The hottest Cultural Studies Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Science Topics

A Salute to Every Tolstoy Across Borders

Unmapped Storylands with Elif Shafak • 5396 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
📚 Literature Cultural Studies
  1. There's no clear line between 'solid' and 'liquid' countries. Everyone faces challenges and changes, regardless of where they live.
  2. Literature should include diverse voices from around the world. We shouldn't reduce cultures to simple categories like 'literate' or 'pre-literate.'
  3. All societies struggle with their own issues. Literature helps us understand these struggles and find a better path forward.

'Do You Believe Jesus Died for Our Sins?’ Richard Dawkins Confronts Jordan Peterson

The Poetry of Reality with Richard Dawkins • 933 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Cultural Studies
  1. Richard Dawkins challenges Jordan Peterson about his beliefs on the Bible and whether Jesus died for our sins.
  2. Peterson compares the truths of Christianity to the complexities of quantum physics in a recent conversation.
  3. They discuss how Christianity has influenced human progress and what it means to believe in its truths.

Secrets of the ancient memelords

Experimental History • 26115 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Cultural Studies
  1. The biggest religions combine brainy thinkers with everyday believers. This mix helps keep faith relevant and strong for everyone, whether they're deeply knowledgeable or just practicing traditions.
  2. There’s a divide in today's world between those who think deeply about issues and those who don’t. We need to find ways to bridge this gap so that we can work together and understand each other better.
  3. Successful ideologies adapt and communicate well. They should be easy for everyone to grasp, whether they're scholars or casual followers, to keep people engaged and united.

Elitism is good

The Common Reader • 4642 implied HN points • 24 Nov 25
📚 Literature Cultural Studies
  1. Some books are just better than others, and it's okay to have standards about what we consider good literature. This helps us appreciate quality and depth in reading.
  2. We can celebrate elitism in literature while still being nice to those who enjoy different types of books. Loving books doesn't make someone better or worse; it's all about personal taste.
  3. Literature should challenge our beliefs and provoke thought. It's important to respect various kinds of pleasure in reading, but we shouldn't shy away from discussing what makes certain works stand out.
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Seamus Heaney: a jobber among shadows.

The Common Reader • 2126 implied HN points • 11 Dec 25
📚 Literature Cultural Studies
  1. Seamus Heaney often uses a soft and calming voice in his poetry, creating a sense of comfort and familiarity. This voice is filled with packed meanings that invite readers to explore deeper emotions.
  2. Heaney's writing encourages a balance between being literal and vague, allowing his words to convey mood and atmosphere while still crafting vivid images. This gives his poetry a musical quality that resonates with the reader's feelings.
  3. Heaney skillfully employs compound nouns to create unique images and express complex emotions. This linguistic technique adds richness to his work, reflecting his connection to nature and history, and emphasizes his distinctive poetic style.

Stolen Youth at Sarah Lawrence

Disaffected Newsletter • 999 implied HN points • 06 Aug 24
🚌 Education Cultural Studies
  1. A documentary called 'Stolen Youth' explores how a toxic adult created a harmful cult at Sarah Lawrence College.
  2. The college's approach to education is criticized for promoting extreme ideologies, which some believe contributed to the cult's formation.
  3. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the effects of educational philosophies on students' lives.

My Mormon Obsession

Castalia • 479 implied HN points • 13 Aug 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Cultural Studies
  1. Joseph Smith had unique and complex beliefs about God and spirituality that diverged from the mainstream ideas of his followers. He believed that humans could become like God and that creativity was a path to divinity.
  2. Smith faced opposition and challenges from both within and outside his community, including issues arising from his controversial practices like plural marriage. This led to tensions among his followers and eventually to his downfall.
  3. After Smith's death, the Mormon community experienced a significant shift as leadership changed hands. Brigham Young led the migration to Utah, where the community adopted a more structured approach, moving away from the free-spirited culture that characterized Smith's time.

Hitler's Sex Life and the Great Man Theory of History

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1438 implied HN points • 30 Nov 25
💾 History Cultural Studies
  1. The talk about changing a bad government like Venezuela's highlights that some regimes may need to be ousted for better leadership. Regime change isn't always a bad idea, especially if it can lead to improvements.
  2. There's a big fertility crisis happening worldwide, and the reasons are complex. Urban poverty in the US is often linked to issues within underprivileged communities, while East Asia seems to handle urban poverty very differently.
  3. Many Japanese prime ministers have been Christians, which is surprising since historically, Japanese culture wasn't focused on education. This raises questions about how educational values shifted over time in Asian societies.

My Mormon Obsession

Castalia • 459 implied HN points • 03 Aug 24
💾 History Cultural Studies
  1. Nauvoo was a unique place in American history where Mormons created a theocratic community led by Joseph Smith. They had a different approach to politics and society compared to the individualistic American spirit.
  2. Despite facing hardships, the Mormons worked hard and grew in numbers, thanks in part to Joseph Smith's leadership and their strong community spirit. Nauvoo became a symbol of resilience for them.
  3. Joseph Smith's personal life was complex, involving multiple marriages and hidden affairs. He justified his actions through his religious beliefs, demonstrating a mix of idealism and ambition.

Highlights From The Comments On Lynn And IQ

Astral Codex Ten • 10668 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🔬 Science Cultural Studies
  1. IQ tests may not accurately reflect a person's real-life intelligence, especially in very under-educated populations. Many factors, like lack of exposure to education, can affect test performance.
  2. Data from reliable and different sources, like World Bank statistics, often support the findings on national IQs. This suggests that there might be underlying patterns in intelligence across different countries.
  3. There's a complex relationship between IQ and practical skills. Just because someone scores low on an IQ test, it doesn't mean they're incapable in practical situations, like farming.

Shakespeare's Characters and the Wheel of Fire

The Common Reader • 2622 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
📚 Literature Cultural Studies
  1. Shakespeare creates characters that feel like real people, adding depth with private histories that even they might not understand. This makes his tragedies more relatable and complex than earlier works.
  2. Different critics have different views on how to interpret Shakespeare's characters, whether focusing on their personal motivations or seeing them as part of larger mythic themes. Each approach brings something valuable to our understanding of his plays.
  3. Understanding Shakespeare's work requires both emotional insight and rational analysis. Enjoying the plays can be about personal connection as much as scholarly evaluation.

My interview with G.K. Allum

The Common Reader • 673 implied HN points • 17 Nov 25
📚 Literature Cultural Studies
  1. Literature is deeply personal and becomes meaningful at different ages; for some, it can start as young as thirteen, sparking a real love for poetry and language.
  2. The phrase 'marketplace of ideas' is confusing; it suggests a way of trading thoughts, but ideas don't require a purchase, they're more about sharing and discussion.
  3. Old and modern readers often appreciate poems that offer clear wisdom or emotional connection, showing that the purpose of literature has remained consistent over time.

What works of the humanities should undergraduates read?

The Common Reader • 2587 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🚌 Education Cultural Studies
  1. Undergraduates should read a broader range of humanities works, not just traditional literature like plays and novels. This can include philosophical texts and historical writings too.
  2. There's a belief that knowing about different important thinkers, like Plato and Shakespeare, can enrich our understanding of both literature and philosophy. They shouldn't be seen as separate subjects.
  3. The idea is to keep the humanities relevant in education by encouraging a diverse syllabus, allowing students to explore many types of important texts together.

Ukrainian History Global Initiative

Thinking about... • 404 implied HN points • 06 Dec 25
💾 History Cultural Studies
  1. A major project called the Ukrainian History Global Initiative is underway, with many scholars working together to create a comprehensive history of Ukraine. This project is important not just for Ukraine but for understanding global history as well.
  2. The humanities, like literature and history, are crucial during tough times, helping people find meaning and purpose. Even in a war, scholars in Ukraine are showing how vital these subjects are for understanding life's bigger questions.
  3. Recent advancements in technology are helping researchers discover important facts about Ukraine's past, like the origins of early human settlements and languages. This knowledge is changing how we view not only Ukrainian history but also world history.

An Open Elite?

Life and Letters • 579 implied HN points • 08 Jun 24
📚 Literature Cultural Studies
  1. Making a living as a writer is really tough nowadays. A few bestsellers make a lot of money, while most authors earn very little.
  2. Social mobility, or the ability to move up the social ladder, has often been very limited in literary history. Many writers come from wealth rather than from lower classes.
  3. Throughout history, there have been moments when more diverse writers entered the literary scene. These periods saw new genres and styles of writing emerge, reflecting changes in society.

The Waiting Game: Past, Present and Future of Indian Genomics

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 343 implied HN points • 11 Dec 25
🔬 Science Cultural Studies
  1. India has a rich and diverse history, being central to many cultural developments, including the spread of Buddhism and the evolution of various languages and religions. This diversity is reflected in its population, languages, and traditions.
  2. Genomic studies reveal that the people of India have complex genetic backgrounds, including influences from ancient populations and migrations over thousands of years, showcasing both indigenous roots and connections to other global regions.
  3. Despite advancements in genomics in other parts of the world, India has seen limited progress in retrieving ancient DNA, which hinders deeper understanding of its historical populations and transformations.

Sweet Child O' Mine

Secretum Secretorum • 378 implied HN points • 19 Nov 25
🔬 Science Cultural Studies
  1. Domestication changes animals in ways that seem unrelated at first, like making dogs friendlier and changing their ears. This happens because evolution tinkers with what it already has rather than starting from scratch.
  2. Humans show traits similar to young animals, like being playful and social. This neoteny means we've kept some child-like features as adults, which helped us bond and learn better.
  3. Humans succeeded while Neanderthals didn't because we were better at sharing ideas and learning from each other. Our culture helped us become smarter, not just as individuals, but as a group.

RKUL: Time Well Spent, 12/13/2025

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 228 implied HN points • 13 Dec 25
📚 Literature Cultural Studies
  1. Reading biographies can help you understand history better by focusing on individual lives rather than just facts. Stories about people make the past feel more relatable and alive.
  2. Some historical figures, like Charlemagne and John Brown, have had lasting impacts on their societies in different ways. Their unique choices shaped their times and the future.
  3. Education systems face issues like grade inflation and too much focus on amenities. This makes degrees less valuable, and schools need to rethink their purpose and best practices.

Political Psychology Links, 11/16/2025

In My Tribe • 258 implied HN points • 16 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Cultural Studies
  1. Smarter people often show less violence because they can anticipate the consequences of their actions better and have more empathy.
  2. Urbanization can help democracy grow by allowing more people to organize, protest, and challenge those in power.
  3. People often go along with accepted moral views to fit in, instead of seeking truth, showing how social influences can shape our judgments.

Reading Abundance from China

ChinaTalk • 933 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Cultural Studies
  1. American culture often struggles to imagine a 'good life' that includes public spaces and urban living. This limits progress on ideas that promote communal and sustainable lifestyles.
  2. The way environmental assessments are done in both China and the U.S. can miss important broader impacts and local effects, which leads to a narrow understanding of policy outcomes.
  3. Both the U.S. and China need to stop idealizing each other's successes and instead understand their unique challenges. Viewing one another through filtered lenses can lead to misunderstanding and missed opportunities.

The meaning of, and in, McDonald's

Chris Arnade Walks the World • 2678 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Cultural Studies
  1. McDonald's serves as a community hub for many Americans. It provides a comfortable place for people from all walks of life to gather and connect.
  2. Political figures like Trump tap into McDonald's popularity to resonate with average voters. His love for the franchise makes him seem relatable and down-to-earth.
  3. Many people facing challenges, like mental illness, find safety and social interaction in McDonald's. The staff and regulars often look out for each other, creating a supportive environment.

Immigrants of Imperial Rome: Pompeii’s genetic census of the doomed

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 177 implied HN points • 01 Dec 25
💾 History Cultural Studies
  1. Pompeii was buried under ash and pumice after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, trapping its citizens and preserving their last moments in time. This tragic event allows us to see a snapshot of everyday life in a Roman city.
  2. Recent genetic testing on remains found in Pompeii shows that some previous assumptions about relationships among victims were incorrect. For example, some figures thought to be a mother and child were actually unrelated men.
  3. The genetic analysis suggests that the people of Pompeii came from diverse backgrounds. This new understanding helps us learn more about the different cultures and stories of individuals in ancient Rome.

Japanese Death Poems

Secretum Secretorum • 1742 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
📚 Literature Cultural Studies
  1. In Japan, there is a long tradition of writing 'death poems' called jisei, especially among Zen monks. These poems express their thoughts and feelings about dying in their last moments.
  2. These poems often reflect deep insights about life and death, showing a peaceful acceptance of mortality. They convey emotions and wisdom that can inspire others.
  3. Each poet's final words can reveal their personal journeys and beliefs, highlighting a connection to nature, existence, and the essence of life that resonates across cultures.

How and What Are You Learning as an Adult?

Culture Study • 1756 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Cultural Studies
  1. Learning as an adult is important for personal growth. It helps you understand yourself and the world better.
  2. There are many ways to learn, including asking questions and engaging with others. Conversations with diverse people can offer new insights.
  3. Embracing continuous learning can lead to better relationships and a more fulfilling life. It's never too late to start learning something new.

The day the world didn't end

Experimental History • 1934 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
💾 History Cultural Studies
  1. On October 22, 1844, many people believed the world would end and gathered to witness it, demonstrating the power of apocalyptic beliefs.
  2. This event led some individuals to make drastic life changes, like quitting their jobs and selling their belongings, reflecting deep faith and hope for a promised event.
  3. Despite the predictions, nothing happened that day, which caused many to feel lost or confused, highlighting the impact of failed prophecies on people's lives.

best books of the year

ChinaTalk • 563 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
📚 Literature Cultural Studies
  1. Samizdat was a powerful tool for readers in the Soviet era, allowing them to access forbidden texts and creating a sense of community among those who shared them. It transformed how people read, turning reading into an act of rebellion.
  2. The life and teachings of Menachem M. Schneerson, a significant rabbi, show how personal connections and understanding can profoundly impact people's lives. His ability to listen and respond quickly to people's struggles made them feel valued and supported.
  3. Books about military history, like those on the Eastern Front during WWII, reveal the human experiences behind the strategies and battles. They highlight the vast sacrifices made and the often grim realities of war.

J.R.R. Tolkien the poet in search of lost time.

The Common Reader • 1736 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
📚 Literature Cultural Studies
  1. J.R.R. Tolkien's poetry often explores the theme of lost time, reflecting on beauty and grief during the First World War.
  2. Despite being a poet with unique style, Tolkien's work shows connections to his contemporaries and the literary trends of his time.
  3. The recent collection of his poems is a valuable insight into his development as a writer and offers interesting historical context.

Why This Israeli Dance Professor Is Suing Berkeley

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 421 implied HN points • 20 Aug 25
🚌 Education Cultural Studies
  1. A dance professor at Berkeley, Yael Nativ, is suing the university after her application to teach was rejected. She had previously taught a successful class and was invited back.
  2. The university's rejection was reportedly due to tensions among graduate students, which made it uncomfortable for them to host her class.
  3. Nativ claims the school acknowledged discrimination against her and promised to address it but then failed to follow through.

Does The Week Exist?

Castalia • 459 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Cultural Studies
  1. Each day of the week feels different, and these feelings can be shaped by culture and personal experiences. For example, many people love Fridays for the weekend vibes, while Tuesdays might feel a bit dull.
  2. The seven-day week is quite arbitrary compared to other time units like days and months, yet it influences our energy and routines. There are also ideas that our ancestors connected these days to the planets, giving them unique qualities.
  3. Modern life, filled with screens and remote work, changes how we experience time. This makes it easier to blend work and leisure, allowing for a lifestyle where we can pursue what we enjoy more consistently.

Being Unrealistic

Animation Obsessive • 1524 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Cultural Studies
  1. Cinema Fantasma, a stop-motion studio in Mexico, started with a big dream and little money. The founders had to get creative, making their own animation tools and props from scratch.
  2. The studio began on a rooftop in Mexico City, showing the dedication of the Ambriz brothers and their family. They transformed their home into a workspace to achieve their goal of creating a top-quality animated film.
  3. The making of 'Revoltoso' was a learning experience for everyone involved. The animators were new to the craft but worked hard to develop their skills for this project.

The Punic Paradox: Genetically, Rome's great African rival was startlingly European

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 560 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
💾 History Cultural Studies
  1. Carthage, an ancient city in North Africa, was more culturally European than originally thought. Genetic studies show its people were mainly similar to southern Italians and Greeks, not just the Levantine settlers.
  2. Carthage was a major power in the Mediterranean for centuries, excelling in trade and exploration long before Rome's rise. Their navy and commercial spirit allowed them to establish far-reaching trade routes.
  3. Despite its eventual downfall to Rome, Carthage's cultural legacy lived on. Language, religion, and traditions from Carthage continued to influence North Africa well after the city's destruction.

Top Links 809 About that dam in Tibet. Supermarketisation. The history of political arithmetic & China's "Five Major Homes".

Chartbook • 400 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics Cultural Studies
  1. The post discusses a dam in Tibet, highlighting its significance and impact. It's an interesting look at how such projects can shape regions and communities.
  2. It mentions supermarketisation, which refers to the trend of making goods and services more widely available and accessible. This can change how people shop and interact with local businesses.
  3. The history of political arithmetic in China and its concept of 'Five Major Homes' is explored. This can help us understand China's governance and economic strategies better.

It's ok to live in a fantasyland

The Novelleist • 1303 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
📚 Literature Cultural Studies
  1. Living in a fantasyland allows us to add magic to our everyday lives, helping us cope with reality. Stories, myths, and legends enrich our experiences and make the world feel more enchanting.
  2. Imagination is powerful; it helps us see extraordinary things in ordinary places. We can transform a simple book or a familiar place into a magical experience just by believing in the stories connected to them.
  3. Sometimes knowing too much can take away the magic. Holding onto myths and stories helps keep the wonder alive in our lives, letting us cherish imagination alongside reality.

We are what we speak: Indo-European phylogenetic and linguistic trees concur

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 800 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
💾 History Cultural Studies
  1. Recent ancient DNA research has greatly advanced our understanding of the origins and evolution of Indo-European languages. This includes finding connections between ancient peoples and the languages we speak today.
  2. Studies reveal that the Yamnaya people from the Pontic steppe played a key role in spreading Indo-European languages across Eurasia. They replaced many indigenous populations, showing a significant impact on the genetics of modern Europeans.
  3. The genetic findings confirm a close relationship between our linguistic history and biological roots. This means the languages we speak can reflect our ancestral heritage.

Top Links 761 The limits of China's domestic market. Gold digging in Syria. African drone poliferation & the making of Balamory.

Chartbook • 343 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Cultural Studies
  1. China's domestic market has limitations that affect its overall economic growth. Understanding these limits can help us see potential challenges for China's future.
  2. There is ongoing gold mining in Syria, which raises questions about the human and environmental cost. It's important to be aware of the impacts of such activities in conflict zones.
  3. African countries are increasingly using drones, which could change security dynamics on the continent. This shift might lead to both opportunities and risks for the region.

Genghis Khan, the Golden Horde and an 842-year-old paternity test

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 263 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
💾 History Cultural Studies
  1. Genghis Khan had a complicated family dynamic, especially concerning his first son Jochi, whose paternity was often questioned. This doubt affected Jochi's legacy and his descendants in the Golden Horde.
  2. The Golden Horde played a significant role in Eurasian history, influencing politics and trade from Europe to Asia. They were not just conquerors; they helped connect different cultures and economies.
  3. Recent genetic studies are starting to shed light on Jochi's lineage, which might help us understand more about the origins and impact of the Mongol Empire on modern histories.

Scattered thoughts on slavery and the Byzantine Empire

Something to Consider • 59 implied HN points • 22 Jun 24
💾 History Cultural Studies
  1. The time period between 600 and 900 AD was marked by constant warfare and widespread slavery, making it an unsafe and anxious era to live in.
  2. Historical records from this time mainly focus on kings and religious leaders, leaving out the everyday struggles and events of regular people.
  3. Slavery's demand mainly stemmed from economic reasons, with foreign slaves often seen as more profitable due to their cultural differences and the dynamics of warfare.

Britain's sinking reputation

Wrong Side of History • 669 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Cultural Studies
  1. Some people in the Anglo diaspora feel let down by Britain and its changing reputation. They look back at the old days with a mix of nostalgia and disappointment.
  2. Diaspora politics can be complicated, as it’s often based on memories rather than the current reality in the home country. Feelings about cultural issues can be influenced by generations of distance.
  3. The idea of cultural appropriation is shaped by individuals who have embraced new cultures while losing touch with their own roots. This can lead to misunderstandings and conflict.

An Exam for the Social Code

In My Tribe • 182 implied HN points • 19 Jul 25
🚌 Education Cultural Studies
  1. Understanding social issues is complex and requires different thinking than just what works for small groups.
  2. It's important to recognize that truth about society isn't always clear, and not everyone sees it the same way.
  3. We need better ways to manage discussions, especially on social media, to help everyone share their views constructively.