The hottest Culture Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

Bonus JoeWrote For Your Holiday Weekend

JoeWrote • 16 implied HN points • 26 Nov 25
🎙 Podcasts Culture
  1. You can listen to a podcast about the _ALIEN_ movies and capitalism while avoiding holiday arguments. It’s available on streaming apps too.
  2. There’s a discussion on the future of the Democratic Party focusing on the left’s pushback against centrist views. It's an interesting take that you might not have thought about.
  3. An article about the UN's role in Palestine's colonization is available for reading. It's a critical look at an important issue.

Spy In The House Of Dumb

Everything's Broken • 117 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Culture
  1. Be cautious with sharing classified information on public platforms like Discord.
  2. Consider the age and experience of individuals with access to sensitive information.
  3. Address the issue of assigning significant responsibilities to young individuals without proper oversight.

The Met's multiple misfires

London in Bits • 117 implied HN points • 15 May 23
📰 News Culture
  1. The Met faced criticism for misfires in various incidents, including inappropriate arrests and handling of situations.
  2. There is a lineup forming for the Tory mayoral team, with candidates focusing on similar issues like crime, transport, and housing.
  3. Recent incidents involving the Met include a dog attack response, officers facing misconduct charges, and concerns over recruitment practices.

Oh what a circus

London in Bits • 117 implied HN points • 26 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Culture
  1. The book 'Piccadilly: The Circus at the Heart of London' by Midge Gillies tells the story of Piccadilly Circus through the eyes of various individuals like flower girls, shop assistants, and celebrities.
  2. The author's interest in social history led to the book's clever structure with themes like entertainment, transport, and advertising interwoven throughout the chronological narrative.
  3. Piccadilly Circus is portrayed as a unique meeting place where people of diverse backgrounds gather, reflecting a history of social change and surprising stories like the Rainbow Corner and the Piccadilly Commandoes.
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One more day in lions bay

Splattern • 59 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🏝 Travel Culture
  1. Spending time outdoors is a great way to relieve stress and enjoy nature. Rafting on the Capilano River was an exciting experience that brought a sense of adventure and fun.
  2. Climbing can be a creative activity where the goal isn't just to do it perfectly, but to explore and enjoy the process. It's nice to remember what drew you to a sport in the first place.
  3. Sometimes, being different or failing to meet expectations can lead to unexpected greatness. Like the character Hiccup, who becomes a hero by doing something no one else expected.

Adventures in Dawson City, Yukon

The Analog Family • 179 implied HN points • 09 Jun 23
🏝 Travel Culture
  1. Dawson City is a unique place with a rich history from the gold rush. It's full of old buildings and has a fun, lively tourist scene.
  2. Exploring the outdoors in the Yukon is incredible, with beautiful hikes and amazing views. The scenery can take your breath away!
  3. The trip has its challenges, like a lack of road signs and expensive gas, but it's all part of the adventure. Traveling there can feel energizing and exciting.

RKUL: Time Well Spent 11/11/2024

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 194 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
📚 Literature Culture
  1. Horses have played a huge role in human history, helping with farming and trade. They allowed people to transport more goods and develop agriculture more efficiently.
  2. Dogs and cats have different roles in our lives. While dogs have been our working partners for thousands of years, cats are more companions that bring us joy.
  3. Many of today's educated elites don't understand the views of the majority. This disconnect can lead to problems in a democratic society, as it might affect how political systems work.

Dear Sarah Lawrence College

Disaffected Newsletter • 419 implied HN points • 01 Sep 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Culture
  1. The author feels ashamed of their degree from Sarah Lawrence College, seeing it as linked to negative aspects of modern education. They believe the school promotes a 'woke' ideology that they find problematic.
  2. While they had a good personal experience at the college, they now see the education they received as potentially leading to a closed-minded worldview.
  3. The author emphasizes the importance of questioning authoritarian thinking and being aware of different perspectives outside their college education.

Conversations with Maverick Machines

Cybernetic Forests • 59 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Culture
  1. Gordon Pask made significant contributions to cybernetics, challenging the idea of black boxes and exploring the distinctions between conversations and communication.
  2. Artists like Eryk Salvaggio are inspired by Pask's work and aim to challenge technology orthodoxy, similar to Pask's approach to machine building.
  3. Events like Big Ideas in Art + Culture and Future of Arts, Culture & Technology Symposium offer platforms for exploring the intersection of technology and the arts, including discussions on AI, automation, and climate impact.

The End of Coffee

OK Doomer • 178 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🍲 Food & Drink Culture
  1. By 2050, scientists predict that coffee may not be available like it is today because of climate change. Countries that grow most of the world's coffee are facing droughts and weather problems.
  2. Coffee is important in our daily lives, both as a comforting drink and as a part of our culture. It's also been shown to boost our mood and attention.
  3. The rising prices and production issues for coffee show how climate change can affect even the smallest things we love. It's a reminder to think about how our habits might change in the future.

Bellingham to Birch Bay

Splattern • 59 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🏝 Travel Culture
  1. Having a good breakfast can really boost your day. Sharing a meal with a friend adds to the positivity!
  2. Running with good energy and views can motivate you to keep going. Sometimes you feel so good that you push yourself further than planned.
  3. Taking care of your body after exercise is important. Stretching and using tools like foam rollers and compression socks can help with recovery.

No Forgiveness

Disaffected Newsletter • 339 implied HN points • 07 Nov 22
🎙 Podcasts Culture
  1. Forgiveness can be difficult for some people. It's okay to feel that way and not force it.
  2. Holding onto anger is a personal choice, and it can be a way to protect oneself. Everyone deals with conflict differently.
  3. It's important to process feelings and not rush to forgive just because others expect it. Everyone has their own pace in healing.

Jerusalem

backstory • 387 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Culture
  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.

The Google Gemini Debacle Shows Us Why Office Politics Matters More Than Ever

The Ruffian • 393 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Culture
  1. Understanding the cultural and political worldview of staff compared to users is critical for companies, especially in today's politicized environment.
  2. AI companies need to consider and be transparent about their cultural politics to address the challenge of aligning AI values with those of society.
  3. The alignment problem for AI companies extends beyond just aligning values with humanity, and it involves understanding different clusters of values and varying cultural perspectives.

kitten corner: memeing the news potato

bad cattitude • 148 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
😂 Humor Culture
  1. Understanding the 'Streisand Effect' is important for journalists. It shows how trying to hide information can actually draw more attention to it.
  2. Media should be smarter about how they handle sensitive topics to avoid creating memes. If they aren't careful, they make things worse for themselves.
  3. Using humor and memes can be an effective way to comment on the news. It's a fun way to engage with serious issues that gets people talking.

How Robins Got Their Name

Bird History • 99 implied HN points • 06 Aug 23
🔬 Science Culture
  1. Robins named in England were given human names like Robert and Robin due to their familiarity and endearing qualities.
  2. American settlers in North America applied the name Robin to birds with orange breasts despite being different species from the English robin.
  3. The name Robin has been widely adopted by various birds across different continents, showcasing the historical influence of English colonization and erasure of indigenous knowledge.

An overview of my thesis in response to an incisive comment

America in Crisis • 99 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Culture
  1. Leftists were not happy with President Obama's performance, believing he should have done more to oppose Republican-influenced policies.
  2. The shift in economic culture from stakeholder capitalism to shareholder primacy after 1981 has led to prioritizing shareholder interests over other stakeholders, resulting in growing income inequality.
  3. The discussion around economic policy typically focuses on job creation over wages and income, reflecting a shareholder primacy culture, which has implications for economic outcomes and equality.

Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited

Restoring Truth • 98 implied HN points • 08 Jun 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Culture
  1. Summer brings changes to routines and weather, affecting how we go about our daily lives.
  2. Beliefs shape our perspectives and reactions to the world's challenges and uncertainties.
  3. Having faith in something greater can provide clarity and purpose in a world filled with uncertainties and doubts.

Get Off Social Media

Stove Top • 98 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Culture
  1. Social media is harmful for kids, leading to increased depression, self-harm, and suicide rates.
  2. Authoritarian leaders are often obsessed with historical grievances, impacting their decision-making.
  3. Helping others is important, but the means matter; it's crucial to avoid harmful or unethical methods.

Book Club: New Focus and New Works

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 55 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
📚 Literature Culture
  1. Human history shows that most of our existence has been in tribes as hunter-gatherers. We have only recently started living in complex societies with rulers.
  2. This shift from tribe to state has taken thousands of years, and it raises questions about whether we needed to live under rulers at all. Could we have chosen a different path?
  3. The idea of freedom we often think of has roots in the critiques of European life by indigenous Americans, not just from Western thinkers in the Enlightenment.

The Lost Children of Scientology

Journal of Free Black Thought • 13 implied HN points • 16 Nov 25
📚 Literature Culture
  1. The author shares memories of being raised in a difficult environment called The Baby Factory, where many infants suffered from neglect and poor conditions. It was a challenging start to life, surrounded by chaos and discomfort.
  2. Growing up within the Scientology movement, the author felt he was seen as property rather than as a person. The movement's strict rules meant that family ties were often severed, leaving children feeling isolated and dispensable.
  3. Despite the hardships, the author finds a sense of purpose in wanting to connect with his mother and the idea of helping others. This hope for adventure gave him a glimpse of a future beyond his difficult upbringing.

thanksgiving subscription sale + classifieds + reflections on my favorite book

bookbear express • 159 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
📚 Literature Culture
  1. There's a Thanksgiving sale for a subscription that offers a discount for annual sign-ups. This is a great chance to access exclusive content and community activities.
  2. The community classifieds are available for subscribers to share personal or professional listings. It's a way to connect with others and find support or services.
  3. The author reflects on their favorite book, 'I Love Dick,' which is about complex emotions and relationships. The book's unique style might not appeal to everyone, but it has a special charm for those who connect with it.

The joy of open spaces (Road note 3: Wyoming) 

Neckar’s Notes • 48 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
🏝 Travel Culture
  1. Wyoming has a beautiful but harsh landscape. While there are stunning views and a sense of freedom, it also feels lonely and rugged.
  2. Many locals take pride in living in this challenging environment. The differences between rural Wyoming and busy places like California can lead to interesting conversations.
  3. Despite the open spaces, there are many fences and restrictions. This makes you feel like the land is controlled and not as free as you might expect.

A Ghost Story About Pies

Vittles • 159 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🍲 Food & Drink Culture
  1. Pimbletts bakery is a big part of the history and culture of St Helens, where pies have been loved for generations. It shows how food connects to the town's industrial past.
  2. Despite its closures and comebacks, the new Pimbletts is facing criticism for not tasting as good as the original. People feel like the history and quality of the pies are being lost.
  3. St Helens struggles with its identity after losing many factories and jobs. Young people see little hope for the future, feeling the town is stuck living in the past.

The Germanic Thunderweapon Part IV: The Axe Man

Norse Mythology & Germanic Lore • 59 implied HN points • 03 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Culture
  1. The linguistic relationship between the words for 'hammer' and 'stone' in Germanic languages is surprisingly close, suggesting an early association between concepts and tools like axes and hammers.
  2. The early Germanic thunder god may have carried an array of weapons, including axes, clubs, hammers, and thunderstones, which over time converged into the iconic image of Thor's hammer.
  3. Related mythologies from regions like Finland, the Baltic, and Slavic cultures show strong similarities to the Norse thunder god Thor, often wielding axes and other weapons, indicating possible shared traditions or exchanges of ideas over time.

Snohomish and Lake Stevens

Splattern • 59 implied HN points • 03 Jan 24
🏝 Travel Culture
  1. The author is on a running adventure, experiencing new places and meeting friendly people along the way. They appreciate little acts of kindness, like getting donuts and a home-cooked meal.
  2. They reflect on personal growth, expressing how their journey feels like a mix of reconnecting with nature and embracing a simpler lifestyle while still having fun.
  3. The adventure includes moments of preparation and safety, showing a balance between exploration and mindful living, like camping and enjoying local foods.

Walking South Korea's Jeju Island

Chris Arnade Walks the World • 418 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
🏝 Travel Culture
  1. Jeju Island in South Korea has more to offer than just being a touristy destination
  2. Exploring Jeju's Olle Trail provides a unique way to experience the island's natural beauty and culture
  3. Despite initial similarities to other Korean cities, Jeju City holds its own distinct charms

Sowing Solidarity: How Lebanon’s Wineries Remain Rooted

Vittles • 159 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🍲 Food & Drink Culture
  1. Lebanon's wineries are facing tough times due to conflict and destruction. Many winemakers are shifting their focus from producing wine to supporting their communities.
  2. The connection to the land is really important for these winemakers. They feel a strong pride in their heritage and want to preserve their agricultural traditions amidst the chaos.
  3. Support from abroad is crucial for the survival of Lebanon's wine industry. Winemakers need strong export partnerships to keep their businesses alive as local markets struggle.

sunday memepool: here we go

bad cattitude • 116 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
😂 Humor Culture
  1. Change is happening all around us, and it's important to embrace it. Instead of resisting, we should adapt to new circumstances.
  2. Humor and memes can help us process and discuss changes in society. They make tough topics more relatable and easier to talk about.
  3. Community support is vital during times of change. It's helpful to share ideas and experiences with others who are going through similar things.

Welcome to Blue River

Splattern • 39 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🏝 Travel Culture
  1. Jean drove to Blue River and was really supportive, even bringing snacks for the journey. The trip was filled with different weather and beautiful scenery.
  2. Lee and Tom welcomed me into their home and are very friendly. Lee has an inspiring story about proving her strength in a male-dominated job on oil rigs.
  3. I played basketball and realized my body is holding me back from performing at my best. I'm hoping to regain my strength and maybe even go skiing while I rest here.

Op-Ed: Is TikTok too big to fail in the US?

The PhilaVerse • 123 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Culture
  1. TikTok has a huge impact on the creator economy and many people rely on it for income. If it were banned, creators and small businesses would struggle to find new ways to make money.
  2. Banning TikTok would also hurt advertising for brands that target younger users. They would have to spend more on other platforms, which could increase costs for businesses.
  3. TikTok influences trends in music, fashion, and more. If it disappeared, there might be a gap in how trends are shared, and it would take time for other platforms to fill that role.

Institute of Modern Art: DNR Australia Book Launch

Do Not Research • 79 implied HN points • 09 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Culture
  1. Do Not Research (DNR) is a platform that focuses on internet culture and was founded in 2020 as a private Discord server.
  2. The platform publishes content twice a week, has over 200 contributors, and hosts physical exhibitions, film screenings, and book launches.
  3. The launch of DNR's new 402-page book 'Do Not Research 2022–2023' is being celebrated at the Institute of Modern Art in Australia.

Borges and the Essay

Orbis Tertius • 546 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23
📚 Literature Culture
  1. Essays used to be more popular in literary circles than stories, according to Borges and Eliot Weinberger.
  2. The rise of journalism led to a decline in free-ranging essays, but the internet and platforms like Substack may bring back the golden age of the essay.
  3. Substack's network structure fosters criticism, experimentation, and avant-garde essays, revitalizing the demand and development of the essay form.

Words and Ideas Can Change the World

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 118 implied HN points • 26 Dec 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Culture
  1. Words and ideas have the power to change the world - they can spark movements and awaken people to important truths.
  2. Expressing gratitude and sharing knowledge can lead to a collective will for freedom and a better future for society.
  3. Encouraging conversations and shedding light on important issues through words and ideas are crucial steps towards a more enlightened and free world.

If I Were an Alien

Polymathic Being • 54 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Culture
  1. Humans can live in very different ways. Some use advanced technology, while others live simply and off the grid, showing how diverse human experiences can be.
  2. Despite our technological advancements, some groups of people have not changed much in thousands of years. This makes us think about what progress really means.
  3. We have the ability to quickly adapt and learn new things, but we also struggle to manage the technology we create. It's a balancing act between embracing change and staying connected to our roots.