The hottest Cultural Theory Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Art & Illustration Topics

AI and the future of literature.

The Common Reader • 2090 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
📚 Literature Literary Criticism Creative Writing AI Impact Cultural Theory Modernism
  1. AI is changing literature and writers need to pay attention to it. It's becoming a tool that helps with research and creates new possibilities in storytelling.
  2. Some see AI as a threat to writing because it can generate content, which might take away from the unique human experience in literature. Others believe it's just another tool that can enhance creativity.
  3. Literature has always adapted to new technology, and ignoring AI might leave writers behind. Engaging with AI might lead to new forms of art and storytelling that we cannot yet imagine.

The Prehistory of Music

Dada Drummer Almanach • 52 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🎶 Music Music history Anthropology Cultural Theory Evolutionary Theory
  1. Music has deep roots in human history, showing how important it has been in shaping cultures. It connects us to our past and influences how we live today.
  2. The study of music isn't just about its notes and rhythms; it's also about understanding its role in society and culture. Music can help create and define the world around us.
  3. Exploring how humans developed musical abilities can lead to insights about our evolution and what makes us unique as a species. It's fascinating to think about why we can engage with music in such powerful ways.

Reading Notes

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 691 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
📚 Literature Reading Culture Digital Media Cultural Theory
  1. Reading habits are changing, and many people have less time or interest in immersing themselves in traditional books. This shift may be due to economic pressures and the availability of digital media.
  2. The rise of digital screens impacts how we read and understand texts. The experience of reading is now intertwined with our interactions online, leading to new forms of engagement and understanding.
  3. Despite the decline of traditional reading, there is potential for new and exciting forms of literacy to emerge. It's important to adapt and discover how we can find value in these changes.

The genius of Caravaggio

Wrong Side of History • 441 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Art history Artists Painting Cultural Theory Creative Expression
  1. Caravaggio was a very influential artist known for his unique style using light and dark contrasts. This technique is called 'chiaroscuro' and inspired many other artists and filmmakers.
  2. He had a tumultuous life, filled with fights and adventures, which sometimes got him into serious trouble, like killing a man in a duel. Despite his bold personality, he faced many struggles, especially in his early life.
  3. Caravaggio's paintings often portrayed religious themes but in a way that made them relatable to ordinary people. His work was not just beautiful; it also had a deep connection to the social and political issues of his time.

A Philosopher from the 1960s Knew All About Our Doomscrolling

OK Doomer • 104 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Existentialism Social Critique Historical Analysis Cultural Theory
  1. Doomscrolling is not just a bad habit; it's a way people try to understand threats and protect themselves. It's about getting the facts to feel in control.
  2. Telling people to stop doomscrolling or ignoring bad news isn't a good solution. It can actually make the problems worse by promoting toxic positivity.
  3. Historically, institutions have labeled undesirable behaviors as mental health problems, which often ignores the real issues. This creates stigma instead of solutions.
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Curator

Castalia • 139 implied HN points • 27 Oct 22
📚 Literature Literary Criticism Political Philosophy Cultural Theory
  1. Some writers focus too much on making sentences sound beautiful, but this can distract from telling a real story or connecting with readers. Writing should feel authentic and meaningful rather than just being a writing contest.
  2. Carl Schmitt had a dangerous influence on political thought, promoting ideas that justify violence and dictatorship. His theories represent a bleak view of power that ignores more humane approaches to politics.
  3. Neoliberalism is often criticized but hard to define. There's a growing call to return to economic ideas that prioritize people's needs over strict market rules, similar to the New Deal, to better support communities and jobs.

On The Broken Culture

Castalia • 59 implied HN points • 13 Nov 22
🎭️ Culture Social Interaction Philosophy Human behavior Modernity Cultural Theory
  1. During the pandemic, many people felt disconnected and confused. Social interactions broke down, and culture turned more abstract and centralized.
  2. The push for centralization made everything feel streamlined but also ignored individual needs. There's a feeling that power is consolidated, leading to inequality and lack of personal connection.
  3. Finding meaning outside of the central culture is important. Instead of fighting against it, we should focus on building connections and fulfilling lives with like-minded people.

Holly Overton: After Geoengineering Paintings

Do Not Research • 0 implied HN points • 15 Feb 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Cultural Theory Consumer Culture Climate change
  1. Art can convey messages about the environmental impact and human perception of nature, like in the paintings of Holly Overton.
  2. Wetlands play a crucial role in absorbing and storing carbon; restoring them can help reduce carbon in the air significantly.
  3. Climate change responsibility extends beyond individual households, requiring collective emotional responses to mobilize effective actions.