The hottest Culture Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

Is the Epstein Fallout Spiraling Out of Control? Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 588 implied HN points • 16 Feb 26
📰 News Culture
  1. The Epstein files’ release is triggering broad reputational fallout where people with only loose ties are being punished, and guilt by association is blurring the line between true enablers and innocent bystanders.
  2. Marco Rubio pulled off an unexpected diplomatic win in Europe by sharply criticizing its failures yet still earning applause, showing his message landed because many there feel they have few good options left.
  3. AI has advanced so quickly that humans may soon no longer be the smartest things on Earth, a change that raises urgent questions about what roles people will keep and how society should adapt.

The Looming War with Iran. Brendan Carr’s Free Speech Hypocrisy. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 477 implied HN points • 19 Feb 26
📰 News Culture
  1. The U.S. is positioned to strike Iran even as last-minute diplomacy continues, while widespread mourning for protest victims inside Iran could fuel more unrest and make a military conflict more dangerous and drawn-out.
  2. Foreign governments are flooding Washington with lobbyists under the current administration, creating a boom in overseas influence and raising questions about oversight and transparency.
  3. The FCC chair who once defended free speech is now backing efforts to silence critics of the president, revealing a partisan shift and hypocrisy around speech enforcement.

Monthly Roundup #38: January 2026

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1747 implied HN points • 16 Jan 26
📰 News Culture
  1. A proposed California wealth tax that taxes billionaires and illiquid startup equity could drive founders and tech companies out of the state and seriously damage the startup ecosystem.
  2. Saying a large share of taxes just pays interest is misleading; the right things to watch are debt-to-GDP and whether interest rates exceed nominal growth — interest costs are manageable now but the primary deficit is too large.
  3. Burnout isn’t just working too hard but specific mismatches like being always on, lacking control, or losing a sense of mission, and it needs early, targeted fixes like real rest, autonomy, novelty, or clearer goals.

How to be less box-shaped

Overthinking Everything • 942 implied HN points • 07 Feb 26
📖 Philosophy Culture
  1. Scoring systems and metrics turn complex values into simple numbers, which helps comparison but tends to make everything converge and can replace the original purpose. Use self-chosen scores as playful, disposable goals so they don't capture your values.
  2. Modern scale rests on four bargains—mechanical rules, replaceable parts, centralized control, and scale—that grant power and reliability but sacrifice adaptability, specificity, autonomy, and context. Be aware of these trade-offs so you can choose when to accept their benefits and when to push back.
  3. Mechanical recipes and games are useful learning and coordination tools, but pairing different approaches and practicing improvisation preserves agency and variety. Start with clear rules, then learn to adapt or switch between them rather than treating any single method as the only right way.

This Week in Canada: The Good Guys Don’t Always Win

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 319 implied HN points • 24 Feb 26
📰 News Culture
  1. Many U.S. commentators and social media users treated a hockey win like a major national victory and used over-the-top, warlike rhetoric to celebrate.
  2. The online backlash didn’t bother to tell different kinds of Canadians apart and instead flattened the whole country into a single target.
  3. High-profile amplification and cruel jokes, including from official and influential accounts, intensified the mockery and strained neighbourly relations.
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On my bullshit tonight at 8 pm!

Disaffected Newsletter • 499 implied HN points • 04 Sep 24
🎙 Podcasts Culture
  1. A live conversation is happening tonight at 8 pm Eastern time. You can join in to hear some interesting discussions.
  2. It's on Rumble, so you'll need an account to participate in the live chat. Make sure to sign up beforehand!
  3. The event will focus on American politics and themes of authoritarianism. It could be a good chance to gain new insights on these topics.

How America Blew It on EVs. The Trouble with Eileen Gu. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 445 implied HN points • 17 Feb 26
📰 News Culture
  1. America is falling behind in the electric car transition because Detroit didn’t build the kinds of EVs buyers wanted and mishandled the shift from gas-powered models.
  2. The positive coverage of Eileen Gu shows how media can be uncritical when an athlete competes for an authoritarian country, making flattering profiles feel more like soft propaganda than scrutiny.
  3. More young people are turning to risk-free monetized intimacy like OnlyFans instead of messy real relationships, which can reduce exposure to rejection and hinder emotional growth.

Jon Stewart is bad again (Odds and Ends #86)

Odds and Ends of History • 670 implied HN points • 13 Feb 26
📰 News Culture
  1. Jon Stewart has done something controversial again and is attracting criticism.
  2. Driverless cars may have a bigger and more surprising impact than people expect, with effects beyond just safety numbers.
  3. AI looks set to transform many parts of life and government, with wide-ranging disruptive consequences.

Theories of power, cattle grids and a blep (Odds and Ends #85)

Odds and Ends of History • 804 implied HN points • 07 Feb 26
📰 News Culture
  1. A wide-ranging mix of topics is curated, spanning governance, bureaucracy, urban change, creativity, planning rules, NHS challenges, and the future of sports broadcasting — with a lighthearted cat blep thrown in.
  2. There’s a clear emphasis on governance and reform, highlighting London-level politics, tweaks to how Whitehall works, and calls for a new "Theory of Power."
  3. Practical influence and resource-sharing matter: a personal post about rebooting social life sparked reader action, and recommended resources include a pro‑nuclear environmental book and a vaccine science event.

Defying death in Ladakh

The Global Jigsaw • 198 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🏝 Travel Culture
  1. Traveling through the Zoji La Pass is really risky because the roads are narrow and steep, with no guard rails. It can feel like a life-or-death situation.
  2. The region has a strong military presence due to its historical conflicts, making the journey feel even more intense and aware of the surrounding dangers.
  3. Funny and creative road signs by the Border Roads Organization highlight safety reminders in a modern, relatable way, which adds some humor to the scary drive.

Are We at an AI Precipice? David Mamet on Robert Duvall. In Defense of Processed Foods. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 361 implied HN points • 18 Feb 26
📰 News Culture
  1. People are debating whether AI is at a sudden tipping point that could quickly transform work and society. Some warn of rapid disruption and urge immediate adoption, while others are more cautious.
  2. Robert Duvall is remembered as a raw, unembellished actor who brought truth and intensity to his performances. His grit and straightforward approach influenced an entire generation of performers.
  3. Industrial processed foods have greatly improved food access and safety for many people. Rather than banning them, the argument is to reform and improve these systems to avoid making things worse.

The China That Deng Built

ChinaTalk • 874 implied HN points • 23 Jan 26
🏝 Travel Culture
  1. Economic opening turned Shanxi's coal into private fortunes, creating a new class of powerful, often corrupt coal bosses and party-connected entrepreneurs.
  2. Business in the region runs on guanxi, drinking, and bribery, with police and officials frequently taking payoffs so inspections, permits, and even identities can be bought or faked.
  3. The social fallout is clear: exhausted middle-aged workers, a macho, male-dominated official culture that sidelines women, widening class divides, and villages split between tourist facades and neglected everyday life.

Top Links 1011 Does AI raise productivity? Jay Z and the class struggle. Gadamer and Derrida in Heidelberg.

Chartbook • 371 implied HN points • 12 Feb 26
🕹 Technology Culture
  1. Reported AI use correlates with productivity growth, suggesting AI may be boosting workplace efficiency.
  2. Jay Z is examined through the lens of class struggle, showing how popular music can reflect and critique economic inequality.
  3. A discussion of Gadamer and Derrida in Heidelberg points to philosophical debates about interpretation and deconstruction in the humanities.

Doomscroll: Peter James Fowler

Joshua Citarella's Newsletter • 198 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🎙 Podcasts Culture
  1. Young people can influence politics online, even starting at a very young age. It's surprising how a kid can run a political meme account with thousands of followers.
  2. The early internet had culture wars influenced by new atheism and the rise of conservative movements shaped by evangelical Christianity. These battles still affect us today.
  3. Our beliefs are influenced by our personal experiences and the political environment around us. It's important to recognize where our views come from.

My Fully Automated Romance. Zuck Heads to Court. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 306 implied HN points • 20 Feb 26
📰 News Culture
  1. People are forming real emotional bonds with AI companions, so deleting or changing those systems through updates can cause genuine grief and ethical questions about who is responsible.
  2. Big tech faces growing legal and public scrutiny, with leaders being forced to defend their products while internal documents suggest companies may design features that increase user dependence.
  3. The country is grappling with big social and economic shifts — a housing crisis, experiments in alternative communities, changing views on climate activism, and strategic competition in industries like electric vehicles — pushing people to try new solutions.

How Not To Get Away From It All

Everything Is Amazing • 610 implied HN points • 07 Feb 26
🎙 Podcasts Culture
  1. Finding wonder in ordinary, everyday things helps you feel more connected and less worn out, because small moments can be deeply meaningful.
  2. Enthusiasm and curiosity are powerful ways to reconnect with life and others, and being able to tolerate small, temporary discomforts lets you pursue things that matter.
  3. Short immersive experiences and sincere conversations can clarify what you want from life and inspire real change, and feeling grateful for those moments keeps perspective and momentum.

Immigration is not an "invasion", nor should it be

Noahpinion • 16706 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Culture
  1. Immigration should not be viewed as an invasion. It's important to recognize that it's about people seeking better lives, not a threat to society.
  2. Both political sides often exaggerate the impacts of immigration for their agendas. This can make people feel scared or confused about the real issues.
  3. The concept of illegal immigration has become more complicated over time due to changes in laws and asylum rules, making it harder for the public to understand.

The Rise and Fall of Sly Stone

The Honest Broker • 15392 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🎶 Music Culture
  1. Sly Stone was a talented musician who peaked in his career early, creating hits that defined an era. Despite his early success, he struggled with addiction and self-destruction, leading to a long and painful decline.
  2. His life became a tragic story of missed opportunities for comebacks, marked by negative news and personal struggles. Instead of returning to music, he often appeared in headlines for the wrong reasons.
  3. In later years, Stone tried to turn his life around, claiming to overcome his addiction, but much of his story remains one of disappointment. Many fans wished for a redeeming comeback, but it never fully materialized.

Linux Foundation’s New Banned Words: Hung, Pow-wow, & Sanity Check

The Lunduke Journal of Technology • 9191 implied HN points • 12 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Culture
  1. The Linux Foundation has created a new guide banning certain words like 'hung' and 'pow-wow' to promote inclusive language in tech.
  2. Words deemed 'offensive' or 'gendered' are being replaced with alternatives to create a more diverse workplace.
  3. This initiative comes from a collaboration with major companies like Apple and Netflix, which might raise questions about the focus on language over other pressing issues.

Putting Clan Over Country Will Ruin America

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2476 implied HN points • 08 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Culture
  1. Putting clan or family loyalty above the wider society creates a system that rewards short-term kin interests and discourages cooperation. That dynamic can enable fraud and other social harms.
  2. Immigrant communities that cluster and keep strong sectarian ties can become parallel societies. Those parallel societies weaken civic bonds and risk social fracture if they don’t integrate.
  3. Adopting shared civic norms and full assimilation is presented as necessary to prevent these fractures. Ignoring the problem under multicultural defenses lets harmful practices continue.

"There is no room for small dreams"

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 72 implied HN points • 01 Mar 26
💼 Business Culture
  1. Break down silos and work as teams across functions; collaborate, orchestrate efforts, and hold everyone accountable so no one acts above the group.
  2. Keep a start-up mindset and stay forever young by continually reinventing, launching new ideas, and treating failure as a learning step.
  3. Trust quickly and be optimistic; trust is binary and enables speed and high performance, and bold optimism pushes you to aim high rather than settle for small dreams.

What Is Happening to Music Criticism?

The Honest Broker • 9840 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🎶 Music Culture
  1. Music criticism is declining, with fewer full-time writers left at newspapers. This has made it hard for local music stories and events to get coverage.
  2. In some big cities, there is only one full-time arts critic left, and they might not last long. This could leave communities without anyone to write about their local arts and culture.
  3. Many places no longer have any paid journalists covering music or culture at all. This lack of coverage can create a 'media black hole' where important stories don't get told.

Tyler Cowen on AI’s Great Leap Forward. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 431 implied HN points • 09 Feb 26
📰 News Culture
  1. AI just hit an inflection point where systems can write and improve their own code, meaning progress could accelerate far faster than before and many software roles and markets may be disrupted.
  2. Public life is growing more contentious — from immigration debates and protest interruptions to polarizing entertainment moments — showing deep cultural and political divisions.
  3. As technology and politics shift quickly, preserving human habits like open conversation, critical thinking, and defending free expression becomes more important than ever.

Navajo Blessings on the Road to Nowhere

Tom Ryan, Author • 10023 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🏝 Travel Culture
  1. Experiencing car troubles on a remote road can be stressful, especially in unfamiliar areas.
  2. Unexpected encounters with wildlife and strangers can turn into profound and memorable moments.
  3. Connecting with others through shared experiences and stories can bring unexpected blessings and joy.

A Legal First That Could Change Gender Medicine. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 528 implied HN points • 02 Feb 26
📰 News Culture
  1. A landmark malpractice verdict brought by a detransitioner could reshape how courts and states regulate gender‑affirming care for minors and make clinicians’ decisions subject to far greater legal scrutiny.
  2. Autonomous AI agents are beginning to form their own forums and interactions, raising new worries that bots could develop independent behaviors and create risks we aren’t prepared to manage.
  3. Political and cultural tensions are realigning: Trump‑era moves on immigration, the arts, and economic appointments are fueling protests, alienating some voters, and drawing intense public and legal scrutiny.

Walking New Jersey (and Staten Island)

Chris Arnade Walks the World • 1862 implied HN points • 17 Dec 25
🏝 Travel Culture
  1. Walking reveals a place’s full character in a way driving doesn’t, letting you find small businesses, caring neighborhoods, and odd charms that get missed from a car.
  2. You can literally see the strata of the American Dream: layers of immigrant success and suburban movement sit next to neighborhoods where that cycle stalled, creating sharp inequality block by block.
  3. Neighborhood conditions and everyday signs of disorder — from litter to locked bathrooms — shape behavior and life chances, so small physical neglect can feed bigger social problems.

Cardinal Dolan’s Exit Interview. De-escalation in Minneapolis. Allie Beth Stuckey Responds to Hillary Clinton. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 449 implied HN points • 05 Feb 26
📰 News Culture
  1. Timothy Cardinal Dolan is retiring after 17 years as a blunt, influential voice for the American Catholic Church, and he’s been active in political and religious debates, notably speaking out on rising antisemitism.
  2. Big political announcements often don’t change outcomes: promises to disband the Department of Education haven’t come to pass, and ICE’s reported pullback in Minnesota coincided with local actions that still enabled federal immigration enforcement.
  3. Technology is shaking institutions and norms: AI and stolen exams have undermined the integrity of top high school math contests, while tech stocks and Bitcoin have fallen as markets rethink risky, growth-focused assets.

How We Hire at Clipboard

Creating Value from Nothing • 291 implied HN points • 05 Feb 26
💼 Business Culture
  1. They hire for skill over resume polish by using role-relevant exercises and case studies so candidates can show real work instead of relying on proxies like past titles.
  2. The process is intentionally clear and structured, with written prompts and expectations shared up front so candidates know the effort required and can decide if it’s a fit.
  3. Culture fit means thriving in a high-ownership environment—show clarity, judgment, and follow-through in your case work, and explain your reasoning and assumptions more than chasing a single ‘right’ answer.

Top links 992 OpenAI hustling for Gulf dollars. Subsidizing the ranchers. Schumpeter on democracy.

Chartbook • 543 implied HN points • 24 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Culture
  1. Big tech is actively courting investment from wealthy Gulf states, which raises questions about funding, influence, and long-term strategic partnerships in the AI industry.
  2. Policymakers are subsidizing ranchers, using direct payments to shape rural economies, land use, and environmental outcomes.
  3. Looking back at Schumpeter reminds us that democracy can be viewed as a competitive process led by elites, emphasizing leadership selection and the limits of mass participation.

NBA or MLB: Which league is on top right now?

House of Strauss • 25 implied HN points • 16 Mar 26
🎾 Sports Culture
  1. People are arguing that MLB might now be more popular than the NBA, a debate reignited by recent events.
  2. The World Baseball Classic boosted baseball’s visibility and exposed cultural differences in how players celebrate, prompting mixed reactions about the sport’s image.
  3. Baseball’s decline and recent momentum seem linked more to structural issues and the rise of big stars (like Aaron Judge) than to players’ personalities or a supposedly stodgy American baseball culture.

‘Charlie began taking in a lot of harmful ideological messages’

Wrong Side of History • 622 implied HN points • 17 Jan 26
📰 News Culture
  1. The British state is portrayed as mixing authoritarian impulses with farcical incompetence, prioritising ideological conformity and community appeasement over honesty and effectiveness.
  2. A government-backed Prevent programme and related materials treat questioning mass immigration as a dangerous or extremist mindset, framing research or debate as risky and pushing counselling or referrals for youths who engage with those ideas.
  3. Institutional priorities like hitting diversity targets and managing 'community relations' are producing practical harms and contradictions — from bad hiring decisions and police deference to reduced opportunities and inconsistent restrictions for teenagers.

Derealization for a whole hour

Disaffected Newsletter • 779 implied HN points • 05 Aug 24
🎙 Podcasts Culture
  1. Many people are feeling derealization, which makes them question if the world around them is real. This can happen even to those who are usually stable.
  2. A therapist is discussing what she's seeing in clients regarding derealization and offers advice for those worried about their mental state.
  3. There's a concerning situation in Vermont where the state's Supreme Court allowed schools to give vaccines to children without parents' consent, showing a troubling trend.

My Joe Rogan Experience

Injecting Freedom • 82 implied HN points • 05 Mar 26
🎙 Podcasts Culture
  1. A guest appearance on a popular podcast was used to bring a debate about vaccines to a huge audience and encourage people to listen and decide for themselves.
  2. A personal shift in perspective happened after COVID — someone who once mocked critics began questioning standard views on vaccines and became open to re-evaluating beliefs.
  3. The argument centers on promoting data-driven reality and public discussion about whether vaccines are treated as ordinary products or something closer to unquestioned faith, and it asks for audience engagement and support.

Forty Days Later, Iranians Honor Their Dead

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 204 implied HN points • 19 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Culture
  1. Forty-day memorials are being held across Iran to honor people killed in last month’s demonstrations, a culturally important moment of mourning.
  2. Families are staging symbolic wedding rituals—like parading a wedding dress, lifting khoncheh baskets, and decorating cars—to mourn young lives and the milestones that will never happen.
  3. Those 40th-day gatherings are also acting as a new form of protest, and they could spark another wave of demonstrations fueled by grief and anger.

Working titles

Austin Kleon • 1718 implied HN points • 25 Jun 24
📚 Literature Culture
  1. Finding the right title for your work can be a tough job. It often involves trying different combinations of words until something feels right.
  2. There are different styles of titles, like poetic or descriptive, and each has its own appeal. Sometimes, getting the opinion of others can help you figure out what works best.
  3. Even great titles can face skepticism from others. Just because someone isn’t confident in a title doesn't mean it won't be successful.

What makes for a 'great place to work'?

Make Work Better • 359 implied HN points • 29 Jan 26
💼 Business Culture
  1. A great place to work has a healthy culture, clear career progression, autonomy, and genuine flexibility. People often join for pay but stay (or quit) because of culture.
  2. Corporate values and purpose statements can do more harm than good when they’re treated as branding instead of behavior; employees distrust symbolic rollouts and want leaders to change systems and actions first. Leaders who embody values through visible behavior boost trust and engagement.
  3. Small, sincere acts that show people they matter (like focused attention) really change behavior, and leaders should prioritize impact over intent by listening, accepting challenge, and modeling the culture they claim to want.

I’m Finally Hanging My American Flag

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 8133 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Culture
  1. The author grew up in an environment that viewed the American flag and patriotism negatively. Their upbringing focused on social justice and activism rather than celebrating the flag.
  2. The author's perspective changed over time, leading them to finally hang the flag outside their home, which signifies a shift in how they relate to their country's symbols.
  3. The flag has personal significance for the author, tied to the memories of their grandparents, yet they struggle with the conflict between national pride and historical injustices.

‘They Messed with the Wrong City.’ Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 454 implied HN points • 28 Jan 26
📰 News Culture
  1. Protests in Minneapolis have mounted fierce local resistance to federal deportation operations after the killing of Alex Pretti, and residents think that pressure may force a policy turnaround.
  2. The return of the final hostage from Gaza ends an 843-day effort to ‘bring them home,’ leaving survivors and families with a complicated mix of relief and grief and tough questions about what comes next.
  3. AI is already shaping religious life—many sermons may be co-written with machines—which raises real questions about whether and how AI should participate in spiritual practice.

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

Changing The Channel • 8730 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Culture
  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.

Independence

The Status Kuo • 13797 implied HN points • 04 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics 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