The hottest Expression Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Art & Illustration Topics

Freedom of enquiry in academia is dead, murdered by Professor Plum in the library with the lead piping of identity politics.

Heterodox STEM • 206 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🚌 Education Expression
  1. Academic freedom is under threat, with many professors feeling censored by current identity politics. This makes it hard for them to express differing views openly.
  2. Modern universities are focusing more on adhering to policies rather than encouraging innovation and critical thinking. This shift is harming the quality of education.
  3. There is a call for a return to objective truth and open discussions in academia. Without diverse opinions and debates, intellectual growth is stunted.

How to "not try too hard" | #48

The Pole • 79 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Expression
  1. Making videos that people pay big money for requires good taste and understanding how to evoke feelings through art.
  2. Good taste involves accurately modeling reality, understanding feelings, and mapping them effectively.
  3. Trying too hard in creative pursuits can lead to inauthentic outcomes; building good taste by observing and understanding is key.

What are your questions?

Austin Kleon • 919 implied HN points • 04 Jan 22
🎭️ Culture Expression
  1. Asking questions can help you work through problems and spark new ideas. It’s a great way to get started on any project.
  2. Sometimes the right question can lead you directly to the answer you need. A simple question can clarify your thoughts.
  3. Using questions to reflect on your experiences can push you to think deeper about your art and life. It helps you discover what really matters to you.

Diary: Janet Webster Jones, The Bookseller’s Voice

Book Post • 137 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Expression
  1. Janet Webster Jones receives the Voice of the Heartland Award for her contribution to bookselling and free expression.
  2. Our voices have various roles including listening, informing, and guiding to uphold knowledge and wisdom.
  3. Jones expresses gratitude to those who support and honor her, emphasizing the importance of unity in promoting literature.

Word Homicide

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 72 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
📚 Literature Expression
  1. Cutting out words in writing is often necessary, even if it feels sad. It helps create a smoother piece, like making sure all parts fit together.
  2. Sometimes writings feel like lost thoughts or orphans, waiting for a place they belong. These words may have value, but not every idea finds a home in the final draft.
  3. Feeling empty after achieving goals can be common. It's sometimes better to fail because at least you have a reason for that emptiness.
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Core dump

Thicket Forte • 1 HN point • 16 Sep 24
🎭️ Culture Expression
  1. Language can feel increasingly insincere or artificial, making it hard to express true thoughts. Many conversations seem superficial or filled with 'bullshit' rather than genuine meaning.
  2. When interacting with language models (LLMs), it can be tricky to distinguish between human and machine-generated text. This can lead to a sense of confusion or 'linguistic vertigo.'
  3. There are different ways to generate language, like using your heart or gut instead of just your head. Words from deeper emotional or primal places can feel more authentic and meaningful.

Intellectual loneliness

Disaffected Newsletter • 519 implied HN points • 26 Jul 22
🎭️ Culture Expression
  1. Intellectual loneliness means feeling alone in your thoughts and ideas, especially when contemplating complex subjects. It can be tiring and heavy to navigate these deep thoughts without others who understand.
  2. Discussing sensitive topics, like the connection between homosexuality and mental health, can lead to feeling morally isolated. Some may judge these discussions as controversial or unsafe.
  3. There's a strong desire for open and honest conversations with others, particularly within the gay community. It's hard to find spaces where people can share their feelings without fear of defensiveness.

Exhumations and Resolutions

The Lifeboat • 149 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
📚 Literature Expression
  1. Art is a way to express our feelings and ideas, even if it feels abstract or confusing. It's important to keep creating, no matter the medium.
  2. Writing music and poetry can be a fun challenge. It’s good to learn the skills needed to improve and enjoy the process.
  3. Setting resolutions helps to focus on creative goals, like finishing a project or getting others to read your work. Sharing those goals can motivate you and others.

The Solitary Creator

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 522 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
📚 Literature Expression
  1. Writing and reading are solitary acts that require introspection and concentration.
  2. Good art reveals the creator's deepest feelings and demands good writers and readers.
  3. Language comprehension is complex and subjective, leading to potential misunderstandings in communication.

dancing with the brain demons: what artists really need (spoiler: each other)

Both Are True • 65 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Expression
  1. Artists often struggle with inner doubts and negative thoughts, which can be seen as 'demonic messages' that hinder creativity. It's important to recognize these feelings and understand they are part of the creative process.
  2. Balancing being an artist with helping other artists is a challenge, but creating supportive spaces for collaboration and interaction can be rewarding and impactful.
  3. Community is essential for artists; connecting with others can provide motivation, inspiration, and a sense of belonging that enhances the creative experience.

prompts for human beings

Both Are True • 71 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
📚 Literature Expression
  1. Prompts are meant for humans, not for AI. It's important to reflect on them personally and explore what's blocking your creativity.
  2. When you face a writing block, consider writing about the block itself. This can lead to discovering deeper insights and surprising outcomes in your writing.
  3. The element of surprise is crucial in good writing. Explore unexpected paths in your ideas to keep your writing fresh and engaging.

Writing Wrapped

Working Theorys • 148 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
📚 Literature Expression
  1. Writing regularly can help you find your voice and improve your skills over time. Even when life gets busy, making writing a priority can yield great results.
  2. Experimenting with different forms of expression and creativity is important. It's good to refresh your approach and try new things to keep your work interesting.
  3. Sharing personal reflections and insights can connect you with others. Writing about your journey and experiences makes your work relatable and engaging.

Why I Write (An Invitation)

Neckar’s Notes • 150 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
📚 Literature Expression
  1. Writing can be a way to understand ourselves better. It helps us process our thoughts and experiences by putting them on the page.
  2. Writing allows for a connection with others and can express feelings that are hard to communicate otherwise. It's a way to share our truths and experiences.
  3. Engaging in writing regularly can be transformative and fulfilling. It offers a method to explore our inner thoughts and feelings while keeping us present in our lives.

More & Less Than Our Feelings

Weekly Wisdom • 99 implied HN points • 08 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Expression
  1. Artistic expression can help access a full range of emotions and connect with oneself.
  2. Emotions play a significant role in human experience, impacting how we function and thrive.
  3. Suppression and repression of emotions can lead to inner conflicts, impacting how we express ourselves.

Until the Heart Catches

Neckar’s Notes • 129 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Expression
  1. Emotions like sadness and tears are normal and can be a sign of strength. It's healthy to let yourself feel deeply and express those feelings.
  2. Journaling can help you understand and release difficult emotions. Writing about your feelings lets you process them better.
  3. Allowing yourself to feel grief can also lead to joy and gratitude. Embracing your emotions can help connect you more with your own experiences and memories.

Why You Should Write

salondao • 178 implied HN points • 30 Mar 23
📚 Literature Expression
  1. Regularly writing is essential for a healthy life, regardless of the genre.
  2. Some modes of writing can be harmful, like short-form rapid communication that discourages nuance.
  3. Writing regularly not only changes our minds but also enhances our experience of life and improves our oral communication skills.

Manifesto

Castalia • 179 implied HN points • 08 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture Expression
  1. The internet was once seen as a place where everyone could freely express themselves, but it has mostly become a platform for groupthink and marketing.
  2. People now often self-censor and create content just for attention, making genuine expression rare and tough to find.
  3. True art and expression should focus on honesty and individual experiences, rather than trying to be the best or gain social status.

On Freedom of Expression

Castalia • 99 implied HN points • 18 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Expression
  1. Freedom of speech is a right given by the state, allowing you to express political views without interference. However, it has limits, such as what you can say in public spaces.
  2. Freedom of expression goes deeper, allowing people to say things that aren't necessarily their true beliefs. It values creativity and demands active listening from those who hear it.
  3. Being expressive in art and performance creates a special, safe space for honesty. This means that some behaviors must be seen within that context, even if they're controversial.

Ribbonfarm Studio --> Contraptions

Breaking Smart • 67 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Expression
  1. The newsletter is changing its name from Ribbonfarm Studio to Contraptions. This will help give it a clear identity that reflects the topics it covers.
  2. The writer is currently on a break but plans to resume regular writing soon. They are excited about exploring new themes and ideas under the new name.
  3. During the break, the writer is focused on building physical contraptions and enjoying their time off. They want the newsletter to feel fresh and different when they come back.

On Native Land

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 139 implied HN points • 02 Jun 22
🎭️ Culture Expression
  1. The art exhibit 'On Native Land' in Tacoma highlights the beauty of landscapes while reminding us that Indigenous people have lived in these areas for thousands of years.
  2. Instead of focusing on artists' history, the exhibit encourages visitors to think about the deep human connections to the land, using Indigenous place names and Land Acknowledgments.
  3. Incorporating Land Acknowledgments is a way to show respect for Indigenous communities and recognize their stories, helping us learn more about our own spaces.

On the Art of Writing

Soaring Twenties • 224 implied HN points • 08 Mar 23
📚 Literature Expression
  1. Writing should have substance and purpose, not just frivolous tricks.
  2. Writers should connect with their audience honestly and meaningfully.
  3. Authenticity and honesty in writing are essential for creating impactful work.

Balinese mask workshop

Splattern • 19 implied HN points • 28 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Expression
  1. The workshop involved a warm-up session similar to ecstatic dance, allowing participants to move freely without the usual pressure of performance. This created a relaxed atmosphere for expression and connection.
  2. Wearing hand-carved masks changed how participants felt and interacted, helping them to be more instinctive and less self-conscious, akin to being an animal in nature.
  3. Engaging with others during the workshop led to unexpected emotional moments, highlighting the importance of communication and understanding feelings in social interactions.

the ways to say, I love you | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 28 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
📚 Literature Expression
  1. Spanish has more ways to express love compared to English, showing cultural richness in emotional expression.
  2. Expressions of love can be simple and come from the heart, not necessarily using many words.
  3. In Latin America, affectionate gestures like kisses and hugs are common, making love visible and accessible to everyone.

I really need your help

Tumbleweed Words • 21 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Expression
  1. Poets on Substack feel overlooked and want more visibility. They believe their voices deserve to be heard on this platform.
  2. The writer asks readers to help featured poems get recognized by liking a specific post. Simple actions from readers can make a big difference.
  3. There's a desire for a special edition focused on poetry in Substack Reads. This would celebrate poetic contributions and help poets gain the attention they seek.

the world is full of writers | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 21 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
📚 Literature Expression
  1. There are many writers in the world, and they often appear in unexpected places.
  2. Writers come from all walks of life, sometimes looking worn and tired from their adventures.
  3. Creative people may feel more at home among fellow travelers than in formal literary settings.

Just a poem!

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 19 Jul 25
📚 Literature Expression
  1. The poem explores deep feelings and experiences that connect us to both our bodies and emotions.
  2. It touches on themes of community and belonging, emphasizing the importance of ties to our roots.
  3. There is a reflection on existence and the cosmos, inviting readers to think about life, death, and everything in between.

batwrite is write now !! link within

Both Are True • 6 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
📚 Literature Expression
  1. The phrase 'batwrite is write now' plays with words in a fun way. It's a catchy phrase that combines humor and creativity.
  2. This post seems to be focused on being entertaining for its audience. It emphasizes engaging writing and playful language.
  3. The content is meant specifically for paid subscribers, suggesting a special connection with the audience. It creates a sense of exclusivity and value.

Coming soon

A B’Old Woman • 39 implied HN points • 06 Nov 22
🎭️ Culture Expression
  1. The author embraces aging and feels more free to express herself.
  2. It’s about enjoying life and speaking one's mind without holding back.
  3. The platform is a space for sharing thoughts and ideas openly.

An image of happiness

The Leftovers • 19 implied HN points • 02 Nov 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Expression
  1. The film Sans Soleil reflects on an 'image of happiness' with a powerful scene of three blond children in Iceland from 1965.
  2. The narrator discusses the fleeting happiness, contrasting it with the subsequent destruction of the children's village in 1973 due to a volcanic eruption.
  3. The author connects personal reflections on happiness to the themes in the film, expressing the desire to evoke his own 'image of happiness.'

Sean Jewell: The A͎C͎T͎I͎V͎E͎ ͎A͎R͎T͎I͎S͎T͎ and The ᴱᵀᴱᴿᴺᴬᴸ 𖣘 ᴿᴱᵀᵁᴿᴺ

Do Not Research • 19 implied HN points • 15 Oct 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Expression
  1. The concept of the Active Artist and Eternal Return highlights the perpetual journey of growth and creation in the world of art.
  2. The artist must transcend constraints to achieve Active Art, creating newness and pushing boundaries against societal norms.
  3. Active Artists face challenges from conventional society, but through their continuous creation and adaptation, they contribute to a constant cycle of renewal and liberation.

poetry as the current state of American media

Tumbleweed Words • 7 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Expression
  1. American media is chaotic and full of contradictions. It reflects a world where many things are happening at once.
  2. There are deep issues with governance and leadership. People feel unheard and question the decisions being made.
  3. Despite the turmoil, life goes on for many. People engage in everyday activities and seek entertainment amid the chaos.

Experiments in style: A merry dance

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 7 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
📚 Literature Expression
  1. Experimenting with different writing styles can help improve your writing skills. Trying out new genres and formats can change the tone and perspective of a story.
  2. A humorous take on a misadventure can add a light-hearted dimension to storytelling. Using funny situations, like a character bumping into walls while sleepwalking, makes the narrative more engaging.
  3. Involving readers through competitions or challenges can create interaction. Asking them to identify elements in a story, like types of dances, adds fun and engagement to the reading experience.

interestingness on demand

visa's voltaic verses ⚡️ • 13 implied HN points • 09 Jun 23
📚 Literature Expression
  1. Life is a balance between the joy and curse of pursuing interestingness as a job.
  2. Strive to be interesting without trying too hard, walking the fine line of not exhausting the pursuit of interestingness.
  3. Internal conflict and perfectionism can hinder creativity; embracing imperfection and inner peace can lead to authentic expression.

To Be Brutally Honest

NonTrivial • 0 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Expression
  1. Stand-up comics often have a unique way of making connections and sharing deep truths through humor.
  2. Authenticity is crucial in personal and professional interactions, as it leads to better relationships and outcomes.
  3. Being true to oneself and expressing raw authenticity in work and life can bring great value to oneself and others.