The hottest Criticism Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

AI shit lit panic

The Leftovers • 139 implied HN points • 10 Oct 23
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. The focus is on the quality of content, whether produced by humans or AI, rather than who created it.
  2. There is a concern about AI-generated 'shit lit' cluttering platforms, and a desire for human-created content.
  3. The author embraces elitism in drawing critical lines in literary criticism.

Are we allowed to criticise Australian national teams?

The Pick and Roll • 137 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
🎾 Sports Criticism
  1. The Australian Boomers failed at the FIBA 2023 World Cup, and their coach admitted they deserve criticism for the failure.
  2. It's important to acknowledge both the benefits of positivity and the necessity of facing truths, like the fact that failure is part of life.
  3. In a culture that often leans towards endless positivity, it can be challenging to objectively critique and address failures in professional sports.

Inspiration, Indolence, and the Torment of Toilet Texting

Litverse • 239 implied HN points • 26 Oct 22
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Many people use their phones on the toilet, but this habit may be robbing us of valuable inspiration. Finding moments of boredom can actually lead to creative breakthroughs.
  2. In a culture obsessed with measuring every aspect of our lives, we often overlook the value of unquantifiable activities like relaxation and creativity. Embracing unmediated moments can bring joy and inspiration.
  3. Constant phone use can hinder our ability to relax and be creative. We need to find a balance between hustle and leisure to truly tap into our potential and avoid missing out on life's deeper experiences.

With Revenues Declining, Corporate Media Demand Substack Censorship

Public • 515 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
📰 News Criticism
  1. Corporate media is pressuring Substack for censorship due to declining revenues, but claims of widespread Nazism on the platform are exaggerated.
  2. A journalist revealed inaccuracies in an article that sparked the anti-Substack campaign, highlighting errors in claims about a writer's earnings through the platform.
  3. Mainstream media's coordinated attack on Substack, framing it as a platform for Nazis, aims to undermine its threat to legacy media, resembling past efforts seen with social media giants like Facebook and Twitter.
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To Build a Healthy Super-Organism: A City for Citizens

Holodoxa • 139 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  1. Jane Jacobs emphasized that cities should be viewed through the collective lives of their citizens, not just imposed rational designs.
  2. Jacobs advocated for grassroots, decentralized approaches to city development, challenging orthodoxies of urban planning from the mid-to-late 20th century.
  3. Critics point out that Jacobs' ideas may overlook factors like human capital, centralized planning benefits, and power dynamics within urban communities, but her work remains influential in urban planning and design.

Becoming human

The Leftovers • 119 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  1. AI is impacting the cultural landscape by potentially taking over scriptwriting jobs previously done by humans.
  2. The automation of culture has been ongoing even before AI, with much of culture being formulaic and automatic.
  3. There is a significant amount of mind-numbing ideological junk produced in the cultural sphere that extends beyond just popular blockbusters.

George Orwell, Snobby Truthteller

Litverse • 119 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
📚 Literature Criticism
  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.

On Disliking Stories

Castalia • 219 implied HN points • 27 Mar 23
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Stories can often be seen as practical jokes, repeating the same patterns that people fall for over and over. This can make writing feel cheap or formulaic.
  2. Some writers want to break free from traditional story structures to explore deeper, more honest experiences. They think the best writing comes from simply sharing real-life observations.
  3. There's value in both traditional storytelling and more experimental writing. Each has its way of connecting with readers, whether through polished craftsmanship or open exploration of truth.

Cases of Phobokenosis

The Lifeboat • 172 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Fear and fearlessness seem very different, but they are connected. Fearlessness can come from realizing that being afraid doesn’t help us in the end.
  2. In modern society, fear is often overlooked or normalized. The way we interact with fear can change how we live our lives.
  3. The concept of social criticism has lost its power. Today, it often feels like just entertainment rather than a meaningful discussion about important issues.

What are you all reading?

Men Yell at Me • 207 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  1. Mainstream media like CNN and The New York Times are becoming echo chambers, making it harder to find diverse viewpoints. It's important to seek out different sources for a fuller understanding of the news.
  2. Despite challenges in the media industry, good journalism still exists. However, many stories that can positively impact the world are less likely to be published by traditional outlets.
  3. It's valuable to share and explore new media that excites you. Finding and supporting independent journalists and stories can help create a better media landscape.

Disfiguring the Fallow Earth

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 39 implied HN points • 25 Mar 24
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. The final book of the Iliad, Book 24, ties up major tensions, transitions between the living and dead worlds, and revisits themes like reciprocity and mourning, notably in the meeting of Priam and Achilles.
  2. Zeus serves as a figure of justice in Book 24, intervening to settle the dispute between gods over giving Hektor a proper burial; this showcases a different approach to politics and the separation between mortals and gods.
  3. The opening scene of Iliad 24 sets the stage for the return of Hektor's body by emphasizing the importance of divine intervention and the resolution of conflicts, presenting Zeus as a symbol of ethical thinking and justice.

Martin Amis was overrated

The Common Reader • 744 implied HN points • 20 May 23
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Martin Amis was considered overrated and his literary reputation may wane.
  2. Instead of Amis, consider exploring works by his female contemporaries like Fitzgerald, Bainbridge, Gardam.
  3. Amis may be remembered more for his memoir and essays rather than his novels.

The end of literary criticism

The Leftovers • 139 implied HN points • 08 Feb 23
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. The post discusses the idea of the end of literary criticism and reflects on mortality and life's meaning.
  2. The author talks about a personal Twitter list named DICKHEADS, and how it serves as a reminder of mortality and the importance of accepting life's end.
  3. There's a reflection on life wearing one out so that accepting its end is a more natural process, rather than feeling robbed.

REPOST: Steve Martin's "Holiday Wish" Monologue is Perfect Comedy Writing

I Might Be Wrong • 9 implied HN points • 25 Dec 25
😂 Humor Criticism
  1. Great sketches follow three clear steps: establish the funny premise or "game," heighten it with escalating beats, and blow it out with an absurd, decisive finish.
  2. Specificity and escalation matter — pick vivid, increasingly extreme examples in the right order so each beat builds on and tops the last.
  3. Tight, efficient writing can carry a sketch by itself: mine the premise fully, avoid filler, and end strong, while delivery simply amplifies the writing.

What I'm Looking For In Literature

Castalia • 219 implied HN points • 08 Mar 23
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Literature can be seen in two ways: as an exclusive club with a few great writers or as a broad space open to anyone's creativity. Both ideas hold value, but they require different approaches to writing.
  2. The ideal literature celebrates personal truth and creativity, allowing for unique expressions rather than just following traditional rules or famous examples.
  3. Criticism of the publishing industry often focuses on the lack of originality in many works. Yet, good writing is possible if writers avoid clichés and stick to their true voices.

cool | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 10 implied HN points • 16 Dec 25
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Repetition of "3 2 1" creates a countdown-like rhythm and a minimalist beat.
  2. Images and an avatar give the piece a visual focus, making appearance as important as the words.
  3. Subscribe, share, and comment prompts make interaction and distribution part of the experience, not just the writing.

Fast writers and generous readers

Thoughts on Writing • 339 implied HN points • 17 Aug 22
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Writing at speed in modern life is common, but it's crucial to balance it with thoughtful reading to avoid rushing to judgment.
  2. Language can be complex and sometimes betray us, so it's important to consider the context and medium in which statements are made before reacting.
  3. Being a generous reader, avoiding snap judgments, and nurturing media literacy skills are essential in today's world of diverse content and opinions.

Maybe we shouldn’t be ‘annoying all the right people’

Wrong Side of History • 375 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criticism
  1. London Mayor Sadiq Khan employs a style of politics that can be polarizing and lead to criticism.
  2. Critics often blame Khan for issues like crime and housing in London, even though his influence is limited, and other factors play a role.
  3. Despite differing opinions on Khan, there are those who support his transport policies and take a minority stance on urban planning.

Like a sprat in a pickle jug.

The Common Reader • 708 implied HN points • 20 Mar 23
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Close reading in literature involves analyzing form and structure at a detailed level.
  2. To become proficient in close reading, read anthologies and delve into the classics.
  3. Utilize resources like critics' analyses and dictionaries while practicing close reading to deepen understanding.

Jordan Peterson: The Helpful Rambler

Fake Noûs • 654 implied HN points • 01 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  1. Jordan Peterson gained popularity for his outspoken views and self-help advice.
  2. Critics point out Peterson's tendency to ramble and use metaphorical language.
  3. Many people love Peterson for the practical advice he gives and his charismatic delivery.

Stop Reading Harari!

Castalia • 239 implied HN points • 01 Nov 22
📚 Literature Criticism
  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.

Allusions, Franchises, and "To 'Jaws,' or not to 'Jaws?'"

Story Club with George Saunders • 48 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Using literary allusions can feel tricky because they depend on readers knowing those references. Sometimes, relying on them can make a story feel weak instead of strong.
  2. Creating a unique world in writing is important. Using specific names or details can help make the story feel real and engaging, instead of just swapping familiar brands or places.
  3. Finding new ways to express common feelings or experiences can make writing more powerful. It's about capturing the beauty and uniqueness of every moment.

Malaparte vs. de Beauvoir; Idi Amin and the Mamdanis' Antifascism

Unpopular Front • 40 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Fascism is complicated and often came from people who were artistic or bohemian but used their creativity for power. Malaparte, a fascist writer, shows how conflicting ideas can exist in one person's life.
  2. Simone de Beauvoir described an 'adventurer' type who pursues personal glory without caring about others. This fits Malaparte, who was selfish and couldn't appreciate the value of human connection.
  3. The background of Uganda's Asian population during British colonization highlights how racial divisions shaped society. Idi Amin's expulsion of this group was influenced by historical class and race dynamics.

Every Love Story is a Ghost Story

Holodoxa • 79 implied HN points • 21 Jun 23
📚 Literature 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.

Notes on Lost in Translation

As Ever • 2 implied HN points • 23 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  1. The film captures a pre-smartphone loneliness that could still breathe and lead to meaningful, face-to-face encounters. Modern technology would likely have erased the conditions that let this strange intimacy happen.
  2. Tokyo is shown as a vivid, often warm backdrop rather than the source of alienation; the real emptiness comes from the characters' own interior desolations and fantasies. Coppola's painterly visuals, soundtrack, and loose, improvisational style create the film's moody atmosphere.
  3. The relationship feels equal parts performance and genuine feeling, with both characters afraid to collapse their fantasies into real life. The ambiguous ending suggests growth and hard-won awareness more than a tidy romantic escape.

An Officer and a Spy; Lichtenstein on Mike Davis; Danilo Kiš on Nationalism; Thiel and Girard

Unpopular Front • 28 implied HN points • 10 Aug 25
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Peter Thiel's writings hint at his support for authoritarian ideas, using clever language to hide his true intentions.
  2. Mike Davis was a significant thinker whose work explored the impact of capitalism and urban life, drawing from a rich intellectual background.
  3. Danilo Kiš critiques nationalism as a form of cowardice, suggesting that it stems from a frustrated desire for individual identity and agency.

Mind Reading and Stolen Wits

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 59 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
📚 Literature 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
  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 Criticism
  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 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 Criticism
  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.