The hottest Culture Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics
Bet On It β€’ 65 implied HN points β€’ 27 Nov 24
  1. Education is important for personal growth and future opportunities. It helps individuals gain knowledge and skills that can lead to better jobs.
  2. Social desirability bias can affect how people respond in surveys and studies. This means they might give answers that they think are more acceptable rather than honest.
  3. Podcasts can be a powerful tool for sharing information and ideas. They allow for engaging discussions on various topics, reaching a wide audience.
illyanna Maisonet's Newsletter β€’ 452 implied HN points β€’ 23 Jan 24
  1. The history of the Mission burrito and its connection to the creation of Chipotle by a person named Steve.
  2. Instructions on how to engage on social media platforms like leaving comments and clicking hearts under a video.
  3. Benefits of being a paid subscriber to the newsletter, including exclusive content and perks like recipes, videos, and a list of places to eat.
Brent and Michael are Going Places β€’ 825 implied HN points β€’ 27 Mar 23
  1. The author shared a not-so-glamorous travel experience of dealing with a bathroom emergency while waiting at a consulate.
  2. The story highlights the challenges of finding a bathroom and dealing with cultural differences while travelling in Asia.
  3. Always carry tissue when traveling to avoid potentially uncomfortable situations like the one described in the story.
Splattern β€’ 79 implied HN points β€’ 02 Jul 24
  1. Running in Tanzania can be a tough but rewarding experience. It's a chance to bond with local people and learn about their lives.
  2. The local community is very supportive, often providing food and water along the way. It shows how hospitality plays a big role in their culture.
  3. The journey makes you appreciate what others go through, especially when facing challenges like poverty. Connecting with the locals can really change your perspective.
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Chris Arnade Walks the World β€’ 771 implied HN points β€’ 14 Mar 24
  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.
Malt Liquidity β€’ 5 implied HN points β€’ 09 Feb 25
  1. Many people today drink less or choose non-alcoholic options, which some believe is not a healthy approach to relaxation and socializing. Historically, alcohol has been used as a way to enjoy life and unwind.
  2. Alcohol can help people deal with the stress of social situations and bridge the gap between how we see ourselves and how others perceive us. This balance can create meaningful social interactions.
  3. Younger generations may struggle with drinking due to evolving societal standards and the fear of negative consequences. It's important for people to learn to enjoy life and make mistakes rather than avoiding experiences.
Intimations of a New Worldview β€’ 766 implied HN points β€’ 05 Apr 23
  1. The left and right hemispheres of the brain are involved in different cognitive styles, such as precision and generalization.
  2. There is evidence for the significant and systematic differences between the cerebral hemispheres, influencing how attention is allocated and relevance is realized.
  3. The conflict between science and mythology can be seen as analogous to the differences in cognitive styles between the left and right hemispheres, emphasizing the importance of integrating different approaches.
Brent and Michael are Going Places β€’ 766 implied HN points β€’ 24 Jun 23
  1. The author shares adventures and insights from traveling in Cambodia, including visiting a floating village and dealing with embassy challenges.
  2. A story about a floating village showcases the impact of tourism on local communities and the importance of education in changing lives.
  3. The author recounts a powerful book recommendation highlighting the brutal Khmer Rouge period in Cambodia.
House of Strauss β€’ 41 implied HN points β€’ 23 Dec 24
  1. The NBA faced a tough time in the mid-2000s but managed to recover from a drop in viewer interest. Recognizing how they turned things around can help address current issues in the league.
  2. There is a lot of negativity around the NBA today, especially from retired players and media pundits. Their comments can discourage casual fans from watching games.
  3. Discussing the NBA's previous comeback story feels uncomfortable to some people. It's important to reflect on past successes to find solutions for today's challenges.
Londonist: Time Machine β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 19 May 24
  1. London has various locations related to Hitchcock's life and work, such as Leytonstone where he was born and Hackney where he started his career in the film industry.
  2. Visiting Leytonstone allows for a Hitchcock-themed experience, with places like the Hitchcock Hotel and mosaics at Leytonstone tube station paying homage to the director.
  3. Islington Studios in Hackney is where Hitchcock began as an assistant director and later directed his first thriller, showcasing his early career in the film industry.
Cosmographia β€’ 718 implied HN points β€’ 02 Jul 23
  1. The post is about Notes from Montenegro by M. E. Rothwell, available on cosmographia.substack.com.
  2. There is a new project announced called The Books That Made Us, exploring foundational books that shaped favorite writers.
  3. The post is for paid subscribers, but there is an option to subscribe and read the content.
Holly’s Newsletter β€’ 1626 implied HN points β€’ 29 Mar 23
  1. The tragic event in Nashville involving a transgender individual was predictable due to societal factors.
  2. There is an increasing normalization of justifying violence against 'oppressors.'
  3. Narratives promoting victimhood and the feeling of persecution among transgender individuals contribute to a sense of moral justification for violence.
Splattern β€’ 79 implied HN points β€’ 23 Jun 24
  1. Traveling to local spots can lead to unique experiences, like enjoying a true local meal. It helps build connections with local culture and people.
  2. Language isn't always necessary to communicate; a smile and gesture can create understanding and connection. Simple acts can bridge gaps between cultures.
  3. Exploring the balance between charity work and personal finance can be challenging. It's important to find fulfillment without sacrificing financial stability.
let them eat cake β€’ 678 implied HN points β€’ 31 Aug 23
  1. Cooking remains a mostly opaque activity to cooks, and even though there are scientific explanations, many cultural practices still rely on mystical ideas like 'nafas' and 'sonmat.'
  2. The value of cooking and the labor involved is often underappreciated and not clearly priced, leading to conflicting claims about its worth in different contexts.
  3. Food and cooking challenge traditional economic frameworks, as the true cost is not accurately captured due to the unpaid labor that goes into preparing meals.
Going Awol β€’ 159 implied HN points β€’ 29 Apr 24
  1. Humor often arises from incongruity, where there's a mismatch between what's expected and what happens. In writing, overly incongruous humor might be mistaken for AI-generated content.
  2. The suspicion of AI-generated writing can discourage writers from using certain types of humor, creating an incentive to avoid being accused of cheating.
  3. As technology improves and AI becomes more sophisticated in generating content, it may lead writers to lean towards more sensible and less conspicuously incongruous humor.
Splattern β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 07 Jul 24
  1. Running can be tough, especially in challenging environments. Despite the exhaustion, it can also bring joy and a sense of accomplishment.
  2. Cultural experiences matter. Meeting local people and learning about their lives can deepen your understanding of the area.
  3. Being flexible during a trip is important. Sometimes, taking breaks or adjusting plans can lead to better experiences in unfamiliar places.
Rock 'n' Roll with Me β€’ 179 implied HN points β€’ 15 Apr 24
  1. The goal is to celebrate and preserve classic rock music from the 60s and 70s, since it often gets overlooked on radio today.
  2. Ellen wants to share songs that make her and others want to dance, and she will focus mainly on rock but might include other genres too.
  3. She encourages comments and song requests, making it a fun community space for music lovers, while keeping copyright rules in mind.
Indian Bronson β€’ 14 implied HN points β€’ 07 Jan 25
  1. Not all Indian immigrants fit in easily with American culture, and some might only seem to adapt on the surface. This can create misunderstandings about their true feelings and intentions.
  2. Caste systems from India can affect how some Indians interact with Americans. They might treat people differently based on their status, which can be seen as rude in American culture.
  3. Many Indians, especially those born in America, blend in well with White Americans and aren't hostile towards them. Their experiences may differ from more recent immigrants who might have a different perspective.
The Planet β€’ 373 implied HN points β€’ 10 Jan 24
  1. Paris has made significant progress in becoming a green and sustainable city.
  2. Paris is evolving into a 15-minute city where residents can easily access various amenities within a short distance.
  3. The concept of a 15-minute city prioritizes pedestrians and cyclists over cars, which differs from traditional American urban design.
Richard Hanania's Newsletter β€’ 1048 implied HN points β€’ 13 Feb 24
  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.
Susanality β€’ 609 implied HN points β€’ 13 Oct 23
  1. The recipe for Pizza Ebraica is a unique and delicious treat from Rome's Jewish Ghetto, rich in history and tradition.
  2. Leah Koenig's book, Portico, dives into the diverse and evolving cuisine of Rome's Jewish community, showcasing the vibrant culinary heritage of the area.
  3. Roman Jewish food offers a blend of traditional dishes and modern twists, highlighting a unique aspect of Jewish cuisine that is different from the more familiar Ashkenazi foods.
Bet On It β€’ 85 implied HN points β€’ 25 Oct 24
  1. The Accelerated Globalists podcast is gaining popularity quickly, with nearly 3000 subscribers already. It only has a few videos, showing strong interest in the topics covered.
  2. The discussions on the podcast cover a range of topics starting from immigration and moving into cultural evolution and future trends. This variety keeps the content engaging and informative.
  3. The podcast features interesting guests, including notable figures like Robin Hanson, which adds depth and credibility to the conversations.
Disaffected Newsletter β€’ 419 implied HN points β€’ 16 Dec 23
  1. The latest Christmas video from Dr. Jill Biden has a bizarre and quirky theme, featuring strange visuals and dance routines. It aims to be entertaining, but many find it perplexing.
  2. A story is shared about a problematic community theater diva whose actions caused chaos in her community. In the end, her behavior caught up with her, leading to negative consequences.
  3. The episode also humorously critiques various cultural topics, including stereotypes and products, showcasing a playful tone throughout the discussion.
Splattern β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 01 May 24
  1. The author is nearing the end of their marathon journey and feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. They are looking forward to celebrating with their dad and connecting with family and friends.
  2. They stayed with some friendly hosts who reminded them of the good things about Seattle, like outdoor activities and homemade food. It made them appreciate the city's unique culture.
  3. The author is also dealing with feelings of being out of place as they enter more urban areas, but acknowledges that reintegrating into society can be challenging yet normal.
Angela Nagle's Newsletter β€’ 294 implied HN points β€’ 07 Feb 24
  1. The populist zeitgeist is skeptical of luxury, art, and culture due to perceived corruption in sources of power and patronage.
  2. The Renaissance in Rome produced great art and culture, reflecting the city's historical status as Caput Mundi, the head of the world.
  3. The aesthetic spirit in art and culture may reemerge when the current skeptical attitude shifts.
Litverse β€’ 598 implied HN points β€’ 03 Apr 23
  1. The traditional focus on English majors and humanities is declining in college, with more students opting for fields like statistics and focusing on tangible results and financial outcomes.
  2. There is a shift towards valuing passion over privilege in the humanities, while statistics and data-driven analysis gain popularity in educational pursuits.
  3. The current generation is redefining education and career paths, emphasizing skills and practical knowledge over the traditional humanities subjects, reflecting a cultural shift in how knowledge is valued and applied.
Wrong Side of History β€’ 612 implied HN points β€’ 14 Feb 24
  1. Medieval ideas of love were heavily tied to social status and arranged marriages; noble marriages were often for financial or dynastic reasons, not love.
  2. The Catholic Church's emphasis on consent in marriage was revolutionary, allowing individuals to marry by choice rather than parental arrangement.
  3. The Church's rules on cousin marriage and restrictions on marrying relatives promoted individualism by breaking down extended family structures, paving the way for modern ideas of romantic freedom.
Yasha Levine β€’ 589 implied HN points β€’ 17 Feb 23
  1. The concept of nationalism is tied to the emergence of mass media technology like the printing press.
  2. Print technology created national identities by standardizing languages and expanding cultural identity beyond local communities.
  3. The Internet may not be creating new ideologies, but rather reproducing existing nationalist ideals from before.