The hottest Literature Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Art & Illustration Topics

Sikhote-Alin

Cosmographia • 299 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature
  1. The post is part of the Atlas' Notes series on Cosmographia, focusing on a specific location with art, poetry, literature, and photography.
  2. Access to the full content is for paid subscribers only, encouraging readers to subscribe for more exclusive material.
  3. The featured place in this post is Sikhote-Alin, offering a unique exploration of the location through various creative mediums.

Look away from the pit

Austin Kleon • 1678 implied HN points • 21 Jan 22
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. It's important to avoid doomscrolling and focus on positive aspects of life instead. Looking away from the negativity can help you maintain a better mindset.
  2. Starting a mailing list can be a great way to connect with others and share your thoughts. It's a simple but effective way to keep in touch and build a community.
  3. Showing your kids who you are is valuable. Sharing your experiences and passions with them helps strengthen your bond and teaches them about your life.

Embrace bewilderment

Austin Kleon • 1258 implied HN points • 10 Jun 22
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. It's important to embrace confusion and not just rely on cleverness. Being bewildered can lead to new discoveries.
  2. Reading graphic novels can be a fun way to learn about complex topics. They can explain important ideas in an engaging way.
  3. Using features on social media, like Instagram, can make the experience less overwhelming. Choosing what you see can help you enjoy it more.

Casting the First Stone

Thinking about... • 475 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Many people misunderstand the themes and messages in 'The Handmaid's Tale,' often blaming one religion while ignoring the complexities of the story.
  2. The story serves as a warning about the dangers of blindly following ideologies that can lead to oppressive regimes, just like the fictional Gilead.
  3. It's important to reflect on our own beliefs and behaviors, especially when they can lead to harmful actions against others, as seen in the novel.

On Cultivating Genius (Part II)

if not, Paris • 294 implied HN points • 15 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The discussion on genius is leading to questions about why we are so focused on defining and producing geniuses.
  2. Despite technological advancements, our attention spans may be diminishing, and societal progress is still questionable.
  3. The concepts of progress, genius, and utopia may not always lead to positive outcomes, as history has shown a pattern of prosperity and calamity.
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Update, Links, and the Future: March 2023

Anarchonomicon • 294 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The author has experienced significant growth in their online presence and newsletter subscribers, with plans to make it a full-time job.
  2. There are upcoming articles focusing on historical cycles and geopolitics, with the need to reframe and divide content.
  3. The author discusses topics like the decline of literature due to academia, challenges faced in writing, and the dominance of certain tabletop RPGs in different markets.

What's got my attention this week #26

The Shift With Sam Baker • 239 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Tracy Chapman recently became the first black artist to win a CMA Award for Fast Car.
  2. Various thought-provoking topics were touched upon, like compost's hidden treasures and the challenges writers face in making a living.
  3. The post highlights a range of interesting articles, from a profile of Lauren Sánchez to Robbie Williams advocating for taking 'manopause' seriously.

Issue 07 – A Holiday Wrap Up

Unbox Inbox • 198 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The post discusses the art of gift wrapping, showcasing unique and creative wrapping paper designs suitable for all occasions.
  2. The author shares the best books they read in the year, highlighting diverse genres and providing personal insights and recommendations.
  3. The post includes a festive section with various holiday-related inspirations, from Austrian holiday cards to peppermint bark chocolate bars, contributing to the holiday spirit.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 38

Why is this interesting? • 361 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The C-17 Globemaster is a powerful military aircraft that's very maneuverable, like a sports car. It's known for its strength and versatility in transport missions.
  2. The Palais Garnier in Paris is a stunning opera house, and there are beautiful images showcasing its rich interior. It's a historic venue that attracts many visitors.
  3. The way we interpret classic literature, like 'The Great Gatsby', can change over time. A leading expert dives into how our understanding may have missed important themes.

My COVID diaries

Austin Kleon • 1159 implied HN points • 05 Jul 22
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Sharing when you're sick can feel a bit attention-seeking, similar to announcing a birthday. It’s like waiting for others to acknowledge your situation.
  2. During recovery, prioritizing what not to do is just as important as what to do. It’s okay to take a break from daily tasks and responsibilities.
  3. Finding comfort in simple pleasures like comic books and familiar music can be a helpful way to cope when you're feeling unwell.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 325 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Reading can be a way to challenge your thinking, especially about complex topics like divorce. It's interesting to explore new perspectives on familiar issues.
  2. Winter can feel long and tiresome for many, making people eager for spring. Sharing feelings about the season can connect us with others experiencing the same.
  3. Consuming various types of content can enhance our understanding of the world. It's a great way to discover diverse ideas and spark conversations.

⤴✊ The techno-optimism of a 1970s Black Power activist and poet

Faster, Please! • 456 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Nikki Giovanni was a prominent poet and activist known for her strong views on race and social justice. She wrote about significant issues such as politics and love with a unique voice.
  2. Her work was influenced by the Civil Rights and Black Power movements, making her a key figure in the Black Arts Movement. This helped her gain recognition as the 'Poet of the Black Revolution.'
  3. Giovanni's perspective encouraged a sense of optimism and hope in the 1970s, contrasting with some of today's social justice narratives which may feel more negative.

The "MurderBot" Apple TV Adaptation Is a Win...

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 192 implied HN points • 31 May 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The 'MurderBot' adaptation on Apple TV is getting great reviews for capturing the essence of its original character. People are excited to see a relatable robot with real feelings and challenges.
  2. The cast, especially Alexander Skarsgård as the lead, is praised for their performances. They bring depth to the characters, making viewers feel connected to them right away.
  3. The show is noted for its humor and heart, appealing to both fans of the books and new viewers. It's a unique take on science fiction that mixes action with emotional storytelling.

Disorderly Creativity

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 170 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature
  1. Creativity often feels chaotic and unpredictable. It's important to embrace that disorder rather than trying to control it with logic.
  2. Art is more about emotions than just ideas. Creating purely from thoughts can lead to dull and flat outcomes.
  3. To spark true creativity, step away from your usual patterns and allow yourself to engage with the mysterious and unknown parts of your mind.

Wisdom Of The Prophet

Weekly Wisdom • 119 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Literature
  1. Reading out loud can be a powerful and ancient practice, bringing words on a page to life with the breath and voice of the reader.
  2. Before silent reading became the norm, reading aloud was a communal activity performed in groups.
  3. Resurrecting the tradition of reading out loud to yourself can offer a unique and enriching experience, allowing you to savor the words and feel their impact.

SPOOKY SEASON EXTRAVAGANZA BONANZAHHHHHHH!!!!1!!!!1!!!!1!!

Secretum Secretorum • 505 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Nongqawuse was a Xhosa prophetess who convinced her people to destroy their crops and cattle, believing it would lead to a better future. Unfortunately, her prophecy failed, causing widespread famine.
  2. Victor Brauner was a painter known for his eerie art, which seemed to predict his future misfortune of losing sight in one eye. His life became a reflection of his work as he experienced similar events.
  3. Augustin Lesage, a miner, heard a voice that encouraged him to become a painter. He began creating artwork guided by what he thought were spirits, eventually gaining recognition for his unique style.

What's got my attention this week #30

The Shift With Sam Baker • 199 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The Shift With Sam Baker is a reader-supported publication, with opportunities for free or paid subscriptions.
  2. The post mentions interesting articles and stories to read, watch, and listen to over the weekend.
  3. It highlights notable content like Sharon Stone's art, Elizabeth Gilbert's Oldster questionnaire, Margaret Atwood's sermon, and more.

An easygoing hippie noir series; a fantastic, dark serial-killer movie; and an album of retro-pop bangers

Read Max • 500 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. There's a new easygoing hippie noir series to check out. It's in the style of cool stories like 'Inherent Vice.'
  2. A dark, thrilling serial-killer movie set in Hong Kong is being praised as one of the best of the decade. If you like thrillers, this one is a must-see.
  3. A fresh album featuring '90s-style retro-pop songs has been released. It’s perfect for anyone looking for fun and catchy music.

How huckleberries earned the nickname "purple gold"

The Recovering Academic • 277 implied HN points • 15 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Huckleberry picking was a significant source of income for the author's family, teaching valuable lessons about hard work and creativity.
  2. The huckleberry harvesting tradition passed down through generations, showcasing a deep connection to nature and family bonding.
  3. The dangers and risks of huckleberry picking, including encounters with bears and hornets, highlighted the importance of respect for the wild and reliance on wits over weapons.

The Of of Of

Opaque Hourglass • 259 implied HN points • 22 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature
  1. Haiku poems emphasize the power of silence and the impact of what is left unsaid.
  2. Writing a haiku requires appreciating the importance of silence and mastering the art of restraint in words.
  3. The difficulty in creating a good haiku lies in the challenge of balancing what is said and what is left unsaid.

Let me eat and not be eaten

Austin Kleon • 1179 implied HN points • 03 Jun 22
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Bicycles can inspire creativity and bring joy to life. Riding a bike is not just exercise; it can be a fun way to explore new ideas.
  2. Reading comics can be both entertaining and educational. They offer a unique way to learn about complex topics.
  3. Graduation is a big milestone, and it comes with new opportunities. It's important to embrace change and stay open to new experiences.

Paid content: Playing the arborist

Wood From Eden • 336 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Being an arborist involves caring for trees and understanding their growth. It's important to know how to maintain their health and beauty.
  2. There are different methods and tools used in arboriculture to safely manage trees. Learning these techniques can help prevent damage and promote growth.
  3. Working with trees requires both knowledge and respect for nature. Arborists play a big role in keeping our environment healthy and beautiful.

Watering the garden

Austin Kleon • 1238 implied HN points • 06 May 22
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. It's important to take time to appreciate nature and nurture creativity. Just like watering a garden helps plants thrive, engaging with ideas can help us grow mentally.
  2. Reading various books and articles can offer new perspectives on money and culture. Exploring different viewpoints is a great way to expand your understanding.
  3. Connecting with others through interviews and shared experiences can inspire and motivate us. Listening to creative people share their journeys can spark new ideas for our own lives.

Everything is a Remix

Seven Senses • 579 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Originality is hard to define because almost all creative work is influenced by what came before it. Many famous inventions and art pieces are built on prior ideas.
  2. People often prefer familiar themes and concepts, leading to industries that recycle ideas, like movie sequels and music remixes. This use of the remix can provide comfort and profit.
  3. Creativity is about participating in a long tradition of ideas rather than only seeking to be original. New works often honor and build on the past, showing how art is a conversation through time.

The Last Newsletter (for a bit) 🎲

The David Charles Newsletter • 137 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Using chance to reduce decision fatigue can be compelling and make productivity playful.
  2. Sometimes, when stuck on good options or feeling overwhelmed, using a random choice method like rolling a die can help move forward without second-guessing.
  3. Taking a break or sabbatical from obligations, like writing, can create space for new opportunities and growth.

Here Be Dragons!

Fields & Energy • 239 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Dragons symbolize power and temptation, representing the dangers of being seduced by false promises. They serve as a reminder of the fight between good and evil in our desires.
  2. Electromagnetism plays a crucial role in communication and technology, influencing how we receive and interpret information. This reflects the battle between freedom and control in today's world.
  3. Fiction can reveal truths about our reality, helping us understand complex ideas like morality and human nature. Stories like _Draco Alchemicus_ can shine a light on these deeper truths.

HOISTED FROM THE ARCHIVES: Cory Doctorow on FanFiction

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 107 implied HN points • 12 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Authors often feel a strong connection to their characters, almost as if the characters have a life of their own. This makes it hard for them when fans create stories that don't match their vision.
  2. Readers can develop deep emotional bonds with fictional characters, making them seem real. This connection explains why fanfiction is so popular; fans want to continue sharing stories about those beloved characters.
  3. The history of storytelling includes borrowing and reimagining, which is what fanfiction does. It shows how narratives can evolve and why it's such a rich tradition.

A down-on-her-luck Lady of Shalott, and other tall tales

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 678 implied HN points • 30 Jul 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature
  1. The author reflects on revisiting past places, realizing how much she's changed but also how old selves still linger within her.
  2. The monthly newsletter discusses upcoming projects like 'Hagitude' and 'The Rooted Woman Oracle', and offers a chance to win a signed copy of 'Hagitude'.
  3. The author shares personal experiences and insights on growth, learning, and the impact of different places on one's sense of self.

What books define America for you?

Men Yell at Me • 142 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Books can shape our understanding of a country, and everyone's list of what defines America is different.
  2. Attending events like rallies can inspire new ideas and research for writing, revealing societal issues like masculinity crises.
  3. There's a feeling that people worry about not having enough, even when there is plenty available, reflecting a deeper anxiety in society.

The poetry of Steiner systems

A Piece of the Pi: mathematics explained • 42 implied HN points • 14 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. A Steiner triple system is made up of a set and its unique 3-element subsets, called blocks. Each pair of elements only appears together in one block.
  2. Kirkman's Schoolgirl Problem is about scheduling walks for girls so each pair walks together just once. This problem is an example of how Steiner systems can solve real-life scenarios.
  3. Resolving Steiner systems allows for structured arrangements that can be creatively used, like constructing poetry, where each block represents a line and unique keyword pairs are included in an organized way.

Photo of the Day

Photo of the Day • 137 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature
  1. Jack London, known for "Call of the Wild," worked as a photojournalist and took thousands of photos during his travels.
  2. London captured photos in London's East End during the coronation of Edward VII in 1902.
  3. Living among the poor changed London's views, leading him to write about social issues and eventually become a socialist.

All that's old is new again

Disaffected Newsletter • 539 implied HN points • 04 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Older ideas and trends often come back into fashion. It's common to see things that are considered 'outdated' become popular again.
  2. Nostalgia plays a big part in why we embrace things from the past. People enjoy the comfort and memories associated with older styles.
  3. Recycling old concepts can lead to creativity. By mixing the old with the new, fresh ideas can emerge that resonate with different audiences.

The Many Muses of Taylor Swift

Litverse • 259 implied HN points • 13 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Taylor Swift's art is deeply inspired by her relationships, turning her ex-partners into muses for her songs.
  2. Taylor Swift's ability to create a shared reality through her music on the theme of love resonates with a wide audience.
  3. In the world of popular art, artists like Taylor Swift offer a 'plane of illusion' where audiences can transcend individuality and escape fears while enjoying universal themes like love.