The hottest Identity Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Can People Change their Personalities?

Mind & Mythos • 339 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
📖 Philosophy Identity
  1. Personality can change depending on the situation. For example, a person might act differently at work compared to how they are around family.
  2. People’s personalities can evolve throughout their lives, especially between ages 20 and 40. People often become more conscientious and agreeable during this time.
  3. Intentional changes to one’s personality are possible. Life experiences and therapy can help people adapt and change their traits over time.

Forgive yourself for speaking on behalf of the world

The Joyous Struggle • 276 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
📖 Philosophy Identity
  1. The challenge with collective action problems, like climate collapse, is complicated by the ambiguity of the term 'we' in English, lacking the distinction between inclusive and exclusive pronouns.
  2. English's status as a predominant global language, particularly online, influences communication dynamics and power structures due to historical reasons.
  3. The inherent ambiguity in the term 'we' in English complicates addressing pervasive collective challenges, leading to speaking on behalf of everyone without acknowledging the diverse perspectives and interests that exist.

Slowly then all at once

Splattern • 39 implied HN points • 07 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. Wanting things can feel really intense, like needing air or water. It can be both exciting and overwhelming at the same time.
  2. Life is full of contradictions. You can want freedom but also desire a relationship, or crave fame yet value privacy.
  3. Change can happen gradually, then all at once. You might feel like you're becoming a new person, but still hold on to pieces of who you were.

What books define America for you?

Men Yell at Me • 142 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. Books can shape our understanding of a country, and everyone's list of what defines America is different.
  2. Attending events like rallies can inspire new ideas and research for writing, revealing societal issues like masculinity crises.
  3. There's a feeling that people worry about not having enough, even when there is plenty available, reflecting a deeper anxiety in society.
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A response to The Lost Generation

Theory Matters • 20 implied HN points • 26 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. People want recognition and meaning, not just economic comfort. Many face a painful choice between a safe, mundane life and risky creative struggle, and the struggle itself can be valuable even if success never comes.
  2. We should listen to people’s frustrations instead of dismissing them, because luck, limited opportunities, and social structures often decide who gets scarce jobs. Discounting lived experience—no matter who speaks—stops us from understanding real problems.
  3. Politics and policy that focus only on utility, prestige, or short-term fairness miss the realities of human experience. Society needs more empathy and a vision that respects struggle and the desire for recognition beyond material gains.

⬜ The artists' philosopher, Byung-Chul Han

One Thing • 178 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
📖 Philosophy Identity
  1. Byung-Chul Han is a Korean-German philosopher known for his critical engagement with contemporary culture, including the concept of burnout culture.
  2. Han's work focuses on critiquing inauthentic forms of selfhood and the loss of negation and conflict dynamics in culture.
  3. Han advocates for seeking authenticity through a genuine re-engagement with the multitudinous shape of existence, emphasizing the power of saying no and achieving pure negativity.

From Iconoclast to Islam: Remembering Sinead O'Connor

Pen>Sword • 239 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Identity
  1. Sinead O'Connor was known for her individuality and refusal to conform to pop culture norms, serving as an iconoclast in an industry filled with conformists.
  2. She embraced Islam in 2018, stating it was the logical conclusion of her theological journey, and proudly stood tall against Islamophobia in Europe.
  3. Sinead O'Connor's legacy reminds us of the importance of embracing our flaws and standing up against mainstream narratives that seek to overshadow our true identities.

3 Name Problem

David’s Substack • 59 implied HN points • 25 Apr 24
💾 History Identity
  1. To understand a group's history, it's often complicated by their changing names and identities, especially in secretive environments like wartime propaganda.
  2. Different organizations used various cover names, making it hard to track who was working for whom and what they were actually doing.
  3. The identities of individuals, especially those in wartime roles, often shifted significantly, complicating research and understanding their true contributions.

sunday memepool

bad cattitude • 97 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. People often deceive themselves and ignore the truth about their situation. It's important to recognize when this is happening.
  2. We live in a society where it feels like there is a lot of persecution for different beliefs and opinions. This can create a tense atmosphere where people are afraid to speak up.
  3. Finding humor and lightness in difficult topics can help us cope with serious issues. Memes and jokes are a way for people to express themselves and connect.

The most powerful woman you can see

Men Yell at Me • 155 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. Living in Iowa has brought a deep sense of meaning and fulfillment to teaching and community engagement. The connection with students and the supportive environment feels more impactful than in bigger cities like New York.
  2. A year of celibacy taught a lot about self-connection and feeling comfortable in one's own body. It shifted the focus from being seen by others to truly experiencing life and one's own desires.
  3. Everything in life is connected, from relationships to personal values. By recognizing these connections, there's a chance to bring passion and presence into all areas of life, including friendships and activism.

The Intimacy Crisis: Sex and Social Media with Katherine Dee

The Bigger Picture • 818 implied HN points • 09 Jun 22
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. The internet is a carnival that can disconnect us from real intimacy, eroding our ability to make sense and find truth.
  2. Online identity is becoming more fluid, causing a clash between affinity-based and experience-based identities.
  3. Social media gamifies communication, impacting our ability to have authentic conversations and eroding relational skills needed for true intimacy.

Xleepyfay & Aemmonia: The Xenofeminist Hauntology

Do Not Research • 199 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. Questionable fandoms and post-identity roleplays are replacing traditional political identities online, with origins in initially progressive communities.
  2. Xenofeminism challenges current identity politics, transitioning into hyper-aesthetisized roleplay as a response to political disillusionment.
  3. Post-identity roleplay serves as a detached, non-consequential fantasy exploration, replacing traditional political values and aims.

Narrative Bunkers in the Middle East

Auerstack • 196 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Identity
  1. Expressing opinions in today's social structure may not have a helpful purpose.
  2. Online narratives in 'narrative bunkers' can lead to excessive and disconnected speech.
  3. Social norms are shifting due to self-reinforcing online narrative groups, impacting civil discourse.

Montana: Lost Cause or Last Best Place?

The Recovering Academic • 217 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. Montana is a place with rich and contradictory views held by outsiders, often portrayed as either a wild frontier or an idyllic refuge.
  2. People in Montana embrace a blend of conservatism and libertarianism, where neighbors with opposing political views can still live harmoniously.
  3. Living in Montana can be challenging economically, requiring trade-offs and adaptability in industries like logging, teaching, or remote work.

Rest is Resistance

Laetitia@Work • 216 implied HN points • 19 May 23
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. Rest is not just self-care but a political subject, with the potential to disrupt the current world order.
  2. The Nap Ministry advocates for rest as a form of reparation and ancestral connection, challenging societal norms that prioritize productivity.
  3. Daydreaming during rest is important for making novel connections, generating ideas, and shaping one's sense of self and future trajectories.

Accented literature

The Leftovers • 179 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
📚 Literature Identity
  1. Embracing your accent can be a way to authentically express your identity and communicate your true self, rather than trying to conform to a standard accent.
  2. Accented cinema, like accented literature, offers alternative perspectives that challenge mainstream norms and reflect the cultural background of the creator.
  3. Culture thrives on cross-contamination and diversity, emphasizing the beauty in differences rather than seeking purity or homogeneity.

Functioning without function

antoniomelonio • 110 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
📖 Philosophy Identity
  1. People often define themselves by their jobs, but the idea of having a job is changing. As roles disappear, we may struggle to answer the question, 'What do you do?'
  2. Without clear roles, we might feel bored and lost, needing something to strive for and find purpose in. This could lead us to focus more on relationships and personal connections.
  3. As technology takes over tasks, we might wonder about our significance and what we contribute to society. We may shift from job-based identities to being better partners, friends, and family members.

Me

Philosophy bear • 278 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Identity
  1. It's important to express ourselves beyond just labels like race or gender. Relying too much on these labels can limit our understanding of a person and their experiences.
  2. People often crave certainty and security about their self-image, but this can lead to feelings of despair. Instead of clinging to an idealized self, focusing on doing good in the present moment can be more fulfilling.
  3. Many of us share a desire to be truly known by others. This feeling can lead to frustration when we feel invisible or misunderstood, but seeking genuine connections can help us combat that isolation.

Some men just want to watch Youtube while the world burns

Thicket Forte • 639 implied HN points • 09 Nov 22
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. Many people escape into video games and YouTube as a way to avoid real-life responsibilities and stress. It's a common way to find comfort.
  2. Nostalgia plays a big role in how we connect with games from our childhood. They can feel as important as real memories from our lives.
  3. There's a struggle between enjoying something like video games and feeling guilty for not being more productive. It's okay to admit you need to unwind sometimes.

giving up being the chill girl

bookbear express • 264 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. It's important to be true to yourself instead of trying to please everyone. Always trying to make others happy can lead to feeling overwhelmed and anxious.
  2. Being 'chill' is often about meeting others' expectations, which can make you ignore your own feelings. It's okay to express your true emotions instead.
  3. Learning to listen and pay attention to others is a good skill, but it shouldn't come at the cost of your own self-worth. Balance is key to healthy relationships.

sunday meanpool

bad cattitude • 106 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. Some people think that the quality of things is getting worse over time. They often compare today with the past and feel nostalgic about it.
  2. Many believe that past achievements or traditions are no longer valued as they used to be. This can lead to a sense of disappointment or loss.
  3. There's a feeling that society is moving away from high standards. This can make people yearn for a time when they felt things were better.

confessions of a ghost writer: part 1

Tumbleweed Words • 3 implied HN points • 16 Feb 26
⚔ Fiction Identity
  1. A secret sexual relationship with a teacher led to serious social fallout, expulsion from school, and a long silence that shaped the young person’s life.
  2. Reading and writing became an essential escape and lifeline, giving focus, purpose, and a route into higher education and a craft.
  3. Educational institutions and the literary world felt exclusionary and agenda-driven, and class and racial identity intensified a sense of not belonging, so leaving the local environment became the main goal.

The bard of small things

Soaring Twenties • 108 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. People often get caught up in social media, trying to please others instead of enjoying their lives. It's important to remember that life isn't just about likes and attention.
  2. The idea of 'living simply' and appreciating the little things is valuable. Finding joy in everyday moments can lead to a more fulfilling life.
  3. Summer should be more than just a few weeks of fun. We can carry that positive, lively feeling throughout the year and enjoy the beauty around us.

Soul Bits

Tessa Fights Robots • 21 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. The author reflects on their birthplace, highlighting that it no longer exists. It's a strange feeling to acknowledge a place that has disappeared.
  2. They describe a significant change from ordinary Soviet life to a chaotic, free era filled with colorful commerce. This transformation felt like liberation from past burdens.
  3. The piece captures a mix of nostalgia and complexity about change and memory, blending personal experience with larger historical events.

Nectar Card

Vittles • 241 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. Supermarkets can feel different depending on where you are. In Belfast, they felt warm and friendly, while in London, they sometimes feel cold and uninviting.
  2. Running into familiar accents can remind you of home and bring up emotions you didn’t expect. This can happen anywhere, even in a supermarket.
  3. Feeling disconnected from friends and home can lead to moments of vulnerability. Sometimes, small encounters can make you reflect on your experiences and relationships.

[Updated] 'Speaking of Mothers' - a superb piece of writing from Sarah Henderson.

A B’Old Woman • 179 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. The word 'mother' has a deep and lasting meaning in many cultures. People feel strongly that this word should not be replaced with terms like 'birthing parent'.
  2. Society is moving away from using the word 'mother', which some believe is a troubling trend. It raises concerns about losing connection to important social roles.
  3. The importance of language in shaping our understanding of relationships and identity is highlighted. Words like 'mother' help create feelings of connection and belonging.

the last time you fell in love

bookbear express • 324 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. Falling in love can come from deep connections made over time, even in digital spaces, like sharing moments through gaming and conversations. It shows that love can build slowly, in unexpected ways.
  2. Love can also be influenced by past relationships; sometimes, a new connection can bring joy and healing after a toxic experience. It's important to recognize the good things someone gives you without expecting anything in return.
  3. Friendship can sometimes be a beautiful foundation for love, but it can also make things complicated if feelings aren't fully mutual. It's okay to cherish the memories while growing apart.

My Birthday Toast to my Palestinian Arabic Teacher

The Chris Hedges Report • 238 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. The Arabic teacher, Ruba, uses honesty and humor to engage her students, making learning fun and memorable.
  2. Both the teacher and student share a deep emotional connection, often supporting each other through hard times, especially regarding difficult current events.
  3. The classes become a form of therapy and resilience, reminding them that they must continue learning and resisting despite the challenges they face.

America Isn't a Heritage

KERFUFFLE • 85 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Identity
  1. America was founded by people wanting to escape old traditions like bloodlines and aristocracy. The idea was to create a society where anyone could succeed through hard work, not just because of their ancestry.
  2. The term 'Heritage Americans' suggests some people are more American than others based on their lineage. This idea ignores the diverse history and cultures that have always been part of America.
  3. Throughout its history, America has been a mix of different cultures and backgrounds. The unity of the nation comes from overcoming differences and working together, not from sharing the same bloodline.

All on our own

Disaffected Newsletter • 399 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. There was a time when people felt more connected and shared a common culture. It felt like things were simpler and more hopeful back then.
  2. People today often feel isolated and disconnected, being seen more as online personas rather than real individuals.
  3. For those feeling alone now, there's a recognition that it's okay to walk that path and share in that experience.

sunday meanpool

bad cattitude • 97 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Identity
  1. It's easy to think that the world is a scary place. Many people feel this way sometimes.
  2. Often, the negativity we see around us is caused by our own attitudes and perspectives.
  3. Changing how we think can help us see things more positively and reduce fear.

What Is Apple Up To With Its Digital ID?

Fintech Business Weekly • 22 implied HN points • 23 Nov 25
💰 Finance Identity
  1. Apple now lets people create a Digital ID in Wallet from a U.S. passport, which greatly expands who can hold a mobile credential. Real-world acceptance is still very limited and mostly confined to TSA checkpoints.
  2. Apple is emphasizing privacy and minimal data sharing for its Digital ID and is playing a long game to grow user adoption so merchants and services will add support. This slow-but-steady approach aims to make use cases like KYC and travel booking more viable over time.
  3. Synapse’s Chapter 11 was dismissed but big questions remain about missing consumer funds, reserve money held by partners, and ongoing criminal and civil probes. At the same time, banks are striking open-banking fee deals and regulators are allowing banks to hold crypto for gas fees, showing shifting industry and regulatory dynamics.