The hottest Influence Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top History Topics

Manners by design: an essay

Design Lobster • 499 implied HN points • 24 Jul 23
🪑 Design Influence
  1. Design choices can consciously influence behavior in various settings.
  2. Software design, especially, aims to shape user behavior through psychological insights.
  3. Designers have a responsibility to consider the impact of their design choices on users' behavior and well-being.

You're Never Going to Be Original! (And Neither Am I)

Default Wisdom • 222 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Influence
  1. Originality isn't everything for writers. Instead, it's about how well you can market your ideas and connect with your audience.
  2. Many writers face idea theft, but it's often just a matter of timing and who presents an idea first, rather than straightforward copying.
  3. Success today relies more on adaptability than being original. The best writers understand their audience and keep creating content consistently.

Silicon Emperor

The Generalist • 620 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Influence
  1. Elon Musk has significant economic power, with a net worth substantially higher than rivals like Jeff Bezos. His wealth may continue to grow, possibly making him the world's first trillionaire.
  2. Musk's influence goes beyond just money; he is shaping the future through technology with companies like SpaceX and Tesla. This type of power is different from historical figures who ruled through violence or sheer force.
  3. Considering figures from the past, Musk's wealth and impact can be compared, but his concentrated power may be unmatched in the modern age, showing a new kind of influence in the 21st century.

Against Far-Right Political Violence

sebjenseb • 255 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Influence
  1. Far-right political violence in the United States has resulted in numerous terror attacks and deaths.
  2. Terrorism, including far-right violence, has historically been ineffective in achieving its objectives and often leads to negative consequences.
  3. Engaging in violent political actions is risky and usually counterproductive, with little impact on policy or societal change.

The ‘warrior and mystic, ogre and saint’ who became Paul Atreides

Becoming Noble • 438 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
📚 Literature Influence
  1. Dune was influenced by Shamil's story in 'The Sabres of Paradise', highlighting themes like fate, environment, war, and nobility.
  2. Shamil's leadership in the Caucasus against Russian forces showed a fierce resistance that was fueled by strong cultural and violent orientations.
  3. The Murids' lifestyle in the mountains mirrors the Fremen in Dune, emphasizing combat training from a young age and a culture deeply rooted in violence and warfare.
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The Revaluation of All Values, Part 4

Intimations of a New Worldview • 373 implied HN points • 14 Mar 23
📖 Philosophy Influence
  1. The will to power is a metaphysical doctrine similar to Heraclitus' Logos and Schopenhauer's primacy of the will.
  2. Nietzsche's will to power aims to promote and justify the flourishing of life, opposing pessimistic philosophies like Schopenhauer.
  3. The will to power is based on empirical findings in biology and psychology, generalizing to explain all aspects of life.

The Cartoon That Inspired 'Wander'

Animation Obsessive • 1255 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Influence
  1. Professor Balthazar, a cartoon series from the former Yugoslavia, inspired Craig McCracken, the creator of The Powerpuff Girls.
  2. The series ran from 1967 to 1978 and made a significant impact by influencing popular modern animations.
  3. The episode discussed in this post sheds light on the link between older cartoons and the creative inspirations of modern animators.

The NYT fell for Elizabeth Holmes just like the investors did

Science Forever • 318 implied HN points • 09 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Influence
  1. Elizabeth Holmes has been successful in reputation laundering with the help of her PR firm, as seen in the NYT article that paints a flattering image of her
  2. Investors tend to prioritize personality over substance, as shown in the Holmes saga, where she convinced influential individuals to invest in a technology that was not feasible
  3. Media outlets like NYT have fallen for the charismatic facade of individuals like Holmes, choosing style over substance, despite the harmful consequences of their actions

The end of COVID, the end of Twitter

Logging the World • 318 implied HN points • 05 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Influence
  1. COVID-19 has not completely disappeared despite initial hopes and expectations. Immunity wanes, new variants emerge, and the impact lingers on.
  2. Twitter's influence may be declining over time due to fewer interesting user interactions and issues with the platform's experience. The network effects that once made it influential are fading.
  3. Legacy brands like Twitter may persist even after a decline, existing in a different form and continuing to have some relevance in the future.

Jason Molina's Rust Belt Blues Masterpiece

The Melt by Jason Diamond • 314 implied HN points • 03 Mar 23
🎶 Music Influence
  1. Jason Molina's masterpiece album 'The Magnolia Electric Co.' marks a significant point in his career.
  2. Molina's music captures the essence of the Rust Belt, portraying a bleak but authentic picture of American life.
  3. Molina's work resonates with the theme of loneliness in American society, reflecting a sense of hopelessness and struggle.

On Mahler

Something to Consider • 39 implied HN points • 17 Jun 24
🎶 Music Influence
  1. Gustav Mahler's music feels unique because it's complex and doesn't fit into traditional categories of melody and harmony. His pieces blend several melodies together in a way that feels seamless.
  2. He composed music without being tied to the piano, using multiple staves instead. This means he imagined his music without testing it out, much like coding without running the program until it's done.
  3. Despite not having a large amount of music, Mahler's works are filled with deep emotions and beauty. His few compositions leave a lasting impact that few others can match.

The Spy Travel Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1085 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🏝 Travel Influence
  1. The U.S. government had a significant influence on the creation of modern American travel guides through literal spies like Eugene Fodor and Temple Fielding.
  2. Eugene Fodor, a successful guidebook publisher, was an officer for the CIA's predecessor during WWII and continued to use spies as writers for his company.
  3. The travel industry has evolved from its CIA roots to offer guides catering to various interests and lifestyles, providing valuable insights into different cultures beyond borders.

The Data Team Playbook: 50+ Resources For High-Performing Data Teams

SeattleDataGuy’s Newsletter • 836 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Influence
  1. Starting a career as a data team manager involves challenges and new skills, with resources like books to aid in the transition.
  2. Assisting team members in their career growth involves sharing helpful articles, guides, and videos.
  3. Improving project management, team culture, and communication are key elements in running successful data teams.

A cluster map of books

Austin Kleon • 1079 implied HN points • 10 May 22
📚 Literature Influence
  1. Books influence us more as a group than as individual titles. Reading a cluster of related books can amplify their impact on our lives.
  2. The connection between books can create a deeper understanding and shape our perspectives. Sometimes one book leads to others that enhance its message.
  3. When we reflect on our favorite books, it's often the combination of them that defines our experiences. This web of influences guides our creativity and thoughts.

On Elon Musk and Sleazy Optionality

The Future, Now and Then • 123 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Influence
  1. Elon Musk often makes surprising proposals, leaving people unsure of his seriousness. This uncertainty can create reactions that benefit him, whether he follows through or not.
  2. His strategy, called 'sleazy optionality', allows him to test the waters without much risk. If people take him seriously, he might act; if not, he can easily back off.
  3. Musk's idea of starting an 'America Party' seems more like a way to create leverage rather than a genuine political move. It's important not to take such proposals too seriously since they often serve his interests rather than a clear political goal.

{Part 1} Proof of Devilry: The Crimes of Donald Trump, Ghislaine Maxwell, and Jeffrey Epstein

Proof • 87 implied HN points • 17 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Influence
  1. Donald Trump, Ghislaine Maxwell, and Jeffrey Epstein are linked to a serious child trafficking network. This situation is significant and could impact history.
  2. The book discusses various events and actions involving these figures, including their personal relationships and alleged illegal activities.
  3. Evidence continues to mount regarding Trump's connections to Epstein, raising questions about their past friendship and Trump's actions.

Ozzy Went Out Like He Lived — With a Bang

American Dreaming • 107 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
🎶 Music Influence
  1. Ozzy Osbourne lived a wild and tough life but remained a fighter until the end. He performed one last concert that showcased his energy and love for music.
  2. The concert 'Back to the Beginning' proved to be a huge success and helped raise $200 million for charity. This event highlighted Ozzy's lasting impact on music and his community.
  3. Ozzy's influence in heavy metal is undeniable, as he and Black Sabbath created a sound that still inspires artists today. Many modern bands credit them as their main inspiration.

HWFO Reading List, January 2025

Handwaving Freakoutery • 282 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Influence
  1. The debate around Curtis Yarvin and Peter Thiel highlights how people's connections can spark discussions about moral and political values. It's important to think critically about who we associate with and what their beliefs might mean.
  2. The illusion of democracy is argued to be valuable because it helps maintain peace and stability in society. By making people feel like they have a say, it reduces the chances of revolt.
  3. Understanding the complexities of governance can help us see that sometimes what we think is control may just be a perception. This can lead to less anxiety about political matters, even if it feels cynical.

Parfit, by David Edmonds

The Common Reader • 1169 implied HN points • 11 May 23
📚 Literature Influence
  1. Derek Parfit is a highly influential philosopher in moral philosophy, but relatively unknown outside academic circles.
  2. Parfit's life and philosophy are intertwined, with his actions reflecting his beliefs in altruism and empathy.
  3. Parfit's approach to personal identity and philosophy, as depicted in a new biography by David Edmonds, raises thought-provoking questions about selflessness and dedication.

The Internet Has Turned Us Into the ChatGPT of "Takes"

The 21st Century Proletarian • 219 implied HN points • 05 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Influence
  1. Political discussion on the internet has become shallow, filled with predictable buzz-phrases, and lacks a solid theoretical basis.
  2. Social media, especially Twitter, has transformed users into machine-like beings, adapting opinions based on algorithm feedback rather than critical thought.
  3. Engaging in algorithmic discourse for clout and engaging in divisive topics hinders progress towards meaningful political change and unity within movements.

Grow your following on Substack (a workshop)

The Novelleist • 553 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
💼 Business Influence
  1. The workshop offers guidance on how to grow your following on Substack and an 8-week challenge to increase subscribers by 500 people.
  2. Investing in and offering support to writers can help spark a Renaissance of literary thinkers on Substack.
  3. The goal is to expand reach and inspire the next generation to be dreamers and problem solvers through creating new ecosystems of writers.

What is Taste and how to have it?

Product Composition • 137 implied HN points • 12 Feb 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Influence
  1. Having good taste is a skill that can be developed by paying attention to craft, analyzing surroundings, seeking feedback, and surrounding yourself with tasteful things and people.
  2. Buying expensive items doesn't necessarily mean you have good taste; true taste is about appreciating quality and value, not just high price tags.
  3. Having good taste can be beneficial for business success, as it involves analyzing goods, spotting opportunities, and making valuable decisions efficiently.

The posters decide

benn.substack • 460 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
💼 Business Influence
  1. In political elections like the presidential primaries, insiders within the party can heavily influence candidate selection, impacting how votes translate into nominations.
  2. Silicon Valley, despite its reputation for meritocracy and free-market capitalism, also shows signs of elite insiders shaping success by directing funds, influencing hiring decisions, and controlling media narratives.
  3. Public perception and hype generated by influencers play a significant role in Silicon Valley, from selecting blogging platforms to predicting success of new technologies, often superseding personal experiences and independent analysis.

Kurt Cobain's Hierarchy of Needs

Litverse • 239 implied HN points • 16 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture Influence
  1. Kurt Cobain succumbed to 'The Jonah Complex,' a fear of realizing our highest potential.
  2. At the peak of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is self-actualization, a stage where one balances necessary and possible growth.
  3. Influencers can lose their center when their influence defines them, leading to a relentless pursuit of self-actualization.

Do Influencers Pass the Artist Test?

Litverse • 99 implied HN points • 14 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Influence
  1. The influencer industry is a huge business with some individuals worth millions, representing a new form of rebellion and artistic expression.
  2. Artists create within the collective but their creations stand outside it, providing a unique perspective that influences and inspires others.
  3. Influencers can be seen as Classicists in the art world, creating pieces that maintain the structure of their influence and resonate with the collective, but questions remain about their deeper spiritual purpose in creation.

Op-Ed: Is TikTok too big to fail in the US?

The PhilaVerse • 123 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Influence
  1. TikTok has a huge impact on the creator economy and many people rely on it for income. If it were banned, creators and small businesses would struggle to find new ways to make money.
  2. Banning TikTok would also hurt advertising for brands that target younger users. They would have to spend more on other platforms, which could increase costs for businesses.
  3. TikTok influences trends in music, fashion, and more. If it disappeared, there might be a gap in how trends are shared, and it would take time for other platforms to fill that role.

Elon Musk’s DOGE—Now the “USDS”—Is a Dangerous Shadow White House

Proof • 113 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Influence
  1. Elon Musk has gained significant control over the U.S. government through the USDS, which he is likened to being a co-president. This gives him a lot of power that can influence national decisions.
  2. Donald Trump is said to have ended DOGE to boost Musk's influence in the country, showing a shift in how cryptocurrency and politics are intertwined.
  3. The situation raises concerns about the power dynamics in the government, especially regarding how a private individual can wield such authority over public policy.

The Simple Secret to Influence

Perspectives • 10 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25
💼 Business Influence
  1. Influence comes from making other people feel smart, not from showing how smart you are. When people leave a conversation feeling capable, they trust and follow you more than if they just feel impressed.
  2. Use simple habits—give clear context, speak plainly, ask curious questions, avoid assumptions, and give credit—to invite ideas and keep conversations productive. These small choices help people feel heard and willing to share.
  3. Real leadership is about creating psychological safety so people can take risks and learn, not about dominating the spotlight. You gain lasting influence by empowering others to grow and contribute.

You’re so Turk and you don’t even know it

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 446 implied HN points • 24 Jun 23
💾 History Influence
  1. The Turks had a unique approach to conquest, assimilating the cultures of those they conquered instead of destroying them.
  2. Turkic influence spanned over 1,500 years across vast territories, impacting cultures from Europe to China.
  3. Turks played a significant role in shaping Eurasian culture, spread Islam, and extended civilization rather than causing decline.

Twenty-five ideas about Love's Labour's Lost

The Common Reader • 248 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
📚 Literature Influence
  1. Shakespeare's Love's Labour's Lost explores themes of war, death, wit, festivity, Arcadia, lyricism, and satire, offering a darker ending that symbolizes the passing of old generations.
  2. The play remains relevant today as it touches on issues like the delay of marriage and children, and the struggle between speaking about creating a better world versus actually doing it.
  3. Love's Labour's Lost engages with the debate on language by contrasting post-modernist views with the idea of fixed meanings, tied to a concrete reality, which is portrayed through the characters' speech patterns.