The hottest Literature Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Art & Illustration Topics

In the Vortex of Toxic Woo-Woo

Message from the Underworld • 235 implied HN points • 05 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The Salton Sea faces environmental challenges with toxic water and artists transforming the community.
  2. Flagstaff is undergoing changes over the years, impacting the author's nostalgic view of the town.
  3. Sedona's mix of natural beauty and new age practices intrigued the author during a recent visit.
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Tolstoy On Disagreement

The Ruffian • 264 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Literature
  1. People often argue about politics without realizing they value different things. Understanding what others care about can help resolve disagreements.
  2. When discussing, it's helpful to express what you truly love or believe. This can lead to surprising agreement and reduce pointless arguments.
  3. Tolstoy highlights that many arguments are similar to digging up the same truth. Acknowledging shared values can make discussions more productive.

Rattle Bag

The Ruffian • 122 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Growing older can be done happily with the right mindset and approaches.
  2. Dealing with defensive people requires patience and understanding; knowing how to communicate matters.
  3. Looking tough isn't just about appearance; it's about confidence and how you carry yourself.

Born to Be Wild: Introducing John Muir

Meaning || Matter • 19 implied HN points • 11 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. John Muir is a key figure in American environmentalism known for his love of nature and work in preserving national parks, especially Yosemite. He believed that people should connect with nature to truly appreciate and protect it.
  2. Muir saw wilderness as a source of spirituality, teaching that we can learn and find God through nature. He practiced a form of transcendentalism that emphasized loving and understanding the wild rather than conquering it.
  3. Muir's writing served as a way to bring people closer to nature, acting like an evangelist for the wilderness. His vivid descriptions aimed to inspire others to experience and care for the natural world.

The most powerful woman you can see

Men Yell at Me • 155 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Living in Iowa has brought a deep sense of meaning and fulfillment to teaching and community engagement. The connection with students and the supportive environment feels more impactful than in bigger cities like New York.
  2. A year of celibacy taught a lot about self-connection and feeling comfortable in one's own body. It shifted the focus from being seen by others to truly experiencing life and one's own desires.
  3. Everything in life is connected, from relationships to personal values. By recognizing these connections, there's a chance to bring passion and presence into all areas of life, including friendships and activism.

The Leonard Cohen Shoe Shine Edition

Why is this interesting? • 301 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Leonard Cohen was known for his love of fine tailoring, often wearing stylish suits. His attention to personal appearance showed he cared about looking good.
  2. While searching for his dress shoes, many images emerged of Cohen sitting on hotel room floors polishing his own shoes. This highlights his down-to-earth nature.
  3. The contrast between his polished look on stage and his simple shoe-shining ritual reflects a unique blend of elegance and humility in his character.

On Malignant Escapism

Resident Contrarian • 1627 implied HN points • 28 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Be cautious of using escapism as a way to avoid facing real life challenges or responsibilities.
  2. Escapism, like through video games or fantasy scenarios, can be alluring but may not help with real-world problems.
  3. Ensure that activities like watching sports or playing games serve as a healthy escape, not a constant avoidance of reality.

Hidden Open Thread 354.5

Astral Codex Ten • 412 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. This post is meant for paid subscribers only, so not everyone can access it.
  2. There are discussions happening in the comments section, with a decent amount of interaction.
  3. You can subscribe or sign in to view the content, which suggests it's a community-focused platform.

Love in the Machine Edition

As Ever • 30 implied HN points • 15 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Love shapes our identity and experiences, and it's important to understand how we can love the right things in the right ways. We are made to love and be loved, which influences how we interact with the world around us.
  2. Technology affects our lives deeply, especially in how it influences our love and connections. Understanding this relationship helps us navigate its role in our lives, deciding what to embrace and what to reject.
  3. Conversations about labor and technology remind us of the importance of personal connections over efficiency. Using tools with love and care can enhance our relationships and the world we live in.

Billingsgate Goes West

Mister Slang • 137 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The 18th and early 19th centuries saw a shift in the content people sought: from erotic dialogues to memoirs of those in the profession.
  2. Madames and prostitutes of the past were often the subjects of 'autobiographies' and other works, contributing to a rich history of scandalous literature.
  3. Jane Davies, a celebrated figure, had a reputation for her eloquence in swearing and obscene talk, showcasing the colorful language of the time.

On the canceled extended version of "X-Men" (2000)

Textual Variations • 331 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. There was a planned extended version of the first X-Men movie, called X-Men 1.5, which was meant to include new scenes about Cyclops and Storm's origins. However, it was canceled due to budget issues.
  2. Director Bryan Singer wanted to include these new scenes to add depth to the characters, but it didn't happen because the money was needed for the sequel, X2.
  3. Even though the scenes were never made, later X-Men movies revisited some of these ideas, showing that the concept was valued by filmmakers.

deepculture ▪️ 105

deepculture • 117 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Each edition of deepculture starts with a meaningful quote.
  2. The post includes varied content like life advice, favorite ideas, and reading lists.
  3. Recommendations include documentaries, newsletters, and apps to enhance your knowledge and experience.

Coming soon

Connecting Dots • 19 implied HN points • 10 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. There is an upcoming content piece called 'Connecting Dots' that will be available soon.
  2. You can subscribe to the content for updates and more information.
  3. It seems to involve sharing ideas or perspectives in an engaging way.

Self-expression

Austin Kleon • 1059 implied HN points • 15 Apr 22
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Art is about self-expression, and sharing your work can help you connect with others.
  2. Finding inspiration can come from unexpected places, like visiting a library or exploring your town.
  3. Music and movies can lift your spirits and provide great entertainment for family time.

Catch up with Emily Howes on The Shift Bookclub Live

The Shift With Sam Baker • 59 implied HN points • 17 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature
  1. The Shift Bookclub Live featured a discussion with Emily Howes, author of The Painter's Daughters, covering topics like art, sexism, mental health, and societal expectations.
  2. Emily Howes, an existential psychotherapist and writer, delved into themes of women's roles in 18th-century society, freedom vs. money, mental health, and family dynamics in her book.
  3. The conversation during the live event explored issues like shaming women, family secrets, sisterhood, and self-sacrifice within the context of The Painter's Daughters' narrative.

Trying not to spiral out

Austin Kleon • 1199 implied HN points • 04 Feb 22
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Finding beauty in tough situations can help us grow. It's important to look for the silver lining during difficult times like storms.
  2. Reading a variety of books can expand our understanding and inspire creativity. Mixing different genres like essays and novels can keep our minds engaged.
  3. Sharing enjoyable activities with family strengthens bonds. Playing games, baking, and watching shows together can create lasting memories.

It's time for another Ask Me Anything post!

How to Glow in the Dark • 219 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The post is an invitation for an Ask Me Anything session about book publishing and general life questions.
  2. The author sets ground rules for the AMA, emphasizing no book pitching and maintaining respect.
  3. The AMA session is available only for paid subscribers, where the author shares random but interesting facts about vultures.

Signs of the Times

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 179 implied HN points • 16 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Seattle has unique street markers made from tiles and metal. These have different styles and date back to the early 1900s.
  2. In 1902, Seattle decided to mark sidewalks with street names, but these old tiles often became hard to see due to visibility issues.
  3. Kids used to vandalize the street signs, which led to attempts to put fines in place for those caught throwing stones.

☞ The Humanistic Computation Project

Cabinet of Wonders • 300 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Literature
  1. Computation can help us understand many fields, not just programming. It can connect ideas from literature, biology, philosophy, and more.
  2. The study of computation involves looking at how we think and use language. It also explores the limits of mathematics and the nature of reality.
  3. Humanistic computation blends computer science with the humanities and social sciences. This new field encourages us to think deeply about how technology and culture interact.

Based Safety vs. Cringe Propaganda #51

Safety Propaganda • 216 implied HN points • 03 May 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Adam Lehrer resumes his Safety Propaganda platform after a break, discussing his novel, music projects, and bodybuilding regimen.
  2. Adam reviews Ari Aster's film 'Beau is Afraid' as a work of art of near unparalleled genius, exploring its themes and reactions.
  3. Major media shakeups include the firing of Tucker Carlson and the bankruptcy of VICE media, reflecting on their impact and transformations.

Postmodernism Is Good, Actually

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 1226 implied HN points • 24 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The novel 'J R' explores the corrupting influence of money on our pursuit of creating things of beauty.
  2. The current cultural trend of identity-mongering tied to neoliberal capitalism reflects themes seen in 'J R' from fifty years ago.
  3. Art should maintain autonomy and challenge norms, as seen through examples from the avant-garde and critical analysis of current artistic trends.

The Tears of Strangers are only water

Wrong Side of History • 379 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Empathy has its limits; we often feel sad for others but can't fully connect to their pain. It's normal to care about distant events, but we might not be able to change them.
  2. Sometimes, people who are deeply empathetic can get overwhelmed by the suffering they see in the world. This can lead to sadness, just like in the story of Simone Weil.
  3. Understanding the feelings of others is important, but we need to balance it with our own well-being. It's okay to feel for others without taking on their pain.

The Death of Scenius

The Ruffian • 288 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Urban creativity has declined because artists are less connected and no longer gather in cities like they used to. This lack of connection limits inspiration and collaboration.
  2. The concept of 'scenius' shows that creativity thrives when talented people are in close proximity to each other. Working together can spark new ideas and movements.
  3. Rising living costs and the internet's influence have made it harder for artists to meet and collaborate, leading to fewer innovative cultural movements today.

The Romantic Era Never Ended

Bet On It • 296 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The Romantic Era of music isn't over; it lives on in modern soundtracks. Many new compositions carry the spirit of famous Romantic composers.
  2. While some may think of soundtracks as simple background music, many actually hold high artistic value, comparable to classical masterpieces.
  3. It's important to appreciate and celebrate modern composers who continue the legacy of the Romantic tradition, rather than just mourn for the past.

sunday memepool

bad cattitude • 96 implied HN points • 20 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Sometimes, there are things we can't ignore once we see them. They stick with us, and we can't pretend they don't exist.
  2. It's important to recognize the lies and tricks that might be hidden around us. Understanding these can change how we view the world.
  3. Staying aware and questioning what we see is key. It helps us make better decisions and see things more clearly.

"Unearthed 2008 blog reveals Dobrenko's early genius"

Both Are True • 86 implied HN points • 05 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Sometimes early work can hint at someone's future talent, like how child prodigies show their skills early on. It's interesting to look back at our own early creations to see if there's something special there.
  2. An unfinished blog post from the past can still hold value and be rediscovered later, surprising the writer with its potential. It's a reminder that even old, unpolished ideas can be viewed differently over time.
  3. Critics can sometimes give new insights into one's work, offering a fresh perspective that the creator might not see. This shows the importance of feedback and collaboration in the creative process.

Call me Starbucks.

All Visible Objects • 118 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Starbucks Coffee famously took its name from the character Starbuck in Moby-Dick, but the reason behind the choice remains somewhat mysterious and unexplained.
  2. The connection between Starbucks and Moby-Dick seems to stem more from a chain of coincidences and word associations rather than a deep literary appreciation or deliberate homage to the book.
  3. The original inspiration for the name Starbucks may have come indirectly from Ed Leimbacher, who named a film company Pequod after the ship in Moby-Dick, showing how literary influences can shape unexpected outcomes.

Based Safety vs. Cringe Propaganda #58

Safety Propaganda • 98 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Based Safety emphasizes embracing freedom and critical thinking, rather than consuming rage-inducing clickbait.
  2. Based Safety highlights artistic works that challenge norms, like the Baker Skateboards video and Jon Rafman's collaboration with Kanye and Ty Dolla $ign.
  3. Cringe Propaganda critiques failures in popular culture, such as disappointing remakes like True Detective: Night Country and issues in industries like UFC and skateboarding.

Samarkand

Cosmographia • 259 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature
  1. The post is part of the 'Atlas' Notes' series, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography about a specific location, like Samarkand.
  2. The content seems to require a paid subscription to access, providing a deeper, exclusive experience for subscribers.
  3. The post showcases a blend of different creative elements centered around a specific place, offering a unique thematic experience for the audience.

Only the questions

Austin Kleon • 1039 implied HN points • 04 Mar 22
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. There's a cool online tool that shows you only the questions in a piece of writing. It's a fun way to focus on what really matters in the text.
  2. You can make music right in your browser using a tool called Roland50 Studio. It's a great way to have fun and be creative without needing special software.
  3. A new TV show called 'Somebody Somewhere' mixes comedy and heartwarming moments. It’s set in a unique location and deals with topics like grief in a relatable way.

Forté #18

SJF • 117 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature
  1. The author finds inspiration in reading Tolstoy's War & Peace and using a Hobonichi Techo notebook for daily journalling.
  2. Subscribed to The Idler magazine for a slow, good life perspective and enjoyed reading An Idler's Manual by Tom Hodgkinson.
  3. Explored the Voyager Golden Record images and learned about the robot 'There's Waldo' that finds Waldo in different countries.