The hottest Impact Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Spreadsheet, Not Skynet: Microdoses, Not Microprocessors

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 130 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Economy Data Innovation Impact
  1. AI tools like GPT are not as powerful as some say; they're more like useful spreadsheets than super intelligent machines. This means their impact on the economy is real but not world-changing.
  2. The benefits of AI on human welfare will be positive but limited. It's important to use AI wisely and not let it distract us.
  3. AI models are great for processing language, but they aren't complex enough to be truly revolutionary. They function similarly to simple input-output machines rather than groundbreaking technologies.

Live

Philosophy bear • 300 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Industry Future Trends Impact
  1. AI is improving quickly and has been for years, making it a big part of our future. It's becoming better at solving tough problems.
  2. Currently, no one can clearly point out what types of questions AI can't answer, which raises concerns about its limitations. This makes us wonder about the risks involved.
  3. As AI grows, it could impact jobs in creative and intellectual fields, and we might need to adapt and pursue our passions now, while we still can.

Did novels stop mattering in the 2010s?

The Intrinsic Perspective • 7343 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
📚 Literature Impact Novels Cultural influence Publication
  1. Cultural impact of novels is more than just sales figures; it's about influencing discourse and defining eras.
  2. Recent literary novels may have lacked the same level of cultural impact as those from previous decades like the 2010s.
  3. Novels like 'Normal People' by Sally Rooney were noted for their importance in millennial writing, but their cultural impact may have been less significant compared to previous literary giants.

The Future Is Already Here, It’s Just Not Evenly Distributed

Am I Stronger Yet? • 172 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Research Innovation Impact Tools
  1. AI tools have amazing strengths but can also be really weak in some areas. This makes their effectiveness uneven, depending on what task you're trying to do.
  2. People often aren't using AI tools to their full potential. Many are not even trying them out, which means they miss out on big opportunities.
  3. To get the most from AI, you need to be creative and put effort into how you use it. A great prompt can lead to big breakthroughs, while a simple request might not yield good results.
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The Beatles Diaries: Celebrating 60 Years and The Feb 9, 1964 Appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show"

Front Row & Backstage • 589 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎶 Music History Impact Artists Memories
  1. The Beatles made a significant impact on American culture with their first appearance on 'The Ed Sullivan Show' in 1964, influencing a generation of musicians and fans.
  2. The Beatles had a strong sense of identity and confidence in their music, which helped them stand out in the rock 'n' roll industry at the time.
  3. The Beatles' innovative sound, style, and attitude during their 'Ed Sullivan Show' appearance changed the course of pop music history, inspiring many musicians to pursue music careers.

Elon Musk's, Steve Jobs', Albert Einstein's Secret Sauce

Play Permissionless • 239 implied HN points • 04 May 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Belief Mindset Purpose Self-image Impact
  1. Your beliefs and expectations can influence your reality. If you think people don't like you or are out to harm you, you may end up experiencing just that. It's like a self-fulfilling prophecy.
  2. Having a deep belief in your ability to make a difference is crucial. More than talents or theories, this belief can drive significant impact. Your mindset plays a key role in achieving your goals.
  3. Before diving into productivity tips or success habits, it's important to address your beliefs and mindset. It may not be simple to change, but having a positive self-image can be essential for making a meaningful impact.

The Travel Lunatic: A Floating Village, a Bad Embassy, and My Literally Being Eaten Alive!

Brent and Michael are Going Places • 766 implied HN points • 24 Jun 23
🏝 Travel Destinations Culture Local Life History Impact
  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.

Eyes Wide Open

The Better Letter • 196 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🎶 Music History Criticism Innovation Popularity Impact
  1. The Beatles' success was a result of luck and timing, as well as their innovation and willingness to take risks.
  2. Critics initially dismissed The Beatles' music, but later recognized their impact and influence on the music industry.
  3. The Beatles faced criticism and skepticism from critics throughout their career, but their music ultimately endured and influenced generations to come.

The Battle of Bamber Bridge

The Ruffian • 497 implied HN points • 30 Dec 23
💾 History World Politics Military Racism Impact
  1. During World War II, American soldiers faced racial tensions in Britain, leading to a significant incident at Bamber Bridge.
  2. The interaction between black GIs and white Britons during the war had a positive impact on racial attitudes in Britain, reducing prejudice in the long term.
  3. The Battle of Bamber Bridge highlighted the stark differences in racial attitudes between the US and Britain, showcasing the impact of human interaction in challenging prejudice.

Education Isn’t What It Used To Be

Cremieux Recueil • 253 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
🚌 Education Reform Impact Results Comparison
  1. Education systems have changed, resulting in complex impacts on intelligence and educational outcomes over time.
  2. The duration and intensity of schooling play crucial roles in student performance, with balanced effects observed when intensity increases with reduced school lengths.
  3. Reducing time in school can give young adults back time to start their careers, form relationships, and enjoy their adult lives.

Why This Documentary May Save The Whales

Public • 432 implied HN points • 14 Aug 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation Documentary Impact
  1. A new documentary reveals the connection between high-decibel sonar from wind industry vessels and specific whale deaths.
  2. The documentary exposes a major scientific scandal and a lack of transparency in government agencies like NOAA.
  3. The film urges viewers to understand that the increase in cetacean deaths is linked to wind industry activities, contradicting official statements.

Underdog Founders - Paul trades Emmy nods for a bootstrapped studio to save the planet.

ChatGPT4 as a CEO and Underdog Founders • 117 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental awareness Content creation Collaboration Impact
  1. Paul created Rewriting Extinction to engage people with climate change through comics.
  2. Despite setbacks, Paul's honesty and perseverance attracted big names like Richard Curtis and Cara Delevingne to support the project.
  3. Rewriting Extinction saw success with viral comics, partnerships with Netflix and Google, and changing the conversation around climate change storytelling.

George Orwell, Snobby Truthteller

Litverse • 119 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
📚 Literature Biography Criticism Themes Impact Analysis
  1. George Orwell's descriptions of poverty and working-class conditions often came across as snobbish and elitist to some critics.
  2. Orwell's upbringing in a family benefiting from the Empire's sins influenced his perspectives on injustice and societal change.
  3. Through his gardening, Orwell showed a commitment to beauty and resistance, highlighting the importance of finding beauty in life despite its cruelties.

Why Study Literature?

The Recovering Academic • 237 implied HN points • 07 Jun 22
📚 Literature Impact Education Humanity
  1. Literature provides a unique opportunity to step into different perspectives and understand what it means to be human.
  2. Reading literature can broaden our understanding of humanity and offer insights into complex societal issues.
  3. Literature can serve practical purposes in fields like medicine, offering new perspectives and enhancing the doctor-patient relationship.

The Pro-Life Should Play a Different Game

Cremieux Recueil • 157 implied HN points • 07 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Abortion Legislation Fertility Access Impact
  1. In Russia, efforts to reduce abortion rates were more successful due to changes in contraception usage than government policies.
  2. Trivial inconveniences, like needing approval or counseling for abortions, can actually reduce abortion rates.
  3. Supply-side abortion restrictions, like clinic regulations, can significantly limit access to abortions and lead to behavioral changes in people seeking abortions.

Your Two-Hour Walk Became a Twenty-Minute Drive. Then What?

WriMoReMo • 3 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Society Impact Automation Mental health Human experience
  1. We try to make life easier with technology, but it often speeds everything up instead of enhancing our experiences. This can lead to feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
  2. People have become so busy trying to fill every moment that they forget how to be still and just exist. It's important to slow down and take time to truly process life.
  3. In our rush to connect everyone and share opinions, we risk losing our ability to think deeply and reflect. Preserving our humanity is a big challenge in this fast-paced world.

Tech doesn’t make our lives easier. It makes them faster

Altered States of Monetary Consciousness • 160 HN points • 04 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Impact Automation Ethics Innovation Digitalization
  1. Tech is not designed to make our lives easier, but to make them faster and more packed with tasks.
  2. Our use of technology often leads to systemic acceleration, where we do more in the same amount of time, instead of enjoying leisure.
  3. To break free from the cycle of constantly speeding up, we need to value balance, build power structures that protect us, and question the illusion that more technology equals easier lives.

Primary school teaching is too hard

Penelope Trunk's Substack • 39 implied HN points • 24 Dec 23
🚌 Education Teaching Challenges Impact Community
  1. Historically, primary and secondary school teaching was not meant to be a long-term profession, often taken on by women until they got married.
  2. Teaching comes with high demand but low reward, little influence over the lives of children, and isolation from the community.
  3. Many teachers enter the profession because they love working with young people, but the demanding job often leads to burnout and lack of respect.

How to Impede Technological Progress

New Things Under the Sun • 144 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Innovation Policy Research Impact R&D
  1. Policy levers to slow technological progress can be classified into reverse push and pull policies
  2. Reverse push policies raise the costs of research, like restrictions on federal funding and safety regulations impacting chemistry labs
  3. Reverse pull policies reduce profitability of certain tech innovations, like carbon taxes and liability exposure, impacting R&D differently based on company size and innovation potential

Work isn't what you think it is

Sunday Letters • 159 implied HN points • 17 Oct 21
💼 Business Career Advice Work Culture Impact Passion Success
  1. Your career path is unique, and it’s shaped by random events and choices, not just a clear plan. Don’t try to follow someone else’s journey; create your own.
  2. Having a lot of impact in what you do is key to long-term success. Focus on what matters to you and makes a difference.
  3. Passion for your work can lead to success and satisfaction. Enjoying what you do doesn’t mean it’s not valuable, so embrace what you love.

A Skeptic’s Guide to Tech Hype

Kibao • 1 HN point • 12 Jun 24
🕹 Technology Innovation Skepticism Impact Future Investments
  1. Hype is a double-edged sword in tech innovation - it can drive attention but also derail resources.
  2. Judging tech solely on hype can miss its real impact - tech can be influential even if it doesn't meet hyped expectations.
  3. Tech hype acts as both a bug and a feature, pushing innovation forward while also risking distraction - maintaining diverse research and ideas is key.