The hottest Culture Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics
Chris Arnade Walks the World β€’ 672 implied HN points β€’ 10 Sep 23
  1. The author's walk from Dover to Portsmouth revealed the reality of Dover, which was different from the romanticized image portrayed.
  2. Encountering Sandra, a woman with a complicated background involving human trafficking, provided a glimpse into a harsher side of life in Dover.
  3. The honesty and openness of Sandra in sharing her story with the author was a surprising and impactful moment during the visit to Dover.
Matt Ehret's Insights β€’ 157 implied HN points β€’ 10 Feb 24
  1. Plato and Confucius emphasized the importance of true education for the development of a culture with sovereign citizens.
  2. Historically, society's cyclic corruption hindered humanity's progress, highlighting the need for a culture promoting moral, spiritual, and intellectual excellence.
  3. The aim is to establish educational systems that cultivate the best attributes in individuals, fostering sovereign citizens without regard to social status or breeding.
Splattern β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 25 Feb 24
  1. A supportive community can really help during tough times. Even when feeling unmotivated, kind gestures from others can make a difference.
  2. The experience of tech workers can vary greatly. Some feel overworked and undervalued, leading to tough personal challenges.
  3. Life experiences shape how we view the world. For older generations, like Jean, their difficult upbringing has taught them to appreciate nature and health even more.
Disaffected Newsletter β€’ 439 implied HN points β€’ 24 Jul 23
  1. Love for children and each other should be real and caring, not just for show. Many people confuse true love with performative acts that are more about themselves.
  2. Parental rights can be complicated and sometimes unfairly taken away, as shown in the case of Ted Hudacko. This raises concerns about the impact of laws on family well-being.
  3. Current events highlight deep issues in society, like discrimination and mismanagement of resources, affecting many people's lives.
Disaffected Newsletter β€’ 879 implied HN points β€’ 30 Dec 22
  1. The author is starting a new chapter in life as they wrap up a 20-year career. It's a big change for them.
  2. There's a mix of excitement and sadness that comes with change. They acknowledge feeling a bit melancholic about what is being lost.
  3. The author looks forward to sharing new content in the upcoming year and appreciates the support from their subscribers.
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Disaffected Newsletter β€’ 479 implied HN points β€’ 26 Jun 23
  1. There's a focus on young people in fast food jobs and how they seem disconnected from reality.
  2. A guest talks about the challenges of finding good help in a confusing mental health landscape.
  3. A new therapy service is launching that aims to be more supportive of traditional views without the political agenda.
Splattern β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 21 Feb 24
  1. The author's experience camping at a rest area was brightened by a stranger's kind words, showing the positive impact of small gestures.
  2. Running faster than usual helped the author realize they could enjoy their journey while pushing their limits.
  3. The author's hosts in Kamloops were generous, offering help with shopping and a cozy home-cooked meal, highlighting the kindness of strangers during travel.
Open Source Defense β€’ 35 implied HN points β€’ 04 Nov 24
  1. The OSD podcast has launched with Isaac Botkin as the first guest, sharing insights from his experiences.
  2. Growing a business quickly can be tough, especially when finding skilled and dedicated team members is challenging.
  3. Content marketing for companies in civilian defense is changing, and there are interesting discussions about the future of gun culture and technology.
Splattern β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 15 May 24
  1. Planning a trip can be exciting and helps in showing appreciation for those who supported you along the way.
  2. Finding new adventures often leads to unexpected and exciting experiences that can change your perspective.
  3. It's important to acknowledge and thank the people who are part of your journey, as they play a big role in your success.
One bag many places β€’ 79 implied HN points β€’ 17 Apr 24
  1. The Atomium in Brussels is an iconic structure from the 1958 world fair, with a cold war aesthetic and impressive views from the top
  2. Exploring the Atomium allows for a unique experience with pulsating lights, neon-filled rooms, and a TARDIS-like vibe that is unexpected and enjoyable
  3. Brussels' Grand-Place offers a breathtaking mix of gold embellished buildings, gothic architecture, and a lively atmosphere that transforms beautifully at sunset
Splattern β€’ 79 implied HN points β€’ 16 Apr 24
  1. The Old Rossland Cascade Highway used to be the only route from Rossland to Vancouver until 1962, but it's not very popular today.
  2. Rossland, known as 'the golden city', started as a mining town where gold literally shook off trucks on Main Street.
  3. A local named Rob shared interesting history about the area, adding to the adventure exploring its past.
Splattern β€’ 79 implied HN points β€’ 14 Apr 24
  1. The Slocan Valley is a laid-back place where people enjoy a slower pace of life. Locals embrace the idea of taking your time, whether it's running errands or building a house.
  2. Meeting friendly locals like Helen, Daniel, and Steve made for memorable experiences. They shared their passion for gardening, making chocolate, and personal stories, which enriched the journey.
  3. Exploring the natural beauty along the Slocan Lake and running on rail trails was refreshing. It felt good to immerse in nature while enjoying delicious treats from local bakeries.
The Abbey of Misrule β€’ 260 implied HN points β€’ 03 Mar 24
  1. The coastal walk in Ardmore, County Waterford, Ireland, offers layers of history including industrial mines, revolutionary soldiers, and slave raids, showcasing the area's rich and varied past.
  2. Father O'Donnell's wellhouse, built with the intention of healing properties, remains unfinished due to a local complaint to the priest, halting the project and leaving it frozen in time a century later.
  3. The incomplete wellhouse serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of peaceful times and the enduring presence of ruins along coastlines, highlighting the intertwined stories of ambition, social dynamics, and history.
Based Meditations β€’ 278 implied HN points β€’ 19 Aug 23
  1. Becoming a software developer is highly appealing due to the potential for high salaries and the option to work from home
  2. Influencers in the software development space often oversimplify the requirements and challenges of breaking into the industry
  3. Having a degree, building a strong portfolio, and understanding the nuanced demands of the software industry are crucial for success
Bastiat's Window β€’ 275 implied HN points β€’ 16 Jun 23
  1. Lt. Harold Graboyes had unique experiences and stories from his time in the Army during World War II.
  2. Despite challenges and misunderstandings, Lt. Harold Graboyes remained loyal to the Army and valued the opportunities it provided him.
  3. Lt. Harold Graboyes was a brilliant individual with a deep love for learning, even though circumstances limited his formal education.
Splattern β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 06 May 24
  1. Returning to Seattle feels familiar but also makes me realize I'm slipping back into old habits. It's easy to fall into routines that aren't helpful.
  2. Even though life feels normal again, I've been feeling a bit aimless without a job. It's a reminder that new goals can give life purpose.
  3. I started training for my upcoming trip to Africa, which should help me feel stronger and more focused. It's exciting to set new challenges for myself.
The Pillar β€’ 157 implied HN points β€’ 11 Jan 24
  1. The Communion and Liberation movement acknowledged abuse allegations against its former U.S. leader, but concerns remain about the culture that allowed abuse to happen.
  2. Some members of the movement had positive experiences, while others highlighted problems centered around the former leader, Chris Bacich.
  3. While the movement has implemented safe environment policies, there are reports of violations and concerns that the culture needs to be examined for further reform.
Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality β€’ 15 implied HN points β€’ 10 Dec 24
  1. The discussion explores multiple important themes that happened alongside the main events of the 20th century. It's important to look at history from different angles instead of just one big story.
  2. There are at least six significant things that shaped our world that often get overlooked. These aspects help us better understand the complexities of history.
  3. Widening our perspective helps us appreciate the richness of our past and how it affects our present and future. Recognizing these different themes can lead to a deeper understanding of society.
Christopher’s Newsletter β€’ 255 implied HN points β€’ 16 Feb 23
  1. In Saudi Arabia, there is a mentality to build from the bottom up by locals with a great stake in outcomes.
  2. The focus is on talent being unleashed across cities and villages, with a commitment to change and progress.
  3. The shift towards a mentality to build is evident not just in big cities but also in small communities, emphasizing long-term commitment and involvement of locals.
Splattern β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 08 Mar 24
  1. The author had a fun day at an elementary school in Valemount, engaging with students who were excited about skiing. They connected well since most kids loved to ski too, and their curiosity led to many questions.
  2. The author is pushing a baby jogger filled with camping gear during their run across Canada, which has been quite challenging. They expressed a desire to switch to biking to reduce the physical strain on their body.
  3. The hosts, Tom and Peggy, have unique backgrounds, with Tom previously being a monk and Peggy becoming an artist after retiring from teaching. Their stories show how life can change and lead to new passions.
Doc Hammer's Anvil β€’ 255 implied HN points β€’ 13 May 23
  1. Morality is subjective but also objective in extremes, with the real debate lying in the middle ground.
  2. Societies with dysfunctional morality can be seen as sick due to cultural contagion, but can also experience evolutionary changes.
  3. Evolutionary processes differ from human incremental changes, resulting in species adapting to different environments and niches.
The Magnet β€’ 255 implied HN points β€’ 30 Aug 23
  1. Tokyo can have a transformative impact on visitors, leaving a lasting impression.
  2. Experiencing unique culinary delights like fluffy pancakes in Tokyo is a must, with places like Flipper's standing out.
  3. Interesting cultural nuances, like smoke alarm warnings in hotel rooms, add to the charm of exploring Tokyo.
Disaffected Newsletter β€’ 439 implied HN points β€’ 22 May 23
  1. Death is a mystery that many cultures and religions try to understand, but it's important to remember the practical aspects of what happens next. Flowers, caskets, and goodbyes are all parts of dealing with loss.
  2. Talking about death can be hard, but it doesn't always have to be serious. Having conversations that include some humor can help ease the heaviness of the topic.
  3. Josh Slocum's work focuses on how personal experiences shape our views on society, especially regarding difficult topics like death and family dynamics.
Splattern β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 14 Jul 24
  1. A fundraising effort is building a women's house at a children's hospital in East Africa. This house will help mothers stay close to their kids while they receive treatment.
  2. The author enjoyed running toward Kilimanjaro and shared a meaningful goodbye with his translator and friend, Masoud. He hopes for Masoud's success and stability in the future.
  3. Emanuel, a guide the author meets, started a nonprofit to help poor villages by providing food and education. He believes education is key for young people to find jobs and have better lives.
Splattern β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 26 Apr 24
  1. The journey from Canada to the USA showed that surprising connections can happen anywhere, like bonding over coffee with a stranger who had strong opinions about politics.
  2. Meeting different people along the way, from local shop owners to military veterans, highlighted diverse life stories and unique perspectives on adventure and history.
  3. Experiencing both kindness and challenges in new places reminded how people are often welcoming, but the rules and attitudes can vary widely, especially when it comes to camping or local customs.
backstory β€’ 387 implied HN points β€’ 24 Feb 24
  1. Jerusalem is a complex city with deep historical, cultural, and political tensions.
  2. The experiences of individuals in Jerusalem reflect the ongoing conflicts and challenges in the region.
  3. The city's diversity is evident in encounters with different groups and their varied perspectives and experiences.
Splattern β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 12 Jul 24
  1. Running through villages often shows more hospitality than in big towns. The connections made in smaller communities can feel warmer and more genuine.
  2. Masoud is considering his future and education, with a focus on starting a business or going to university. A supportive gesture can really change someone's life.
  3. Hunger in Tanzania is complex, with many people eating just enough to survive. It's not always visible, and understanding the financial aspect behind it is key.
Cybernetic Forests β€’ 199 implied HN points β€’ 12 Nov 23
  1. Diffusion models in AI strip images and rebuild them from noise, creating fictional, incomplete resurrection of images based on training data.
  2. The aestheticization of AI-generated images can erase the social meaning and historical significance of the original images, impacting memory and cultural value.
  3. The use of generative AI blurs the lines between reality and fiction, creating hypothetical images that remix past cultural forms without acknowledging the traumas or historical context they are built upon.
Crossing the River by Feeling the Stones β€’ 235 implied HN points β€’ 21 May 23
  1. Ruili, China's most locked-down city, faced extensive lockdowns due to border cases from Myanmar.
  2. Ruili's economy heavily relies on the jade industry, but the extensive lockdowns impacted businesses and caused many to leave.
  3. Despite challenges, some locals like Xu show resilience and adaptability, with hopes for Ruili's recovery post-pandemic.
Hold That Thought by Sarah Haider β€’ 235 implied HN points β€’ 29 May 23
  1. Institutions in the US are under assault, but they continue to function and there are mechanisms for resistance and change.
  2. The American people have the power to influence their political landscape through voting, ensuring a system of checks and balances.
  3. Modernity relies on objective realities like physics and mathematics, which will persist despite ideological pressures.