The hottest Culture Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

The way we live in the United States is not normal

Changing The Channel • 33626 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Healthcare Economics Culture Society
  1. In the United States, there is a sense of normalcy around high costs for education and healthcare, which contrasts with other countries where these are considered basic human rights.
  2. The social dynamics in the US make casual, spontaneous interactions with friends difficult to maintain, unlike in some other parts of the world where daily connections are more common.
  3. The increasing expenses, especially in housing, in the US are leading to a situation where even successful professionals find it challenging to afford a balanced life, pushing many towards burnout and dissatisfaction.

A slightly tipsy investigation into my wife's superpower

Experimental History • 7657 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🔬 Science Research Psychology Education Culture Health
  1. Some people have unique sensory abilities that others may not understand or share, like detecting the lingering smell of eggs on plates even after washing.
  2. Being open-minded and receptive to new ideas is important to avoid rigidity in thinking and to continuously learn and grow.
  3. Academic professions, like journal publishing and university rankings, can sometimes involve questionable practices that prioritize profit over knowledge or ethics.

"This Is a Hell of a Statement I'm About to Make—But He Superseded Miles"

The Honest Broker • 7846 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎶 Music Streaming Jazz Culture Media Investment
  1. Spotify is facing challenges with fake artists, playlists, and financial losses, raising concerns about the music streaming service's business model.
  2. The shift from macroculture to microculture is evident in the media industry, with traditional legacy outlets experiencing layoffs while alternative platforms like Substack thrive.
  3. There is a trend towards investment firms buying song catalogs, the decline of live music reviews in mainstream media, and interest in the transformative power of sound highlighted through the work of Hans Jenny in 'Cymatics'.
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Social Conservatism as 4D Chess

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 2048 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Epistemology Culture Policy Religion
  1. Social conservatives make claims about higher-order effects to justify their positions on issues like abortion and euthanasia, but these claims often lack evidence or are disproven by cross-national comparisons.
  2. Slippery slope arguments can be valid in limited contexts, but broad claims like legalizing prostitution affecting overall societal values need substantial evidence, which is often lacking.
  3. Government policies in free countries have limited influence on shaping culture predictably; the impact is often chaotic and hard to plan for, as seen by historical examples of social policies not aligning with expected cultural changes.

Let's make 2024 the year of saying no to productivity culture

Changing The Channel • 8730 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Rest Productivity Culture Mental health Self-care
  1. Taking time to rest and relax is essential for our well-being, even if it goes against the pervasive productivity culture.
  2. Rest should not be tied to productivity but should be seen as a natural cycle to be honored.
  3. During challenging times, like January, it's okay to embrace the idea of taking a break and not succumb to the pressure of always being productive.

Issue 14 – Salt

Unbox Inbox • 1982 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🍲 Food & Drink Cooking Ingredients Products History Culture
  1. People have different preferences when it comes to salt, from carrying salt in tin pockets to seeking out salts from specific countries.
  2. Salt can be a luxury experience, with high-end brands offering unique flavors and sustainable options.
  3. The history of salt is rich and fascinating, influencing trade, wars, and civilizations throughout time.

Catch up with Emily Howes on The Shift Bookclub Live

The Shift With Sam Baker • 59 implied HN points • 17 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Culture Mental health Gender Literature History
  1. The Shift Bookclub Live featured a discussion with Emily Howes, author of The Painter's Daughters, covering topics like art, sexism, mental health, and societal expectations.
  2. Emily Howes, an existential psychotherapist and writer, delved into themes of women's roles in 18th-century society, freedom vs. money, mental health, and family dynamics in her book.
  3. The conversation during the live event explored issues like shaming women, family secrets, sisterhood, and self-sacrifice within the context of The Painter's Daughters' narrative.

Walking the Netherlands: From Amsterdam to The Hague

Chris Arnade Walks the World • 770 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Transportation Sustainability Culture Infrastructure
  1. The Dutch culture emphasizes good citizenship, seen in how they are thoughtful, friendly, and helpful to strangers.
  2. The Netherlands is clean and functional due to being a high-trust society, which allows for nice things without fear of them being misused.
  3. Placing a focus on pedestrians and cyclists over cars has made Dutch cities more livable and charming, contrasting with the struggles in the US.

Tracy Chapman and Constantine Cavafy: A Song, A Poem and The Dream of Elsewhere

Unmapped Storylands with Elif Shafak • 1709 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry Music Culture Identity Society
  1. Constantine Cavafy's poetry explores themes of 'belonging,' 'roots,' and 'home', challenging the idea of leaving for 'elsewhere'.
  2. Tracy Chapman's song 'Fast Car' embodies optimism and compassion, reflecting her personal journey and struggles.
  3. Both artists, despite coming from different backgrounds, share a common thread of being 'outsiders' in their own ways and using art to convey universal emotions.

Choose boldly between Christianity & Vitalism

Becoming Noble • 2770 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Philosophy History Culture
  1. Don't try to blend Christianity and Vitalism as they are fundamentally irreconcilable beliefs. Doing so weakens true faith in both.
  2. Make a clear commitment to truth by engaging in deep study, meditation, and rejecting simplistic solutions. Challenge your own beliefs and societal expectations.
  3. Understanding the complexity of historical philosophy is crucial for making an informed choice between Christianity and Vitalism. Dive deep into the nuanced beliefs of the past to grasp the richness of these faith traditions.

Why the meritocracy is not viewed as a legitimate ruling class

Archedelia • 1631 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Society Culture Morality Ethics History
  1. The nobility in an aristocratic society upholds standards that tie them to the common good, unlike meritocrats.
  2. Meritocrats are individuals who rely on intelligence and hard work for their position, without a sense of duty to sustain culture.
  3. The bourgeoisie, as described by François Furet, is defined by wealth and lacks a specific tradition or place in the community.

Independence

The Status Kuo • 13797 implied HN points • 04 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History Philosophy Culture
  1. Independence Day celebrations can have a deeper meaning when reflecting on history and personal experiences
  2. Questioning and reevaluating historical narratives is important for a more nuanced understanding of America
  3. Maintaining hope and faith in the promise of America's ideals can drive positive change and progress

German Militarism and the Virtues of Hypocrisy

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1048 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
💾 History Politics Culture Military Monarchy
  1. Otto von Bismarck's 'blood and iron' speech was a pivotal moment that shaped Prussia's history and led to Germany's unification.
  2. Jonathan Steinberg's biography offers insight into the politics and culture of 19th-century Germany through direct quotes from major figures like Bismarck.
  3. Despite impressive accomplishments during and after Bismarck's reign, Germany faced challenges including maintaining a powerful monarchy and conservative elite, which played a role in the tumultuous first half of the 20th century.

The Andaliman Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1990 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🍲 Food & Drink Culture Cuisine Discovery
  1. Batak cuisine is known for its spicy dishes using Andaliman peppers.
  2. Andaliman peppers are related to Szechuan peppers and provide a unique tingling sensation on the tongue.
  3. The numbing sensation of Andaliman peppers can be experienced in Batak highlands, creating a surprising culinary discovery.

2024: The year we bury the culture war

Striking 13 • 2136 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Media Culture Election Partisanship
  1. In politics, we need to move towards a quieter, less divisive approach that focuses on policies rather than group conflicts.
  2. The media dynamics have favored sensationalism and polarization, but a shift towards a more transactional government might change that.
  3. Journalists and commentators could face challenges as the political landscape shifts away from identity wars towards policy-driven governance.

The Art World’s Enfant Terrible Runs for Senate

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 500 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Government Policy Society Culture
  1. Stefan Simchowitz is running for Senate but doesn't expect to win, viewing it more as a platform to share his ideas.
  2. Simchowitz, known as the 'Art World’s Patron Satan', has an unconventional approach in the art world, supporting struggling artists and circumventing traditional systems.
  3. His political views lean towards a mix of centrist and progressive ideologies, advocating for entrepreneurial government solutions and challenging progressive politics and DEI initiatives.

At the Junction of F and U

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 4333 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy History Culture Ethics
  1. The junction of F and U is both a physical location in small-town America and a spiritual place in our hearts, symbolizing moments of deep grief and reflection.
  2. Political decisions, like U.S. aid to Israel, can have morally complicated consequences and raise questions of justice, with innocent civilians often caught in the middle of conflicts.
  3. History and personal experiences shape perceptions of war and loss, highlighting the interconnectedness of past events, current policies, and individual emotions.

February 2024 News from Elizabeth in Rome

Elizabeth’s Newsletter from Italy • 1002 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🏝 Travel Food Destinations Culture
  1. The article discusses the issue of over-tourism in major Italian cities like Florence, highlighting the need for sustainable tourism practices.
  2. The writer shares tips and experiences about enjoying a spa getaway in Saturnia, Italy, focusing on relaxation and self-care.
  3. Radicchio is highlighted as a favorite winter vegetable in the writer's recipes, with tips on how to reduce its bitterness and delicious recipe ideas.

Writing Is a Bad Habit

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 915 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Writing Literature Philosophy Culture Education
  1. The author believes writing is not a lifestyle to be celebrated, but rather a bad habit.
  2. They express frustration with the cultural recursion and excessive focus on writing within platforms like Substack.
  3. The author emphasizes the importance of conveying a unique sensibility through writing rather than focusing on writing rituals and advice.

The Pace of Change Depends on Your Gaze

Cybernetic Forests • 179 implied HN points • 24 Mar 24
🕹 Technology AI Commerce Infrastructure Governance Culture
  1. The speed of technological change is determined by where we focus our attention. Slowing down to understand the structures in place is key.
  2. AI hype often moves at the pace of fashion, while AI infrastructure evolves slowly. It's important to differentiate between new trends and substantial advancements.
  3. Governance, infrastructure, and culture play crucial roles in shaping AI's future. Participating in shaping these aspects can have a significant impact on the development and use of AI.

The Disco Jazz Edition

Why is this interesting? • 904 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎶 Music Discovery Genres Culture Technology
  1. An Indian disco record, Disco Jazz, found a new, enthusiastic audience years after its release due to algorithms and word-of-mouth.
  2. Disco Jazz stands out for its blend of genres and unconventional elements compared to traditional Indian disco music.
  3. The rediscovery of 'Aaj Shanibar' led to increased interest from international DJs, new releases, and proceeds going to the singer for her future music projects.

Why the internet isn't fun anymore + A.I. and magic

Read Max • 1879 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Internet Artificial Intelligence Culture Silicon Valley Tech Ethics
  1. Many feel the internet is less fun now because of changing demographics and shifting cultural preferences.
  2. The internet may not be objectively worse, but it is used differently by various audiences.
  3. The embrace of AI in tech culture is influenced by historical themes of hierarchical society and authoritarian politics.