The hottest Lifestyle Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

You're not Simon Sarris.

Castles in the Sky • 98 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Lifestyle Philosophy Writing Personal Growth Technology
  1. Trying to copy someone else's lifestyle, like Simon Sarris's, might actually take you further away from the unique life you want. It's better to reflect on your own values and create a life that feels true to you.
  2. Success comes from understanding the process behind someone's choices rather than just imitating their outcomes. True fulfillment happens when you take deliberate actions based on your own beliefs and desires.
  3. Looking up to someone can be inspiring, but it's important to realize that you are not them. Being aware of who you truly are can lead to a more authentic and fulfilling life.

New York City part three

Tao Lin • 339 implied HN points • 02 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Lectures Lifestyle
  1. Listening to your own lectures can help you find areas to improve. It’s a good way to reflect on your speaking skills.
  2. Practicing regularly can enhance your performance for future presentations. Each time you present, you can get a little better.
  3. Seeking feedback from others can provide new insights. Getting different perspectives can help you grow as a speaker.

The Chuck-It List

DruGroup • 179 implied HN points • 09 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Aging Personal Growth Life Reflection Humor Lifestyle
  1. Instead of a bucket list, consider creating a 'Chuck-It List' to identify things you no longer want to do. This helps you focus on what really matters as you get older.
  2. Aging brings a realization that some dreams may not come true, but that's okay. It's normal to let go of things that no longer fit your life or interests.
  3. It's important to prioritize your time and energy wisely. Don’t waste them on activities or responsibilities that don't bring you joy or fulfillment.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

How I’m spending Dead Week

Austin Kleon • 5315 implied HN points • 27 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Lifestyle Traditions Self-care Reflection Leisure
  1. The week between Christmas and New Year's, called Dead Week, is a time to relax and not feel pressure to achieve much. It's a break from the usual hustle and bustle.
  2. Re-reading notebooks and journals can help reflect on the year. It's a comforting way to see what was accomplished and what was not.
  3. Taking time for small pleasures, like relaxing baths and enjoying junk food or fun movies, helps unwind and enjoy the end of the year. It's okay to take it easy and just enjoy life.

Memories of Place

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 539 implied HN points • 18 Apr 24
🏝 Travel Nature Experience Memory Adventure Lifestyle
  1. As we get older, we may find physical activities that used to be easy can feel more challenging. This change can be surprising and humbling.
  2. Our memories of places can fade over time, especially if we have done something repeatedly without truly engaging with it. Different kinds of experiences can create stronger memories.
  3. Our interest and pride in specific knowledge, like plant names, can help keep those memories fresh even when other things fade away.

Hidden Open Thread 368.5

Astral Codex Ten • 275 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Philosophy Lifestyle Community Personal Growth
  1. This is a space for people to share thoughts and engage in discussions. Everyone can pitch in and contribute their ideas.
  2. The post is intended for paid subscribers, which means it may contain exclusive content. This helps create a community among paying members.
  3. The thread encourages open communication and interaction among readers, promoting a sense of belonging.

Rich People Food, The Paradox of Liberation, Success Sequence

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 928 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Social Status Food culture Philosophy Lifestyle Human behavior
  1. Rich people often have different food preferences, which can reflect their social status. Eating certain foods can signal wealth and lifestyle choices.
  2. The concept of liberation can be paradoxical; sometimes, more freedom can lead to complications and struggles in life.
  3. Following a 'success sequence'—like education, job, and then family—can help people find stability and success in life.

A story from Japan

City Quitters • 1558 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Tradition Community Lifestyle
  1. Yuichiro, a young farmer, is working to keep his family's tangerine farm alive while blending old traditions with new ideas. He believes that the younger generation can help revive rural areas in Japan.
  2. Many young people today are moving away from big cities like Tokyo, seeking a slower and more balanced life in the countryside. Programs are in place to encourage this shift, but a change in values is also needed.
  3. Yuichiro is reconnecting with his family's roots, sharing knowledge and creating community ties. He shows that living closely with family can foster a rich and meaningful life for everyone involved.

On Reclaiming Leisure

The Analog Family • 699 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Leisure Parenting Lifestyle Philosophy Mental health
  1. We often feel the need to scroll on our phones for a break, but this can actually lower our happiness. Instead, we should look for more rewarding ways to spend our downtime.
  2. Finding high-quality leisure activities can help us feel more fulfilled. This means doing things like reading, being creative, or spending time outside, which can all boost our energy and happiness.
  3. It's important to remember how to have fun as adults. We should allow ourselves time to play and enjoy life, not just focus on responsibilities.

Marcus Aurelius VS Diogenes

Classical Wisdom • 1788 implied HN points • 24 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Stoicism Cynicism Comparison Lifestyle Happiness
  1. Stoicism and Cynicism share the goal of achieving happiness through living in accordance with nature, but differ in how they view societal expectations and material possessions.
  2. Stoics like Marcus Aurelius valued harmonious living with others and some luxuries, while Cynics like Diogenes prioritized individual freedom and rejected wealth and excess.
  3. The Stoics refined Cynic philosophy into a more widely accepted practice, promoting virtue and wisdom as essential for a fulfilling life.

Inside/Outside

We're Gonna Get Those Bastards • 6 implied HN points • 01 Jun 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Fitness Mental health Self-image Lifestyle
  1. How you look can influence how people see you, but it's not everything. You can be confident and successful without fitting a certain image.
  2. Feeling comfortable in your own skin is more important than trying to meet social standards. Many people feel pressured to look a certain way, and it's okay to prioritize mental well-being over appearance.
  3. External appearances can matter, but what's inside—like intelligence and character—is more important in the long run. It's possible to work on how you look without losing sight of who you are.

Festive greetings!

The Rectangle • 84 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Internet culture Social Trends Tech Innovations Lifestyle Holidays
  1. It's a time to enjoy the festive season with good food and relaxation. Take a moment to appreciate the fun and gifts that come with this time of year.
  2. The writer expresses gratitude to their readers for their support throughout the year. It’s always nice to acknowledge and thank those who follow you.
  3. The Rectangle will be taking a short break but will return in January with more content about internet culture and tech. It's good to have breaks to recharge and come back refreshed.

sunday meanpool

bad cattitude • 105 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art Lifestyle Media Humor Society
  1. The 'meanpool' is a fun session that hasn’t happened in a while, so it’s expected to be exciting. Get ready for some wild content!
  2. This post is specifically for paid subscribers, which means it has exclusive material that others won’t see. It’s a way to reward paying readers.
  3. The tone of the post hints at not taking things too seriously and being open to humor, making it clear that it might not be for everyone. Prepare for some bold opinions!

Experiences Quitting Twitter

Something to Consider • 99 implied HN points • 22 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Mental health Productivity Personal Growth Lifestyle
  1. Quitting Twitter can be easier than you think. After a short period of craving, you might find more freedom and productivity.
  2. Removing social media entirely might be more effective than just cutting back. It's like going on a strict diet; all or nothing might work better for habits you want to change.
  3. After cutting out Twitter, you might feel an initial sense of anxiety but it can quickly turn into a sense of relief and focus, helping you pursue more meaningful activities.

California sobriety journal

Sex and the State • 23 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Sobriety Addiction Mental health Lifestyle Personal Growth
  1. Staying sober can be challenging, especially in social situations where others are drinking. It's normal to miss the feelings and experiences associated with drinking.
  2. Going out to fancy bars or events can be tough while sober, as the allure of cocktails and the atmosphere is strong. But it’s possible to enjoy these experiences without alcohol.
  3. Every person's journey with sobriety is unique, and it takes time to find what works best individually in social settings. The process can involve ups and downs as one learns to navigate these situations.

the paris diaries

Mind Mine • 1434 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Travel Personal Growth Philosophy Society Lifestyle
  1. The author explores the concept of feeling like a foreigner in one's own home but finding a sense of belonging in other places.
  2. Observations on the enjoyment and slower pace of life in Paris compared to North America, appreciating the French culture of savoring moments.
  3. Reflections on the idea of choosing one's own path in life and the importance of embodiment and physical connection in personal growth.

Quitting my job to be a different person

Kenny’s Sub • 399 implied HN points • 08 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Identity Lifestyle Work Family Personal Growth
  1. Quitting a job doesn't automatically change who you are. It can lead to unexpected challenges and chaos instead of a smooth transformation.
  2. Having too much freedom can create a chaotic lifestyle. It's easy to let work take over and ignore other important parts of life like relationships and self-care.
  3. Facing pivotal moments in life requires intentional planning and prioritization. It's crucial to balance work with family and self-care to live a more fulfilling life.

Waiting for the miracle

Austin Kleon • 3417 implied HN points • 23 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Philosophy Lifestyle Education
  1. Trying times can bring both fun and challenges, like dealing with a painful kidney stone. It's important to find joy and comfort from friends even in tough situations.
  2. Reading can be a delightful escape, and keeping lists helps to remember our favorite books and moments from the year. It's fun to reflect on what we've enjoyed.
  3. Good advice often reminds us to focus on what we want instead of just running away from negativity. It's all about moving towards something positive.

New York, I love you but...

Seven Senses • 439 implied HN points • 19 Mar 24
🏝 Travel Cities Experiences Culture Lifestyle Nostalgia Food
  1. New York can feel like an amazing but exhausting place to live. People often work multiple jobs just to get by, and the high cost of living can wear you down.
  2. Even though New York is a unique and vibrant city, it can create a sense of emotional detachment. Many residents build an outer shell to handle the constant sensory overload and daily struggles.
  3. Leaving New York can feel like a failure to some, as it’s often seen as giving up on a dream. However, recognizing when you need a break or a change is important for your well-being.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 27

Why is this interesting? • 120 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Lifestyle Art Fashion Literature Technology
  1. Nike's secretive headquarters in Oregon is giving a rare look inside its operations to celebrate 50 years of the brand.
  2. A new novel by Haruki Murakami is coming out soon, and it's expected to have a storytelling style similar to Christopher Nolan's films.
  3. Young people in China are choosing a 'low desire life' focused on personal happiness over the pressure to work hard all the time.

A window well wonderland

Disaffected Newsletter • 1179 implied HN points • 08 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Art Nature Lifestyle Personal Narrative
  1. The writer enjoys the view from their new apartment, especially the unique window well. It's a cozy spot with moss, leaves, and small creatures.
  2. Each morning, the writer checks on the wildlife in the window well, showing a sense of connection to nature.
  3. The writer has named a frog, Aloysius, which highlights their playful and imaginative perspective on everyday life.

One crucial lesson I learned travelling without money

Kenny’s Sub • 259 implied HN points • 06 May 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Culture Lifestyle Personal Growth Experiences
  1. Asking for help is important when you need it. It's easier to find what you need if you reach out instead of waiting for someone to offer.
  2. Facing rejection is a normal part of asking for things. You may not get what you want on the first try, but practicing helps you get better.
  3. Feeling resentful toward others can hold you back. Instead of blaming them, take action and ask for what you need.

When The World Ends, You'll Still Need to Go

OK Doomer • 96 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Society Lifestyle Sustainability Survival
  1. The collapse of modern society could lead to serious challenges, especially concerning basic needs like waste management. It's important to think about how we would handle everyday issues in a disaster scenario.
  2. Many people lack knowledge about the plumbing systems we rely on, such as toilets and sewage. Understanding these systems is crucial for preparing for potential future crises.
  3. Even the wealthiest individuals with survival plans need to consider practical solutions for sanitation. Without proper waste management, fancy bunkers won't be very useful.

Lessons from Christmas Puzzles

Rethinking Software • 299 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Lifestyle Hobbies Relationships Mindfulness Creativity
  1. Starting a new task requires laying a good foundation, like sorting puzzle pieces before building the picture. Once you get into it, things start fitting together more smoothly.
  2. It’s important to pause and appreciate your progress. Sometimes you need someone else to help you see how far you’ve come.
  3. When you're tired, take a break. You can solve problems much quicker when your mind is fresh, rather than pushing through fatigue.

Field Notes: Bangkok

Terra Nullius, by Ned Donovan • 54 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🏝 Travel Destinations Culinary Culture Health Lifestyle
  1. Bangkok is seeing fewer babies and a rise in pet ownership. Many young families are having fewer children due to costs and changing social values.
  2. It's hard to find trash bins in Bangkok, making it tricky to throw things away while exploring the city. This small issue can be surprisingly annoying while walking around.
  3. Traffic in Bangkok can be really bad, especially during rush hours. It's better to plan your travels outside of these peak times to avoid long waits.

The Woke Marxist Agenda to Destabilize Kids' Health

Welcome to Absurdistan • 982 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Nutrition Fitness Lifestyle Diet
  1. The article discusses how societal movements like 'Fat Positivity' and 'Insulin Resistance' are impacting kids' health negatively.
  2. It criticizes the obsession with body image and the pressure to conform, which can lead to emotional issues and overeating.
  3. There is a focus on the health risks associated with obesity, especially in children, and the need to prioritize physical health over body positivity movements.