The hottest Culture Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

Are hotdesks always hellish?

Make Work Better • 103 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
💼 Business Workplace Culture Management Productivity Human Resources
  1. Most companies use their office space less than three days a week and are planning to reduce their office size in the near future. This change is a response to new work habits formed during the pandemic.
  2. Employees can be happy with hotdesks, but it's crucial to have a variety of workspaces available. A diverse range of settings helps them feel productive and satisfied.
  3. Some workers struggle more than others in hotdesk environments, indicating that not everyone adapts the same way. Companies should consider individual needs, like having good booking systems for personal spaces.

Mt Kilimanjaro Trip Report

Splattern • 59 implied HN points • 30 Jul 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Hiking Culture Fundraising Health
  1. Climbing Kilimanjaro can be a chaotic adventure filled with unexpected challenges. Embracing the unpredictability makes the journey even more real and meaningful.
  2. Experiencing poverty and instability in Africa can change your perspective on life. It highlights the importance of being present and valuing the beauty that exists despite hardships.
  3. The climb is not just about reaching the summit but about understanding deeper human connection and compassion. Helping others, especially the less fortunate, becomes a more significant goal alongside personal challenges.

"Totalitarian Jesus" and the New Obscurantism

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Philosophy Consciousness Culture Mysticism
  1. Some people feel really stressed about current politics and the future. It's making them think deeply about what's happening in the world.
  2. There are concerns that culture and spirituality are in danger from negative forces in society. Many believe we need to pay attention to these threats.
  3. Dreaming about worse scenarios, like concentration camps, shows how intense and fearful these feelings about the future can be.
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Crimea

Cosmographia • 1078 implied HN points • 09 Aug 23
🏝 Travel Culture Literature Photography
  1. The post is about Crimea and is part of the Atlas' Notes series on Cosmographia, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography centered around a specific place.
  2. The content seems to be for paid subscribers only.
  3. The post includes a link to subscribe to Cosmographia and a prompt to sign in for existing paid subscribers.

Odds and Ends #42: An Elizabeth Line extension, some mad planning law nonsense, and the world's most pointless letter

Odds and Ends of History • 402 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
📰 News Politics History Culture Environment Education
  1. There's a big extension happening for the Elizabeth Line, which is good news for public transport in the area.
  2. Some planning laws are causing headaches between government bodies, which shows how complicated regulations can be.
  3. A new bat tunnel that cost £100 million exists, and it raises questions about how resources are used in environmental projects.

Fertility Links

In My Tribe • 258 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Demographics Culture Economics Education
  1. Having a large family isn't just about genes; social factors and peer influence play a big role in family size. Changes in culture can lead to shifts in how many children people choose to have.
  2. U.S. education policies may unintentionally delay family planning by encouraging young people to stay in school longer. This can create a lifestyle that is not very conducive to having kids.
  3. Population density doesn’t seem to strongly affect fertility rates. Family-oriented people often prefer living in suburban or rural areas, which may be why we see lower fertility rates in cities.

Kilimanjaro Rest Days

Splattern • 79 implied HN points • 15 Jul 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Charity Culture Travel tips Education
  1. It's important to listen to your body and take rest days when needed, especially before a big adventure like climbing Kilimanjaro.
  2. Building trust is key in helping others. Support is more effective when there's a relationship, not just financial aid.
  3. Sometimes people may not be honest about their capabilities or achievements. It's important to guide them positively while holding them accountable.

Field Notes: Bangkok

Terra Nullius, by Ned Donovan • 54 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🏝 Travel Destinations Culinary Culture Health Lifestyle
  1. Bangkok is seeing fewer babies and a rise in pet ownership. Many young families are having fewer children due to costs and changing social values.
  2. It's hard to find trash bins in Bangkok, making it tricky to throw things away while exploring the city. This small issue can be surprisingly annoying while walking around.
  3. Traffic in Bangkok can be really bad, especially during rush hours. It's better to plan your travels outside of these peak times to avoid long waits.

The 3 pm blackout is a cartel move and you're all being had

Grace on Football • 1022 implied HN points • 11 Mar 23
🎾 Sports Football Television Economics Broadcasting Culture
  1. The 3 pm blackout in English football prevents TV broadcasting to protect attendance, but it may not be justifiable.
  2. Supporters of the blackout rely on the status quo and need to prove its positive impact on attendance and fan support.
  3. The blackout benefits Premier League's financial interests by limiting TV broadcast to maintain higher demand and value.

Disaffected on Audio, right here on Substack

Disaffected Newsletter • 579 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🎙 Podcasts Audio Shows Media Entertainment Communication Culture
  1. The podcast is now available in audio format on Substack. It's a new way for listeners to engage with the content.
  2. Feedback from the audience is welcome to improve the show. They want to hear your thoughts and questions.
  3. The newsletter is supported by readers, and subscriptions help sustain its production. Joining as a free or paid subscriber shows your support.

Emotional Armor with Michael Malice

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 492 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🎙 Podcasts Interviews Comedy Culture Media Conversations
  1. Emotional armor helps people cope with tough situations. It’s like a protective shield that keeps negative feelings at bay.
  2. Humor is a great way to deal with serious topics. Laughing can lighten heavy discussions and make them more enjoyable.
  3. Connecting with others through shared experiences can make hard times easier. Talking about feelings and experiences can help build strong bonds.

My Friends Aren't Reading

Notes from a Small Press • 84 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
📚 Literature Publishing Reading Writing Books Culture
  1. Many people aren't reading books as much as they used to. This makes it tough for publishers to find audiences.
  2. Publishers need to think creatively to reach new readers. They might need to change their marketing strategies.
  3. Creating engaging and relevant content could help get more people interested in reading again. Finding fun ways to share stories may attract new fans.

Maki High School

Splattern • 59 implied HN points • 25 Jul 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Education Charity Culture Storytelling
  1. Visiting Masudi at Maki High School was a joyful experience. It showed how much he has grown and how education changed his life.
  2. Emanuel emphasizes that successful business can help with charity work. He believes that being successful in business allows more money to go directly to those in need.
  3. Living has a strong interest in trading and is determined to write about it. His insights about the emotional side of trading were insightful and inspiring.

A Celebration (And Map!) Of London: The Biography

Londonist: Time Machine • 499 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration History Culture Literature Travel Books
  1. Peter Ackroyd's 'London: The Biography' is a captivating book that deeply explores London's history through themed chapters.
  2. Mapping the geobibliome of 'London: The Biography' reveals Ackroyd's thorough coverage of central London with fewer mentions of areas south of the river.
  3. Reading 'London: The Biography' can inspire a deeper connection with the city and spark a lifelong interest in its history and exploration.

Faroe Islands

Cosmographia • 958 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
🏝 Travel Exploration Culture Photography
  1. The post is part of the Atlas' Notes series by Cosmographia, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography related to specific locations like the Faroe Islands.
  2. The content seems to be meant for paid subscribers, as indicated by the subscription prompt and sign-in options.
  3. The featured imagery suggests a visually engaging exploration of the Faroe Islands through different forms of art and storytelling.

Two Tales from Laos: Iron Age Battlefields & Demons In The Night

Grey Goose Chronicles • 943 implied HN points • 14 May 23
💾 History Culture War Religion Archaeology Conflict
  1. The Taiping Rebellion led to conflicts and alliances in Laos involving different groups and wars.
  2. The Plain of Jars in Laos holds mysterious archaeological artifacts from the Iron Age, sparking interest and research.
  3. The Hmong people faced complex challenges from wars, alliances, and a post-war mystery known as SUNDS that impacted their community.

Neru

Splattern • 59 implied HN points • 23 Jul 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Culture Exploration Experiences Local Life
  1. The author is in a remote village called Neru, meeting locals and experiencing their daily lives. It's a big change from tourist areas and offers a unique perspective.
  2. The author met new friends, Habibu and Living, who shared their backgrounds and struggles for a better life. They highlighted how important friendship is, especially in new places.
  3. The author is training for an upcoming event while enjoying local experiences. He understands the importance of balancing fitness with cultural exploration.

Was the American Founding Revolutionary?

The Redneck Intellectual by C. Bradley Thompson • 530 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History Philosophy Culture Faith & Spirituality Literature
  1. The American Founding was a revolution blending old and new elements in society.
  2. The Founding Fathers upheld a 'spirit of liberty' from the colonial period in building a new kind of society.
  3. American society saw radical change after the Founding, with a shift to individual rights and dynamic living.

It's that "Time of the Season" to "Tell Her No," but uh-oh "She's Not There"!

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 199 implied HN points • 07 May 24
🎶 Music Rock History Culture Albums Artists
  1. The Zombies are a famous 1960s band known for their unique sound and hit songs like 'She's Not There' and 'Time of the Season.'
  2. Their successful music came from a mix of talent, early musical backgrounds, and the impressive environment at St. Albans School.
  3. After some ups and downs in their career, the band reformed and is still creating new music and touring, showing they still have the magic from their early days.

OSD 303: Why isn’t there more violence?

Open Source Defense • 52 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Control Crime Rates Public Policy Culture
  1. Laws alone don't heavily influence crime rates; many other factors play a significant role. Neighborhoods with the same laws can show huge differences in violence rates due to social and cultural differences.
  2. Most people choose not to engage in violence because they have better life choices and moral values. It's a positive sign that people's personal choices, rather than just laws, limit violence.
  3. Issues like gun misuse are not just about making laws tougher but about changing cultural attitudes toward violence. Making misuse culturally unthinkable can be more effective than focusing solely on legislation.

Doing "The Twist" with Chubby Checker

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 179 implied HN points • 14 May 24
🎶 Music Rock Dance Culture History Entertainment
  1. Dancing is for everyone, no matter your age or skill level. You can move to your favorite music in any way that feels good.
  2. Chubby Checker's song 'The Twist' became a huge hit twice, and it's a dance that anyone can do easily and with fun.
  3. Over time, people often lose their confidence to dance, but it's important to embrace joy and creativity, just like we did as kids.

Farewell Canada

Splattern • 239 implied HN points • 18 Apr 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Sports Culture Nature Community
  1. The journey involved running and skiing over 1,200 miles, showing a real commitment to adventure. It was not just about the distance but also the experiences along the way.
  2. The support from strangers and friends was incredible, with many people offering help and kindness. Each act of generosity made the journey feel less lonely.
  3. The author felt grateful for the adventure and the people who contributed to it. It was a reminder of how important community and human connections are.

Dad's On the DLL

Default Wisdom • 62 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Internet Culture Education Society Case Studies
  1. Theo was introduced to the Internet at a young age and became the tech expert in his family. This shows how early exposure can influence someone’s skills and interests.
  2. Having unrestricted access to the Internet allowed Theo to explore and learn more about technology. It's important to have the freedom to experiment, especially when learning.
  3. Regular case studies can provide insightful lessons and patterns over time. They help us understand how different experiences shape people and their skills.

First letters found in new scroll

Vesuvius Challenge • 62 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
💾 History Ancient Archaeology Literature Culture Research
  1. A new scroll called PHerc. 172 has been discovered, and it was buried during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius around 79 AD.
  2. Scientists are excited because they clearly see ink in the scroll for the first time, allowing them to start reading its Greek text.
  3. The team is looking for help to further analyze the scroll and unlock more of its content, as many words are already close to being readable.

A Quiet Walk to the Gulag

Restoring Truth • 884 implied HN points • 11 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Social Issues Civil Rights Religion Culture
  1. The author reflects on the historical context of Stalinist Russia and draws parallels to modern-day societal control and demonization.
  2. The text warns about the dangers of complacency and the gradual erosion of freedoms and beliefs under oppressive regimes.
  3. A call for vigilance and resistance against forces that seek to silence dissent and reshape societal norms, emphasizing the importance of standing firm in one's beliefs.

The Flip, The Formation, and The Fun

The Joyous Struggle • 691 implied HN points • 23 Nov 23
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Ethics Politics Education Culture
  1. The flip involves changing our understanding of reality to see consciousness and value as primary, leading to a sacred view of the world.
  2. The formation requires a shift from utilitarianism to virtue ethics, focusing on shaping desires towards higher purposes and societal good.
  3. The fun pertains to a shift in societal goals from growth to intrinsic ends like spiritual and creative fulfillment, aiming for an attractive and galvanizing future.

The Civil War on the campaign trail

steveinskeep • 511 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History Culture Leaders Ideology Presidential Campaigns
  1. Presidential candidates discussed the cause of the Civil War, revealing the contested history and beliefs about slavery.
  2. Nikki Haley and Donald Trump's differing views on the cause of the war highlight the cultural and historical perspectives around slavery.
  3. The conversation around the Civil War and negotiation reflects broader cultural beliefs and perspectives on conflict resolution and compromise.

Hero Culture means your systems are broken

Sunday Letters • 159 implied HN points • 19 May 24
💼 Business Organization Leadership Culture Systems Processes
  1. Hero culture shows that a company's systems aren't working right. If you need someone to save the day, there's likely a problem with the organization's processes.
  2. Celebrating heroes can be nice, but it distracts from fixing the real issues. It's better to thank them and work together to prevent future emergencies.
  3. Good systems include clear documentation and solid processes. These tools help avoid relying on individuals to step in and fix issues all the time.

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.

Twenty one

Infinitely More • 7 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Game Theory Logic Education Mathematics Culture
  1. The game of Twenty-One involves two players counting to twenty-one by saying one to three numbers each turn. The goal is to be the one who says 'twenty-one' to win.
  2. Players can develop strategies to control the game and eventually win. It’s smart to think ahead about how many numbers to say.
  3. This game can help illustrate important ideas in game theory. It’s a fun way to explore how cooperation and strategy work together.

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.