The hottest Literature Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Art & Illustration Topics

THE BROOKLYN BOHEMIA OF '80S AND '90S

The Nelson George Mixtape • 373 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Fort Greene and Clinton Hill in the '80s and '90s were hubs of African-American and Latin creative talent.
  2. The Brooklyn Boheme era included artists from various fields like music, literature, and film.
  3. Spike Lee's party in Fort Greene Park inspired Nelson George to work on a book about that vibrant and ambitious time.

Lessons That Can't Be Learned

Origins of Our Time • 373 implied HN points • 03 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Historiography can be more than just a hazing ritual for graduate students, it's about the overall relationship between evidence and argument in historical research.
  2. Neoliberalism and conservatism have overlapping values and affiliations, challenging the idea of a rigid separation between the two ideologies.
  3. The book overlooks significant cultural and social issues like abortion and LGBTQ+ rights while focusing on economic and political aspects, revealing a limited perspective.
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The Wit's Guide to Spending

Get Wit Quick • 373 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. When spending money, you can't keep doing it forever. There's a finite amount to spend.
  2. Cakeism philosophy is about having your cake and eating it too. It's humorous but not practical.
  3. Attention and time are more valuable than money. Spend wisely on things that matter.

Intentionally spiraling out

Austin Kleon • 1958 implied HN points • 25 Feb 22
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. A simple notebook exercise can help reduce anxiety and make you feel a bit better. It's a small step to calm the mind.
  2. Listening to Mel Brooks' memoir is not just funny; it feels sweet and comforting. It's like connecting with family through his stories.
  3. Pre-ordering the special edition of 'Steal Like an Artist' is a great way to support and celebrate its 10th anniversary, plus you'll get a signed copy!

Reality: A Lesson on Love from John Muir

Meaning || Matter • 19 implied HN points • 01 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. John Muir believed that to truly love nature, you have to understand it deeply. It's not just about enjoying beautiful views, but learning about the details and the science behind them.
  2. Muir's connection to Yosemite went beyond a short visit; it was a lifelong love. He spent years studying and exploring, showing that genuine love for something requires commitment and care.
  3. Sharing your passion for nature with others can inspire them to appreciate it too. Muir used his writing to invite more people to see and love the natural world around them.

A good heist novel, an excellent animated movie for adults and kids, and four new songs I like

Read Max • 579 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. A great heist novel can be really exciting and fun to read. It's full of action and clever plot twists.
  2. There's a new animated movie that's perfect for both kids and adults. It's visually stunning and family-friendly.
  3. Music lovers might enjoy checking out some new songs that have been released recently. They add a fresh vibe to your playlist.

Anna Gát: What to Read This Weekend #48

interintellect • 216 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Universities are no longer investing in equipping students to face humanity's challenges.
  2. There is a tension between the secular and enchanted in societal thinking.
  3. Understanding and navigating the complexities of cancer treatment can be hopeful with a positive prognosis.

Remembering Anson Rabinbach; Petrarch's Library; Shakespeare vs. Kafka

Unpopular Front • 30 implied HN points • 14 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The MAGA movement is splitting into a top-down, Murdoch-style propaganda wing and a chaotic, bottom-up conspiracy wing, and the top-down side is getting more overtly racist to signal 'authenticity,' which could strengthen the other wing.
  2. Nazism worked more as a Gesinnung—a mood or ethos made of rituals, emotions, and vague precepts—than as a single, coherent ideological system.
  3. Everyday, vernacular propaganda and emotional appeals often mattered more for spreading Nazism than elite aesthetics or so-called race science.

I'm in love...

Wild Holy & Free • 679 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The author shares a personal story about their love for Judy Blume and the impact her books had on their life.
  2. Seeing Judy Blume's book turned into a movie was a special experience for the author and their mother.
  3. The movie experience created a memorable moment for the author and their mother, highlighting the power of storytelling across generations.

What's got my attention this week #28

The Shift With Sam Baker • 279 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The post highlights interesting reads, watches, and listens for the weekend, such as celebrating singleness and the centennial of Maria Callas.
  2. It mentions coping strategies for dealing with conflicts and explores intriguing topics like celebrity tell-alls and personal growth.
  3. There's a mix of subjects from Jeff Bezos to the concept of 'killing time,' offering a diverse range of content for the audience.

From the Archives: Sarah Kane and the Death of Theatrical Modernism, by Adam Lehrer

Safety Propaganda • 216 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature
  1. The theater industry has lost touch with originality and bold vision since Sarah Kane's time.
  2. Sarah Kane's work confronted the brutality of humanity and challenged audiences to reexamine their understanding of violence and love.
  3. Kane's plays retained a classical structure while introducing a radical form of storytelling, emphasizing the beauty in despair.

Anna Gát: What to Read This Weekend #52

interintellect • 176 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The future of humanism remains a mystery, worth exploring to salvage humane virtues from the chaos of modern history
  2. Diverse perspectives on topics like friendship, violence, cancel culture, and mental health encourage critical thinking and reflection
  3. In the world of AI, art, music, and poetry, innovative approaches and debates spark new insights and appreciation

Films About Flies

Animation Obsessive • 627 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Flies are often seen as symbols of death and decay, especially in horror movies. Their creepy presence adds to the unsettling atmosphere.
  2. Two different animations titled 'The Fly' were made in the 1960s and 1980s in Yugoslavia and Hungary. Both films are considered horror, but they explore deeper themes beyond just the fly.
  3. The first 'The Fly' was nominated for an Oscar, while the second one won. This shows the artistic impact and recognition these films received in the animation world.

The River Thames

Cosmographia • 359 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature
  1. The River Thames is the lifeblood of London, weaving together history, culture, and commerce, shaping London's identity for centuries.
  2. The Thames has been a strategic hub for trade, commerce, and human settlement for thousands of years, witnessing various historical events.
  3. The river has inspired countless artists, poets, and writers, with its ever-changing moods captured in works of art and literature, leaving a lasting impact on cultural cartography.

Musings.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 34 implied HN points • 07 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Appreciating what we have can be done by imagining its loss. Think about what life would be like if you never had that thing or person in your life anymore.
  2. Joy comes from connections with others and being in a state of flow. When we build relationships and engage deeply in activities, we often find happiness.
  3. Vagabonding is about choosing experiences over possessions. It’s about taking time off from everyday life to travel and enjoy new perspectives.

The Dark Side of Hustle Culture

Litverse • 139 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The influencer industry highlights the difficulties and pressures of constantly being connected online, impacting mental health and personal relationships.
  2. In a hustle culture that glorifies productivity, traditional social activities, reading, and personal experiences are neglected, leading to increased loneliness and anxiety among younger generations.
  3. The obsession with constant connection through screens and digital validation can result in a disconnection from real-life experiences, personal growth, and genuine human connections.

Lonely Charts Personals ... or Chartbook 352, the Valentine's edition.

Chartbook • 414 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. People shared personal ads looking for romantic or meaningful connections, often with quirky and creative descriptions. It's a fun way to meet others who share similar interests.
  2. The ads covered a wide range of backgrounds and preferences, from academic and professional interests to unique hobbies and personal values. This shows the diversity of experiences people are looking for in relationships.
  3. There is a light-hearted, humorous tone throughout the personal ads, making it clear that many are just looking to have fun and enjoy the process of connecting with others.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 555 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. SALLY: A critic wondr if big coorption own right to hmonitor rmntrnh imbmcdtord, wht thn to dcid&n in cngdgnw, mbttngh
  2. SALLY: If whr thm mnd hrny mnmpt whr not, hw co mmdnmr gtnmtgttb dt   rmb whr yfth nvwhnt; whyd tkgfn
  3. SALLY: Whrk wbdy wncr hbdy; bnvtywn pmtqnphnwnwtrbpdi wjhtnwhng

NEW EVENT: Helen Lewis tickets now on sale!

Odds and Ends of History • 268 implied HN points • 20 May 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Helen Lewis is speaking at an event on July 29th, and tickets are available now. It's a great opportunity to hear from a well-known writer and author.
  2. Lewis is known for her work in The Atlantic and her podcasts, which are popular among many listeners. If you enjoy insightful conversations, this event should be intriguing.
  3. She also has a new book called 'The Genius Myth' that discusses interesting ideas about rebels and rule-breakers. The event will likely dive into themes from her book.

The Wit's Guide to Indecision

Get Wit Quick • 353 implied HN points • 23 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Indecisiveness is not always a bad trait, especially in complex situations.
  2. Having confidence, even if wrong, is often preferred over indecision.
  3. Having too many choices can lead to less satisfaction; sometimes it's better to make a quick decision and move on.

Plug your writing on our Substack

Disaffected Newsletter • 639 implied HN points • 10 May 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. You can share your creative work like writing, music, or art with others. It's a chance to connect and show what you do.
  2. Feel free to leave links to your projects in the comments so others can check them out. This is a great way to support each other.
  3. By subscribing to the newsletter, you can stay updated on new posts and help support the creator's work.

The Wit's Guide to Summer

Get Wit Quick • 353 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Summer is not just a vibe, it's a verb - an action to be taken somewhere special.
  2. The right book is essential for a perfect summer experience. It can transport you to a whole different world.
  3. Summer is a time for reinvention, relaxation, and making memories whether you're in the city or out in the countryside.

Fear and Loathing in the American University

diabolical • 353 implied HN points • 11 May 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The author reflects on their turbulent experiences in college, including struggles with education and substance abuse.
  2. They share personal anecdotes of academic challenges, rebellious behavior, and moments of self-realization.
  3. Through storytelling, the author explores themes of defiance, self-discovery, and the impact of relationships on personal growth.

What's got my attention this week #27

The Shift With Sam Baker • 279 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The post discusses various interesting reads and experiences, like a New Yorker piece by Zadie Smith, aging on your terms by Anita Bhagwandas, and learning to ride a motorcycle at 50.
  2. There's a piece on surviving sibling rivalry as an adult, overcoming shame tied to perfectionism, and the rise of selfishness among the super-rich.
  3. The content is for paid subscribers, emphasizing the support needed to access more exclusive material.

Deejaying on the hedonic treadmill

Austin Kleon • 1358 implied HN points • 15 Jul 22
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Using DJ tricks like volume and sequencing can help us balance our feelings and experiences on the hedonic treadmill. It's all about finding the right mix in life.
  2. Reading can sometimes be frustrating if a book is too long, but it can still be engaging. It's a journey of wanting to know more while feeling overwhelmed.
  3. Recent shows and music can bring joy and surprise. It's fun to discover new artists or enjoy those earlier seasons of beloved TV shows.

Amusing Ourselves To Death

Austin Kleon • 1258 implied HN points • 16 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Neil Postman believed that our society, influenced by technology, is more about entertainment than meaningful communication. This shift can lead us to be less critical thinkers.
  2. He compared the dangers of losing ourselves to a world full of distractions to the warnings in classic literature, arguing that we might love technology too much, which can hinder our growth.
  3. Postman felt that we're living in a 'peek-a-boo world,' where information appears and disappears quickly, leaving us without a strong sense of coherence or connection to deeper ideas.

Levellers

Life and Letters • 99 implied HN points • 09 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Economic inequality has been an ongoing issue, and mass death is seen as a way to create equality. Big events like wars or pandemics can reduce the gap between the rich and poor.
  2. Throughout history, societies tend to grow more unequal over time, and only major disasters can disrupt this trend. Events like wars or plagues change social dynamics and create new opportunities for survival.
  3. Literature has often reflected these themes of social hierarchy and equality, especially during times of crisis like the Black Death. Writers were influenced by the social changes and questions of equality during these periods.

The Time of Big Walking

Wild Information • 216 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Different indigenous peoples have unique ways of measuring time that are closely tied to nature and subsistence.
  2. The Sámi people have a calendar with eight seasons and twelve months that reflect changes in the environment.
  3. A year for Arctic peoples is not just a fixed number of days but a flow of natural events like bird migrations and frozen lakes.

Essay Club: Myth, History, and Pagan Origins by John Michael Greer

Mind & Mythos • 199 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Myths help people understand who they are and how the world works. They are not just stories, but reflect deeper truths and beliefs.
  2. Modern views often separate myth and history into 'true' and 'untrue' but this limits how we see the importance of myths. Myths can shape our behaviors and beliefs even if they can't be proven.
  3. Many cultural conflicts stem from enduring myths like the struggle between good and evil. Rethinking these myths might help us find new ways to relate and resolve conflicts.

Kraków

Cosmographia • 339 implied HN points • 24 May 23
🏝 Travel Literature
  1. The post is part of the Atlas' Notes series, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography based on a specific location like Kraków.
  2. To access the full content of the post, subscription and payment are required, indicating premium access for subscribers.
  3. The author shares a blend of creative content in the form of art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography focused on Kraków, offering a unique and immersive experience to subscribers.

Evola's Preface Continued

The Oswald Spengler Project • 339 implied HN points • 14 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Evola discusses Caesarism, 20th-century fascism, Nazism, and technical vocabulary in Spengler's work.
  2. Spengler's theory of Caesarism centers on the struggle between economic power and pure politics, emphasizing the reign of machinery and finance.
  3. The historical role of Caesarism, its impact on figures like Mussolini, and Spengler's views on various civilizations and phases are analyzed.

Touch Grass

Soaring Twenties • 185 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. It's important for everyone to spend more time outdoors and connect with nature. This helps to balance our lives in a digital world.
  2. Talking about our struggles with the internet is necessary and helps create awareness of its negative impact on us.
  3. Creativity often thrives when we step outside the usual boundaries and explore fun and silly ideas. Enjoyment can come from unexpected places.