The hottest Criticism Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

A slippery slope

omar’s Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 03 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Criticism
  1. Criticism towards institutions should be tolerated without any personal attacks.
  2. Detentions like Jibran Nasir's should be avoided as they attract considerable criticism.
  3. The situation sets a dangerous precedent where anyone could be targeted for expressing opinions.

Autism and the critic in me

The Author Is Dumb • 1 implied HN point • 11 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  1. Discovering ADHD and autism can explain why someone might not emotionally connect with movie characters, so they legitimately experience films differently than most people.
  2. A critic often watches a film as a 'hyperobject'—seeing the filmmaker’s body of work, historical and social context, and technical choices all at once—which gives a broad, analytical perspective.
  3. That analytical distance is a strength, so the plan is to lean into long-form film criticism and focus the newsletter on reviews and essays, while still doing occasional fiction and other projects.

Organic & compositus belief

Philosophy bear • 71 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy 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

Advice for Young Writers

Reactionary Feminist • 22 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Writing for politics can be a specific career path if you're social and good at following trends. If you like engaging with popular ideas and have a good writing style, consider internships and networking.
  2. If you're more of a lone thinker and have unique interests, traditional paths might not suit you. Instead of chasing a flashy job, think about how to create your own space to learn and share ideas.
  3. It's important to recognize that gaining experience and refining your writing skills takes time. Focus on learning and growing rather than expecting immediate attention for your opinions.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

To All The RomComs I've Watched Before

Holodoxa • 39 implied HN points • 17 Nov 22
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  1. RomComs are beloved for their predictable yet endearing plots, performances, and lighter tone.
  2. Scott Meslow's book discusses the rise and fall of Romantic Comedies, highlighting their comeback in adjusting to new cultural and economic contexts.
  3. The RomCom genre faces challenges due to shifts in the entertainment industry towards franchise-focused and blockbuster films, impacting the traditional mid-level theatrical releases that once thrived.

Reading, Watching 11.03.24

Unpopular Front • 28 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. The controversy around using the term 'fascism' to describe Trump shows differing views on political threats today. Some argue it doesn’t quite fit our current situation.
  2. There is a debate about how historical contexts of fascism apply today, especially concerning the role of the left in political upheaval.
  3. The left today feels both ignored and targeted, raising questions about its true influence and significance in current politics.

The Twisted Path of Trust

Integrity Talk • 99 implied HN points • 11 Jun 23
🔬 Science Criticism
  1. Undebated findings can undermine scientific institutions.
  2. Trusting sources on social media can lead to following problematic individuals.
  3. Addressing and critiquing dubious studies is crucial to maintain scientific integrity.

People will call any poetry terrible

Philosophy bear • 85 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Poetry is inherently pretentious as it elevates the commonplace in a stilted way.
  2. Public perception often leads to criticism of even the greatest poetry if not known beforehand.
  3. In a world where all poetry is criticized, it's important to accept and acknowledge mediocrity to allow for the growth of new great poets.

A Criticism of Marc Andreessen's Techno-Optimist Manifesto

Anima Mundi • 61 implied HN points • 28 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Criticism
  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.

"Guy de Maupassant"

Story Club with George Saunders • 46 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. The author discusses the process of understanding classic short stories for personal growth
  2. Readers are encouraged to engage with the story multiple times, reflect, and share their thoughts
  3. Literary criticism involves paying attention to feelings while reading and articulating them

The prestige recession

The Ideaspace • 47 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  1. Corporate entities used editorial to add prestige to their offerings.
  2. The decline of cultural criticism reflects a broader shift towards valuing metrics over prestige.
  3. Cultural criticism is evolving and becoming de-professionalized, shifting towards being a hobby or 'content.'

Resurrect the Western Canon

Holodoxa • 39 implied HN points • 23 Jul 22
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Harold Bloom presents a strong argument for identifying canonical literature based on qualities like aesthetic craft, psychological insight, and influence on future works.
  2. Bloom emphasizes the importance of individual and private engagement with high literature, contrasting it with more populist views on literary value.
  3. The discussion on the Western Canon by Bloom raises questions about the stability and historical context of what constitutes canonical literature, reflecting on the changing landscape of literary criticism.

Louis Aragon on critics

The Leftovers • 59 implied HN points • 27 Sep 21
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Louis Aragon expressed strong disdain for literary critics and journalists, describing them in harsh and degrading terms.
  2. Aragon believed in the purity of his words and expressed a desire for them to be sacred, rejecting the idea of serving the 'miserable ends' of those who critique him.
  3. This text reflects Aragon's intense emotions and defiance against those who he felt were unworthy of commenting on his work.

Scientists are not Kings

A Biologist's Guide to Life • 58 implied HN points • 07 Oct 23
🔬 Science Criticism
  1. Narrative and ideology can sometimes blur the truth in our society.
  2. Scientific authoritarianism can lead to conflicts and challenges in public policy.
  3. Questioning and challenging scientific recommendations is not anti-science; it's fundamental to the spirit of science itself.

a lifelong partnership | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 14 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Long-term relationships often carry a sense of stability and permanence. It's nice to grow old together and reflect on life's journey.
  2. As couples age, they start to ponder deeper questions about their lives. They might think more about what really matters to them.
  3. Even after many years, love can feel fresh and impactful. The bond formed can leave lasting impressions, like a swan gliding gracefully on water.

Science Magazine Reaches New Low, Defames Their Critics

The DisInformation Chronicle • 35 implied HN points • 19 Mar 24
🔬 Science 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.

The prologue of Roberto Arlt's Flamethrowers

The Leftovers • 59 implied HN points • 15 Jul 21
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Roberto Arlt was an Argentine writer with a unique voice and sensitivity for tales of the underworld, honed through his work as a crime reporter.
  2. Literature in Arlt's time was reserved for the wealthy; now, it grapples with issues of professionalism, real or imagined.
  3. Arlt's writing advocates for a literary world free of pretentiousness and solely driven by an uncontrollable urge to create, devoid of any other influences.

I want more people to read books. I also want to be able to call a bad book a bad book

Christopher’s Newsletter • 6 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. More people should read books to appreciate different styles and genres. Reading can open up new ideas and experiences for everyone.
  2. It's okay to have different opinions about books, even if some people love them. Being able to say a book is bad doesn't mean you're elitist; it's just preference.
  3. Friendly debates about books help create a healthy discussion around literature. Everyone should feel free to express their views and enjoy talking about their favorites.

REPOST: I Will Remove All My Content From Spotify if They Continue to Platform "Wonderful Christmastime" by Paul McCartney

I Might Be Wrong • 13 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🎶 Music Criticism
  1. The author expresses strong dislike for Paul McCartney's song 'Wonderful Christmastime', claiming it's a terrible piece of music. They feel it negatively impacts their enjoyment of the holiday season.
  2. They argue that by continuing to include this song, Spotify is being complicit in promoting bad music. The author believes a choice must be made between their content and the song.
  3. Despite loving The Beatles, the author finds it disappointing that McCartney created such a song. They hope to disassociate themselves from 'Wonderful Christmastime' out of personal conviction.

Bookish words,& their surprising stories

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 5 implied HN points • 30 May 25
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Reading around a subject can deepen your understanding, even if it doesn’t directly relate to what you're studying. For example, exploring historical or literary contexts can provide valuable insights.
  2. The book 'Bookish Words' explains the origins and meanings of certain words and phrases that we often use. It makes learning about words fun and interesting.
  3. 'Bookish Words' is short and easy to dip into whenever you want to know more about language. It can also be a neat reference for impressing friends with your word knowledge.

Experiment in style: Testing times

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 10 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
📚 Literature 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.

Literature in the Age of Content Production

The Leftovers • 39 implied HN points • 03 Sep 21
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Literature faces challenges in the age of content production, with authors struggling to make a living and facing difficulties in publishing and selling books.
  2. The traditional path to becoming a writer, such as pursuing expensive MFAs, may not guarantee success or recognition, highlighting the need for continuous writing and learning.
  3. Despite concerns about the state of Literature, it remains alive and thriving in the passion for words and storytelling, existing beyond the superficial debates and challenges of the modern age.

"The River" Revised by AI

Opaque Hourglass • 1 HN point • 09 Jun 24
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. The AI revision of a poem can offer new insights and perspectives, making us reconsider the original work.
  2. Sometimes, amateurish art and poetry, including AI-generated pieces, can still hold value and evoke unexpected appreciation.
  3. Artificial intelligence translations of human-generated poems can function like literary criticism, highlighting themes and meanings that may not have been immediately apparent.

Macron Is a Cursed Leader

Integrity Talk • 33 implied HN points • 13 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Criticism
  1. In France, criticism of President Macron reflects a deeply-rooted tradition of attacking leaders, and Macron has faced intense hatred that seems unprecedented compared to past presidents.
  2. Macron's administration faces criticism for perceived authoritarianism and elitism, although many accusations lack substantial evidence when examined closely.
  3. Opposition towards Macron appears to be concentrated in specific political factions or geographic areas, with varying degrees of intensity, while internationally his politics are generally supported.

Kanye, Deranged Penguin

The Carousel • 8 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  1. Kanye West challenges people’s views on mental illness. Some believe his behavior is a result of mental health issues, while others think he uses it to provoke reactions.
  2. The loudest critics of Kanye often struggle with his different approach to expressing himself. His actions can make people uncomfortable, leading to a conflict between their beliefs and reactions.
  3. Some people see artists like Kanye as outsiders who break the rules of society. This outsider perspective can lead to creative and unexpected ideas, even if it seems strange to others.

Does Tech Criticism Still Matter?

Reboot • 44 implied HN points • 08 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  1. Tech criticism needs to evolve and offer more than repetitive headlines to remain relevant.
  2. Good tech criticism should be driven by love for technology and aim for positive impact.
  3. Tech criticism plays a vital role in shaping public opinion, influencing policymakers, and promoting responsible tech use.

Oscar the Grouch

Gideon's Substack • 7 implied HN points • 02 Mar 25
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  1. Oscar movies often don't match personal taste, despite their prestige. It's interesting how we expect serious films to be good but sometimes they aren't.
  2. Some films gain Oscar nominations for political reasons rather than quality, and this can lead to unexpected viewer reactions.
  3. The film industry is changing, with fewer mid-budget, serious films being made, which affects what audiences are excited to see. Maybe it's time to wish for better films that speak to a wider audience.

The Skinhead Macbeth

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 6 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
📚 Literature 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.

Countee Cullen's Lyric Ghosts

Journal of Free Black Thought • 6 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Countee Cullen's poem addresses John Keats, showing a connection between the two poets. It suggests that both poets understand beauty and the passage of time in a unique way.
  2. Cullen's use of the season of spring represents renewal and transformation, linking life and death. It creates a feeling that past and future moments are blended in this beautiful season.
  3. The poem invites readers to feel included in the conversation between Cullen and Keats. It blurs the lines of life and death, making everyone a part of this shared experience of beauty.

the education system is fraudulent

Midnight Musings • 19 implied HN points • 31 May 22
🚌 Education Criticism
  1. The education system focuses too much on grades and test scores, which can harm creativity and genuine learning. Students often end up learning how to game the system instead of being curious.
  2. Learning is too structured and doesn't allow for exploration. This can lead to people thinking in ways others define, rather than developing their own unique problem-solving skills.
  3. Students are taught to measure their worth by their output and how others view them. This can create unhealthy competition and pressure, leading to a lack of fulfillment.

Experiments in Style Special Edition

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 5 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
📚 Literature Criticism
  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.

Quick Epistemology

Unstable Orbits • 22 implied HN points • 20 May 23
📖 Philosophy Criticism
  1. Good explanations are hard to vary and have phenomenal reach
  2. Accepting and providing criticism is crucial in developing rational thinking skills
  3. Use creativity to generate, test, and refine epistemic models

If You Don't Have Anything Good To Say

We're Gonna Get Those Bastards • 6 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. It's better to stay silent than to leave negative reviews. If you can't say something nice, just don't say anything at all.
  2. Instead of tearing others down, focus on lifting them up with positivity. Like your friends' achievements and show support, even if you don't agree with their choices.
  3. Criticism can be easy and tempting, but being a critic isn't a worthy goal. Aim to be a force for good in the world instead.

I Don't Think Elon Likes Me

Aaron Greenspan • 18 implied HN points • 16 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criticism
  1. Elon Musk is suing the author for accurately publishing his own words.
  2. The author stood up to Elon Musk by publishing negative feedback and faced backlash.
  3. Elon Musk filed a lawsuit against the author for publishing his own statements, attempting to shift legal liability.

File Won't Open

Nice Try • 19 implied HN points • 16 Jul 21
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Sometimes files just won't open, which can be really frustrating.
  2. It's important to figure out if the issue is with the file itself or the program you're using.
  3. Trying different devices or software can sometimes help you access the file.