometimes considered out of touch.
  2. Bradley's approach to literary criticism, focusing on the humanity of characters, has faced criticism and mockery over the years.
  3. The tension between traditional literary analysis, like Bradley's, and modern theories, such as Marxist political analysis, continues within academia.

How We Read

Something to Consider • 39 implied HN points • 11 May 24
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Great writing is more than just being understood; it's about how effectively it communicates complex ideas. Sometimes, what we call 'great' can actually be harder to grasp.
  2. We read not just to learn, but to judge the author's skill. Good writing shows intelligence, while mistakes can hint at a lack of it.
  3. Bad writing can still be easily understood, but it doesn't impress us. Great writing often challenges us and makes us think differently.

Copy and paste

gen yeet • 176 implied HN points • 14 Oct 23
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Intertextuality explores the relationship between texts and their cultural environments.
  2. Writing can be seen as a collage, with language harvested and organized like pieces of a puzzle.
  3. Craft in writing can involve playful word experimentation and the incorporation of multiple voices.

Escaping a Hostage Situation

Five’s Substack • 3 HN points • 02 Sep 24
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  1. Art isn’t just about making choices; it’s shaped by tradition and cliché. Artists work against old patterns to create something new.
  2. Writing essays teaches important thinking skills, just like exercising builds muscle. It’s about understanding tradition and learning to navigate it.
  3. There’s a growing issue with relying on AI, which can hurt self-confidence and creativity. We need to foster independence from these tools to create authentic art.

Why 'The Rings Of Power' Was A Flop

diabolical • 176 implied HN points • 09 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  1. Only 37% of viewers finished watching Amazon's 'The Rings Of Power'.
  2. The show had issues with unlikable characters and wild coincidences driving the plot.
  3. Many fans were disappointed by the lack of fidelity to Tolkien's source material in 'The Rings Of Power'.

5000 Musical Terms

Dada Drummer Almanach • 4 implied HN points • 07 Feb 26
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Memory and forgetting shape identity and meaning; gaps in the past force us to invent words, correct errors, and seek continuity.
  2. Careful observation, disciplined practice, and periods of solitude sustain intellectual and artistic work; simplifying attention and repeating tasks lead to clearer understanding and mastery.
  3. The natural world is vast and unstable—catastrophes, eclipses, and unseen forces remind us of our limited knowledge, and art and language try to represent those mysteries but often leave ambiguity.

Weighing in on Casey Newton's "AI is fake and sucks" debate

The Future, Now and Then • 237 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Criticism
  1. AI is real, but there's a lot of hype around it. It's important to be skeptical and not just believe everything that's promised.
  2. Critics of AI might have valid concerns even if they sometimes say things that sound extreme. Their worries come from seeing the tech's limitations and potential dangers.
  3. When tech leaders make big promises about AI, we should be cautious. Just because some progress has been made doesn't mean all their predictions will come true.

RKUL: Time Well Spent 1/1/2025

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 211 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Books that challenge the norm can change how we think. Authors who present radical ideas might be dismissed but can spark new creativity.
  2. Parents often believe their choices greatly affect their children's outcomes, but many outcomes are influenced more by genetics and chance than parenting styles.
  3. Science evolves as new discoveries are made. Historical theories can be amazing, but modern techniques allow us to understand life in greater detail than ever before.