The hottest Literature Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Art & Illustration Topics

Jim Morrison's End

Litverse • 219 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Jim Morrison's art was more like possession than process, often acting beyond his own spirit and becoming a product for the audience.
  2. Morrison's legacy teaches the importance of balancing performance, poetry, personality, and product in one's life to create authentically and without self-consciousness.
  3. Morrison's journey shows the impact of not conforming to societal expectations and the struggle between conscious creation and unconscious artistry.

Metaphysical caviar

quite useless • 412 implied HN points • 08 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The newsletter offers new paid options for subscribers
  2. Value is distinct from utility - caviar is valuable despite not being a necessity
  3. The paid subscription options range from $8 per month to $800 for an extravagant option

Jews, the first modern people

Yasha Levine • 471 implied HN points • 19 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Jews have been successful in the modern world because they historically valued text and learning, being ahead of the game when it comes to worshipping the written word.
  2. The Jews were seen as the first modern people by embracing modernization traits such as urbanization, literacy, and intellectual pursuits.
  3. The Jewish specialties like commerce, law, medicine, textual interpretation, and cultural mediation have become core pursuits in modern society, making Jews exemplary ancients and model moderns.
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Here was a magic

Austin Kleon • 1418 implied HN points • 28 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Celebrating milestones, like a child's birthday, can create special memories and moments of joy. Sharing experiences with others can be fulfilling, such as speaking to a class about something you love.
  2. There are valuable lessons in both historical and modern ideas, like exploring Darwin's diagrams or discussing how technology impacts creativity. These discussions can inspire new thoughts and perspectives.
  3. Art and creativity are personal journeys worth sharing, whether it’s showing how a book cover was designed or reflecting on the value of literature. Engaging with different forms of art can enrich our lives.

Man vs Machine

Sunday Letters • 59 implied HN points • 16 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Paying close attention to small details can help you understand the bigger picture. When you focus on one thing, you can see connections to the whole world.
  2. Creativity is in everything we do, whether it's making music, writing code, or having conversations. Each act of creation holds lessons and reflections of our lives.
  3. Failures are not just setbacks; they're opportunities to learn and grow. By examining our mistakes closely, we gain insights that can lead us to future success.

Essay Club: In Praise of the Gods by Simon Sarris

Mind & Mythos • 159 implied HN points • 23 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. We rely too much on rational thinking and it makes us feel disconnected from the world. This over-focus on logic can take away our ability to feel, experience, and connect.
  2. To regain a sense of wholeness, we should trust our intuition, celebrate the process of learning, and embrace the wonder around us. Engaging with stories, rituals, and experiences can help build a richer understanding of life.
  3. Our experiences and feelings, including gratitude and wonder, are important. They remind us that there is more to life than just logic and reasoning, and that beauty and meaning can be found all around us.

⤴🎞 The 7 most Up Wing films of the 21st Century

Faster, Please! • 274 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. 'Up Wing' films focus on positivity and human progress. They show that we can solve problems and create a better future.
  2. Movies like 'Gravity' highlight resilience. Characters face tough challenges but keep moving forward and growing.
  3. 'Black Panther' and 'Interstellar' inspire innovation. They remind us that our success and dreams for the future depend on our choices and actions today.

The Monday Media Diet with Dave Fielding

Why is this interesting? • 784 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Challenges help us grow and learn. Seeking out tough experiences can bring personal development.
  2. Being aware of bias in media helps us understand the true message behind the news. It’s important to analyze what we read critically.
  3. Nepal is a beautiful place worth visiting. The connection to nature and culture there leaves a lasting impression.

I Debate an Academic Feminist

Bet On It • 176 implied HN points • 19 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The writer participated in a debate focusing on feminism with an academic expert. It was a chance to share differing views on the topic.
  2. Both sides read each other's work before the debate, which made the discussion more informed and engaging.
  3. The debate was moderated by another writer, and there is a plan for a follow-up essay to discuss the ideas further.

Wicked King, Mozart: performance and posterity, Women detectives, Midwinter wood, Henry V, Venture Capital, Annihilation, Neverwhere, Enchanted Glass

The Common Reader • 602 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Wicked King is a well-written book that combines elements of horror and suspense. It has a unique and cult-classic feel, making it stand out in its genre.
  2. Reading about Mozart's life and work revealed that he improved his music by improvising during performances. This shows how creativity can blend with skill in art.
  3. Exploring different genres and topics, like women detectives and venture capital, can broaden your understanding of literature and culture.

Basic human situations

Vague Blue • 299 implied HN points • 27 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature
  1. Basic human situations are simple yet universal experiences that involve conflict or tension between people.
  2. Two people with conflicting ideologies often lead to conflict, but even everyday interactions can become a basic human situation.
  3. The essence of a basic human situation can be seen in the waiting and dependency depicted in plays like 'Waiting for Godot' as well as in personal struggles and choices like in the film 'Wanda.'

Insufficient postage

INDIGNITY • 255 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The United States Postal Service is facing issues with postage labels not sticking, highlighting challenges in mail delivery
  2. Louis DeJoy's tenure as postmaster general under Donald Trump raised concerns and issues with mail service
  3. The importance of functioning postal service and the impact of inefficiencies on everyday tasks can be significant

first days of summer

bookbear express • 264 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Making connections can be romantic and challenging. It takes patience and understanding to nurture relationships.
  2. Love and writing can feel very similar; both require dedication and can lead to frustration.
  3. Sometimes, different values between partners can cause tension, but it's important to recognize and appreciate their intentions.

The Wit's Guide to Hats

Get Wit Quick • 452 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature
  1. When wearing a hat, consider if you look ridiculous but don't let it dictate your style.
  2. Hats often make a statement and can have varied meanings depending on the style chosen.
  3. Wearing a hat is a personal choice, don't worry about societal perceptions and embrace your choice confidently.

3 MEMORIES OF MELVIN VAN PEEBLES

The Nelson George Mixtape • 452 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Melvin Van Peebles was a unique and iconic figure in the world of black cinema and music.
  2. Nelson George had meaningful interactions with Melvin Van Peebles that influenced his career and artistic endeavors.
  3. Melvin Van Peebles had a bold personality, unconventional lifestyle, and a lasting impact on those around him.

Update From The Past

Fragmentary • 452 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The world is evolving into a strange and unpredictable mosaic of realities.
  2. Extreme climate patterns, like heatwaves, are becoming more frequent and concerning.
  3. Personal interests and hobbies, like writing and playing tabletop games, can offer a welcome escape from the chaos of the world.

Hidden Open Thread 360.5

Astral Codex Ten • 688 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. This post is for paid subscribers only, meaning you need a subscription to access the content.
  2. There’s an open thread format where subscribers can engage with the content and share their thoughts.
  3. It encourages community interaction and discussion among its members.

2.3 Francis Bacon & The Birth of Scientism

Fields & Energy • 279 implied HN points • 03 Jan 24
💾 History Literature
  1. Francis Bacon is often called the father of scientism, which is the belief that science is the only way to know things. He wanted science to help humans gain power over nature.
  2. Bacon introduced the idea of cognitive biases, which are ways our thinking can be flawed. He identified different types of biases that can affect decision-making.
  3. His vision for science included a society where scientists could lead and guide people, similar to kings with the knowledge to improve life and solve problems.

Warm Holiday Greetings from The Hinternet

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 639 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The author feels a strong connection to their work and has embraced writing authentically without worrying about others' opinions. This has helped them tap into deep creative ideas.
  2. In 2024, the publication grew significantly and became more like a magazine, bringing on staff and accepting guest pieces. This has created a sense of community among younger writers.
  3. The author hopes to increase paid subscriptions to support future projects and plans for 2025. They welcome all kinds of support, whether it's through subscriptions or simply sharing their work with others.

Hidden Open Thread 356.5

Astral Codex Ten • 757 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. This post is only for paid subscribers, so you need to subscribe to access it.
  2. It seems like a platform for sharing thoughts and discussions among subscribers.
  3. There are visual elements indicating community engagement, like images and comment options.

Dear New York

Splattern • 79 implied HN points • 23 May 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. New York can feel very lonely, even with so many people around. Many people struggle with this feeling of isolation in the city.
  2. The strong desires for things, like food, relationships, and success, can feel overwhelming. This intense wanting can sometimes hurt but also feels very alive.
  3. Embracing the desire for more can be energizing. It pushes people to chase their goals and opens up endless possibilities in life.

Trashy mementos

Austin Kleon • 1678 implied HN points • 29 Jul 22
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. A trashy memento journal is a fun way to keep little things that you might not want to throw away. It helps capture special but not overly significant memories.
  2. Two book recommendations include one about autism that offers a fresh perspective and another by an author known for her creative storytelling.
  3. Playing chess can be great for quality time and learning. A clever chess book design can also make the learning process more engaging and fun.

Beach Body Horror

Momspreading • 216 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature
  1. The female body is complex, often not believed or controlled, but also a product of our own will.
  2. The books discussed tell diverse stories of female bodies facing trauma, imperfections, and longing.
  3. The fear of needing people to believe what's happening in your own body can be overwhelming, leading to bureaucratic challenges in seeking medical help.

The American Book Tour

The Abbey of Misrule • 180 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The author is going on a book tour in the US to promote their new book. They received a lot of invitations from fans, which was surprisingly nice for them.
  2. Due to the size of the US, they can't visit everyone who invited them, but they will share their tour dates on their website.
  3. The author also plans to announce events in Britain and Ireland soon, and they've participated in some interesting discussions and interviews recently.

Attention is All You Need

Never Met a Science • 238 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Reading and writing are unique technologies that shape our society and culture. They are essential for navigating our world, but today's youth feel less need for traditional long-form literacy.
  2. Media technology changes how we think and communicate. With the rise of short-form media, like social media and videos, our attention spans shrink, and we become more like simple response machines.
  3. As technology evolves, it's hard to tell if these changes are good or bad for us. What's certain is that new media shapes our cognition and social culture in unexpected ways.

Succession, Narcissists and Vampires

rebelwisdom • 569 implied HN points • 03 May 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Delving into the tension between human emotion and game theory through 'Succession'.
  2. Exploring the impact of narcissism and sociopathy on building sustainable systems.
  3. Comparing narcissists to vampires as they both thrive on others' energy and can be charming but manipulative.

What's got my attention this week #21

The Shift With Sam Baker • 439 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Isabella Rossellini, at 71, is defying age norms on the cover of Italian Vogue after being replaced by Lancome at 43.
  2. Actor Julia Ormond is taking legal action against Harvey Weinstein for sexual battery, shedding light on the dark facets of the entertainment industry.
  3. Women are exploring anger openly, redefining success on their terms, and sharing personal stories in a bold and empowering way.

The Monday Media Diet with Dylan Neuhaus

Why is this interesting? • 663 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Balance is key when it comes to consuming media. It's good to mix serious content with lighter, entertaining pieces.
  2. Reading deep stories about creativity and production processes can be more interesting than just the finished product, like a popular TV show.
  3. Exploring local grocery stores is a great way to learn about new places, offering a glimpse into the culture and community.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 65

Why is this interesting? • 180 implied HN points • 02 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The new digital Library of Alexandria aims to preserve knowledge for future generations. It's a fascinating effort to rebuild what was lost in history.
  2. Helsinki has achieved something impressive by going a whole year without a single traffic death. Smarter city design and lower speed limits played a big role.
  3. The search for the real author of 'The Dice Man' reveals unexpected twists in the story of this influential cult novel. It's a journey into unexpected authorship.

An archival detective story and other links; a great, stupid action espionage TV show; and more!

Read Max • 711 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. There are interesting links including a detective story and articles on sports gambling and hustle culture. They cover both fun and serious topics.
  2. A recommended spy show is described as 'great' and 'stupid', suggesting it's entertaining and light-hearted.
  3. An album of Armenian-influenced electronic music is highlighted, indicating a diverse taste in music.

The Monday Media Diet with Harper Reed

Why is this interesting? • 784 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Harper Reed enjoys a media diet that mixes TikTok for wild recommendations and pen pals for deeper connections. This way, he finds smart content while avoiding too much noise online.
  2. He values meaningful books that reflect his life experiences, like Olga Ravn's work, which helped him think about balance as a new parent and entrepreneur.
  3. Reed is all about exploring new interests and has recently been curious about vintage cameras, old speakers, and quirky fashion like platform shoes. He enjoys diving deep into these rabbit holes when the urge strikes.

The Counterpart Files

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 552 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
⚔ Fiction Literature
  1. Every possible outcome of our lives exists in different worlds. This means that every decision we make has created branches that lead to different versions of ourselves.
  2. With new technology, people can explore their 'Counterpart Files' to see these different lives and choices, leading to both excitement and sometimes shock about what they find.
  3. The idea that we are all interconnected and share a more profound identity across these worlds suggests that at a fundamental level, we might be more similar than we think.

Looking Back

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 656 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Reading is a personal experience that often happens privately, yet how we represent it through visual art can tell deeper stories about attention and focus.
  2. The way we read has changed over time, from quiet bookish moments to distractions from our phones, altering how we connect with text.
  3. Photographs of readers can show the tension between our personal, private experiences and the external pressures of a surveillance-driven world, reminding us of our inner lives.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 641 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Tilda Swinton's interview is really engaging and could go on forever. It's a great mix of interesting thoughts and conversation.
  2. Enjoying simple pleasures like whisky sours and fries can really make for a cozy experience. It’s nice to treat yourself to little things in a comforting setting.
  3. It's great to move past feeling unwell and find joy in sharing experiences again. Returning to favorite activities can be refreshing.