The hottest Literature Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Art & Illustration Topics

The Wit's Guide to Procrastination

Get Wit Quick • 334 implied HN points • 27 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Procrastination can be a way to avoid work you're supposed to be doing at the moment.
  2. Don't believe in the 'Eat That Frog' concept of doing the worst thing first to get it over with.
  3. Procrastinators can accomplish many things, but struggle with facing certain tasks unless they find something worse to avoid.

Whistler’s MILF

quite useless • 334 implied HN points • 23 May 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Visiting storied restaurants for lunch at off-peak times can offer the same menu at a discount.
  2. Opera at the Metropolitan Opera showcases phenomenal music and acoustics, making it a must-visit for Mozart enthusiasts.
  3. Attending live performances, like the play 'A Doll's House,' can provide an intense emotional experience and a chance to see brilliant acting.

Pre-Kilimanjaro Take 2

Splattern • 19 implied HN points • 27 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Sexual violence is a huge problem that happens in many places, including war zones and homes. It's important to understand how and why it occurs to effectively respond to it.
  2. Rape is often used as a weapon of war, showing a disturbing connection between violence and control over populations. This problem goes beyond geography and also affects peaceful countries.
  3. Everyone can help combat sexual violence by speaking out, supporting victims, and teaching respect. Men have a crucial role in changing the conversation around women's rights and fighting against these issues.

Rough Draft 2024, Part Two: Reflecting on a decade of work

polymathematics • 139 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Embrace uncertainty in life, as unexpected experiences can lead to the best outcomes. It's okay to feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed; it's part of the journey.
  2. Finding the right balance in work and personal projects is important. It's essential to focus on what truly matters and avoid feeling like you have to compromise.
  3. Setting clear goals can help you stay organized and motivated. Aim to create specific projects that bring you joy, and don’t be afraid to reassess your direction along the way.

Writing vs Journalism: Which Tells the Better Truth?

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 50 implied HN points • 19 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Michael Wolff believes there's a difference between writing and journalism. Writers focus on storytelling and expression, while journalists typically just report the news.
  2. Wolff claims he aims to capture deeper truths about people and events, using his experiences and relationships to tell meaningful stories.
  3. He sees value in understanding the complexities of figures like Jeffrey Epstein and Donald Trump, going beyond just the news to explore human nature and societal flaws.
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RKUL: Time Well Spent 05/16/2025

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 194 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Spending your time wisely is important, especially with so many distractions like the internet and your phone. Focus on activities that enrich your mind instead.
  2. Books about anthropology and culture can provide valuable insights into how societies evolve and adapt. There are many fascinating works out there that challenge common misconceptions.
  3. Understanding the historical context of cultures helps us comprehend modern societies. Books that explore ancient history can offer important lessons about our current cultural dynamics.

No thank you!

Austin Kleon • 1358 implied HN points • 17 Jun 22
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Sharing is valuable, whether it's insights, recommendations, or personal experiences. It's a way to connect with others.
  2. Books about writing can really help improve your skills and understanding of the craft. Some classic titles are must-reads for any aspiring writer.
  3. Watching great films or exploring new art can inspire creativity. There's always something to learn or enjoy in different forms of media.

Appropriate

Castalia • 159 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The play 'Appropriate' mixes two heavy themes: family conflict and the dark legacy of racial issues in America. It shows how families often ignore the painful truths of their past.
  2. The character Toni is deeply complicated, carrying a lot of anger and grief. Her struggles highlight the pressures women face in society, but her character can sometimes feel less connected to the play's main themes.
  3. Overall, the play's best moments come from its sharp writing, but it has some issues with tying together its different storylines. The photographs symbolize a history that cannot be easily resolved or forgotten.

Summer

Soaring Twenties • 146 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The importance of engaging with the real world rather than just spending time online is emphasized. It's good to experience life outside of screens.
  2. This summer issue features a variety of creative content, including essays, stories, and recipes, showcasing different perspectives and experiences.
  3. The founders aim to move the project towards more physical and in-person experiences in the future, strengthening connections beyond digital interactions.

The rise of New Statesman Man

Odds and Ends of History • 2010 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. New Statesman Man is a character who is well-educated and politically engaged, but tends to focus more on image and status than actual ideas or beliefs.
  2. He is critical of capitalism and advocates for degrowth, but has a smug attitude and lacks concrete solutions for improving the lives of actual poor people.
  3. Despite claiming to be focused on materialism, New Statesman Man's actions and beliefs often betray a disconnect from the reality of poverty and inequality.

What's got my attention this week #33

The Shift With Sam Baker • 179 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. DJ Annie Nightingale, Radio 1's pioneer female DJ, passed away at 83, leaving a legacy for others to follow.
  2. Mean Girls growing up, Kate Moss turning 50, and the forgotten feminist Shere Hite are discussed in the newsletter, offering a mix of pop culture and feminist insights.
  3. The newsletter also delves into topics like creativity blocks, female luxury in method acting, and the emotional depths of hotel rooms, providing a varied and thought-provoking read for subscribers.

Fez فاس

Cosmographia • 319 implied HN points • 21 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature
  1. The post is part of an Atlas' Notes series on Cosmographia, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography related to a specific place.
  2. The post is for paid subscribers only, with a prompt to subscribe for full access.
  3. The author's work revolves around showcasing various forms of creative expression centered on specific locations.

The Limits of Science: Why Einstein Believed Science Needs the Humanities

Humanities in Revolt • 319 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
🚌 Education Literature
  1. Einstein believed that a holistic education balancing science and humanities is essential for cultivating fundamental human values and morality.
  2. He emphasized that over-specialization and narrowly technical competencies can lead to lopsided thought and hinder human development.
  3. Einstein highlighted the importance of ethical values guiding scientific knowledge to maintain a healthy and humane society.

Buckle Up. Things Are About to Get Weird.

Think Future • 139 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The newsletter provides forecasts, perspectives, and tools to create a better world.
  2. Topics discussed in upcoming newsletters include the 2024 presidential election scenarios and ramifications of Supreme Court decisions.
  3. Other intriguing topics include a giant clock in the desert, Swedish death cleaning, and personal stories about hope and future.

⬜ Studio Ghibli vibes vs. history

One Thing • 217 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature
  1. The film The Boy and the Heron by Studio Ghibli offers a fantastical, immersive experience for viewers of all ages.
  2. The movie carries historical depth, drawing inspiration from a 1937 novel addressed to counter militant nationalism in Japan.
  3. The director, Hayao Miyazaki, encapsulates profound themes through abstract storytelling and dreamlike elements, challenging conventional standards of ambition in art.

Photo of the Day -- weekend

Photo of the Day • 176 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
💾 History Literature
  1. The post includes a collection of historical photos from different time periods.
  2. The photos capture moments from various significant events like aerial exhibitions, war operations, and space exploration.
  3. The content also features quotes and interesting historical trivia.

Fossil records and paper trails

Austin Kleon • 1159 implied HN points • 12 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Museums can go paperless, which makes us think about the importance of both fossil records and how we document our lives.
  2. Trilobites are fascinating creatures, and there's a lot we can learn from their history and the work of scientists like Richard Fortey.
  3. Sometimes, dreaming of a simple life, like living on an island, can inspire us to appreciate art and literature more deeply.

Maybe Your Opinion Is Just a Feeling About a Story

The Ruffian • 503 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Opinions can often be influenced by emotions rather than facts. It's important to recognize when your feelings about a story shape your views.
  2. The debate around the Elgin Marbles shows that we can change our minds when we learn more and see different perspectives about a historical issue.
  3. Identifying and understanding the narratives around controversial topics can help us make more informed decisions and avoid biases based on tribal feelings.

On Valentine's Day

Welcome to Garbagetown • 833 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Valentine's Day is a significant holiday worth celebrating, regardless of relationship status
  2. Holidays and rituals are important as they mark time and bring joy and pleasure to life
  3. Valentine's Day has a deeper meaning rooted in history and symbolism, making it more than just a commercialized celebration

Based Safety vs. Cringe Propaganda #50

Safety Propaganda • 314 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The author shares a heartfelt story about their deep grief and loss of their beloved pet
  2. The newsletter discusses the excitement in the world of bodybuilding and UFC fights, including notable events such as the Arnold Classic and Jon Jones' return
  3. The section 'Cringe Propaganda' explores various controversial topics in the art world and pop culture, critiquing trends and media personalities

What happens in Weymouth stays in Weymouth

The Austen Connection • 314 implied HN points • 23 Jul 23
🏝 Travel Literature
  1. The post discusses the concept of travel and who gets the opportunity to travel in the context of Jane Austen's writings.
  2. The author invites readers to sign up for the Austen Connection newsletter to receive more content.
  3. There is an option for a 7-day free trial to access the full post archives on the Austen Connection website.

Spare rooms

quite useless • 314 implied HN points • 04 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The author finds glamour in solitude and imagination while living in a spare, retro space.
  2. The town of Lewes, DE offers historical charm, convenience, and good dining options in a small setting.
  3. The author enjoys simple pleasures like turkey sandwiches and interacting with locals at a beachside restaurant.

A vacation diary

Austin Kleon • 1678 implied HN points • 15 Feb 22
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Deciding to go on a trip can be tough, especially after staying home for a long time, but exploring new places usually helps you grow. It's important to ask yourself if the experience will make you feel bigger or smaller.
  2. Traveling to new cities can be magical, especially when you get lost in the beauty of the surroundings and the stories found in books that match the setting.
  3. When traveling with kids, it's smart to wake up early and find fun outdoor activities to wear them out before starting the day's adventures. It keeps everyone happy and makes the trip more enjoyable.

Charlotte's satirical crusader for social change

The Charlotte Ledger • 157 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Harry Golden used humor to advocate for civil rights and social justice in Charlotte during the 1950s and '60s.
  2. Golden's satirical essays in 'Carolina Israelite' addressed societal inequalities and injustices in a humorous way, gaining him fame and recognition.
  3. Golden's approach of using satire to highlight issues like segregation and discrimination made him a well-known champion of the oppressed, with a wide readership and impact.

An Apostate Against the Machine-God

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 31 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Modern technological civilization acts like an autonomous 'Machine' that prizes calculative reason, uproots people from place and tradition, and treats nature and humans as interchangeable resources, causing ecological collapse and spiritual alienation.
  2. The answer proposed is to re-root life in local communities, traditions, and meaningful practices—rebuilding moral economies, family, farming, and craft—and to practice technological askesis, a disciplined refusal of dehumanizing technologies.
  3. The political reality is messy: both market-liberal progressive forces and a rising reactionary tech elite can enable the Machine, while accelerationist strains even celebrate humanity's replacement, so simple left‑right fixes are inadequate.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 35

Why is this interesting? • 422 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The article highlights interesting links shared in group chats, focusing on diverse topics for weekend reading.
  2. One featured piece discusses how two actors found a creative outlet in Grand Theft Auto during the pandemic.
  3. Another article looks at trends in substance use among U.S. teens, revealing interesting shifts in behavior.

Was Carl Jung Antisemitic?

The Living Philosophy • 176 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. There are accusations of Carl Jung being antisemitic due to his entanglements with Nazi Germany, but he also had Jewish friends and later explored Jewish mystical philosophy like Kabballah.
  2. Jung's involvement with organizations that had Nazi affiliations, such as promoting 'Mein Kampf' as required reading for psychotherapists, raised questions about his leanings.
  3. Some of Jung's comments, like comparing Jewish people to 'weak like women' or having a 'lower potential psyche,' have been viewed as potentially antisemitic, but context suggests a nuanced evaluation is needed.

Criticism is the ultimate compliment

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 356 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Criticism can be seen as positive feedback, showing that people care enough to offer their thoughts. It encourages growth and improvement.
  2. The importance of creativity is highlighted through various writing methods and the need for authentic expression in art. Hard work often makes writing look easy.
  3. The text discusses modern trends, like how people engage with social issues and popular culture, suggesting a mix of nostalgia and critique about today's lifestyles.

Best Housekeeping Yet!

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 397 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. There are big plans for 2025 at The Hinternet, including new features, a call for submissions with a good pay rate, and looking for new contributors and voice actors.
  2. A new publication called The Oort Cloud Review is set to launch soon, and it’s expected to make a significant impact.
  3. The Hinternet is trying to distance itself from low-investment free subscribers and is focusing on fostering genuine engagement from dedicated readers.

"do i need to subscribe to my friend's substack newsletter"

Both Are True • 167 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Supporting your friend's paid newsletter can feel like a tricky decision. If they've made it clear they expect support, think carefully about your own financial situation first.
  2. If you're not rich, there are still ways to help your friend. You can share their work, give them positive feedback, or simply tell them you're unable to pay right now.
  3. It's important to remember that artists and writers often need encouragement. Your praise can really help them feel valued, even if you can't support them financially.

Curator

Castalia • 299 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Liberalism is seen by some as losing energy and direction. There are calls for change, but people are unsure what will come next.
  2. Generation X reflects on their cultural identity and feelings of betrayal regarding the societal changes after the idealism of the 1960s. They struggle with the disillusionment of unmet hopes.
  3. Writers like Don DeLillo express concerns about how modern life has altered identities, making people feel more disconnected, while still hoping to capture the essence of shared human experiences.