The hottest Literature Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Art & Illustration Topics

The State of the Culture Is...Not Bad, Actually

The Ruffian • 215 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Hollywood is showing signs of a mini-renaissance with a recent surge in quality films and more diverse storytelling, bucking the trend of blockbuster dominance.
  2. While concerns about a decline in mainstream culture persist, there are still pockets of innovation and quality in mediums like books, TV, music, and film, hinting at a complex and multifaceted cultural landscape.
  3. Previous golden ages in commercial art forms, like Hollywood in the 1970s, have occurred during periods of transition and uncertainty, suggesting that creativity flourishes when traditional norms are disrupted.

The best work is on the B-side

The Recovering Academic • 59 implied HN points • 25 Aug 23
🚌 Education Literature
  1. Instructional design involves designing and building learning materials and experiences, which can range from formal training programs to informal learning spaces like Slack groups or podcasts.
  2. Effective diversity and inclusion training goes beyond just one-time sessions and includes ongoing discussions, cultural shifts, and deep engagement with materials like literature to foster lasting change.
  3. For individuals leaving academia, networking is a key strategy for marketing oneself, building relationships, and ultimately finding career opportunities outside of traditional education settings.

Friction Creates the Energy

Cybernetic Forests • 59 implied HN points • 01 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Friction is essential in shaping technology deployment and impacts, reminding us that social processes influence design choices and technological outcomes.
  2. The 'Story & Code' program explored AI-augmented tools and workflows, providing insights useful for artists, curators, educators, and audiences interested in AI art and ethics.
  3. The song 'Discommunication' touches on the theme of friction creating energy, relevant to discussions on labor shaping AI deployment and the societal impact of innovation.

The Illusion of Shared Power and the Elite-eat-Elite World

Holodoxa • 59 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
🚌 Education Literature
  1. The book 'The Machiavellians' explores a unique political tradition that dissects politics pragmatically, focusing on power and manipulation.
  2. Democratic elitism, discussed by figures like Gaetano Mosca, argues all societies are ruled by a minority elite, manipulating the masses through various means.
  3. The idea of the 'iron law of oligarchy' by Robert Michels emphasizes how organizations tend to become oligarchic over time, exploring the dynamics of leadership and power.

Story: Adaptation or Spandrel?

Holodoxa • 79 implied HN points • 01 May 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Humans rely on stories to make sense of the world, whether derived from reality or imagination, and storytelling may have played a vital role in human survival and development.
  2. Storytelling has a unique structure that simplifies the complexity of life and allows for the synchronization of countless minds, shaping societies, movements, and institutions.
  3. The debate on whether storytelling is an adaptation or a spandrel is significant in understanding human nature, with arguments for both sides pointing to storytelling's impact on cognitive functions, social cohesion, and group dynamics.
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Dreamtigers

Secretum Secretorum • 328 implied HN points • 08 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature
  1. Childhood passions can linger into adulthood and manifest in dreams.
  2. Minhwa art depicts everyday life and societal structures through symbolism.
  3. Explore books like 'The Tiger: A True Story of Vengeance and Survival' for captivating reads.

Someone you should read

Disaffected Newsletter • 219 implied HN points • 31 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Ines Sabet's blog covers her experiences as a German emigrate to the US. She reflects on different topics, including family dynamics.
  2. Her latest post is very personal, sharing how she thinks and how others perceive her. This shows vulnerability in her writing.
  3. Reading her blog can provide insights into her unique perspective and experiences, making it a recommended read.

Curator

Castalia • 159 implied HN points • 23 Nov 22
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Native American history is often told as a story of victimization, but a new perspective sees it as a narrative of struggle and resilience. This shift acknowledges that Native Americans are still here and actively shaping their own stories.
  2. The question of whether Jews are considered 'white' reveals larger issues of identity and power. It's not just about skin color; it's about understanding the complexities and variations within ethnic groups and recognizing that identities can be mixed and multifaceted.
  3. Casanova's writings offer a vivid snapshot of 18th-century life, but his personal morals are complex. Instead of judging him by today's standards, we should appreciate how his perspective sheds light on the social dynamics of his time.

Lesson Plan: Model Home

The Field Trip Newsletter • 58 implied HN points • 17 Apr 23
🚌 Education Literature
  1. The lesson plan focuses on teaching children about different housing styles around the world
  2. Children are encouraged to create a blueprint design of their own home and build a model home from another part of the world
  3. Additional ideas include hosting a mini film festival, studying global weather patterns, and building structures from around the world

On The Outlaw Archetype

Black Lodges • 58 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Revisit ideas and books often as things change over time.
  2. Distinguish between being an outlaw and a criminal, as highlighted by Hunter S. Thompson.
  3. There is a call for a new invention of outlaw behavior and ideas in a time where refusal and resistance are important.

Gonna have fun fun fun!

Silicon Reckoner • 58 implied HN points • 02 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature
  1. The discussion is about the expectation of fun and enjoyment in mathematics, especially concerning formal proofs and proof assistants.
  2. There is an exploration of the interaction between formalization, mathematical communication, and technology, emphasizing the potential impact on author-reader dynamics.
  3. The text questions the philosophical implications of automatic translation between different forms of mathematical proofs, highlighting the nuances and potential losses in communication and understanding.

The World Modernity Ended

Reactionary Feminist • 22 implied HN points • 14 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The author appreciates the freedom that comes from stepping away from social media, leading to more time for focused reading and thought.
  2. Books discussed explore how modernity has changed our relationship with nature and spirituality, questioning if the benefits of modern life are worth the losses we’ve experienced.
  3. There is a sense that modernity might be ending with the rise of digital communication, prompting a need to reflect on how we engage with technology and what we might reclaim from the past.

What Yellowstone gets wrong by trying to be too right

The Recovering Academic • 79 implied HN points • 20 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Yellowstone strives for truth, but its portrayal of Montana can be misleading and harmful.
  2. The show overlooks economic struggles and industrial history of Montana, focusing more on a romanticized narrative.
  3. Montana is a place of contradictions, where personal experiences and stories may not align with popular narratives like those portrayed in Yellowstone.

A Walk In The Park

Soaring Twenties • 100 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Walking can help clear your mind and inspire new ideas. Many great writers are also big walkers because it allows them to think and create.
  2. A good essay is like a walk without a strict path. You explore, get distracted, and discover new things along the way.
  3. Taking a moment to breathe and enjoy nature lets you see things differently. It's a reminder that we all need time to pause and reflect.

The Magnolia

The Analog Family • 99 implied HN points • 09 May 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The magnolia tree is very special and loved, serving as a beautiful centerpiece that draws admiration from others. Its flowers make a big impression, and even passing strangers can't help but notice it.
  2. The tree has a lot of personal memories attached to it, as it's been a part of a family's experiences and adventures, especially with children climbing its branches. It's considered irreplaceable and deeply cherished.
  3. Trees provide important emotional and aesthetic value to a home, often being more valuable than the house itself. The presence of trees creates a comforting and serene environment that is loved and respected.

Walking While Woman

Ladyparts • 219 implied HN points • 12 May 22
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Walking can be a way to clear the mind and shake off stress.
  2. Pregnancy and motherhood can have long-lasting physical impacts on a woman's body.
  3. Attacks on reproductive rights are rooted in misogyny and control over women's bodies.

The Sahara

Cosmographia • 79 implied HN points • 01 Feb 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature
  1. The post is part of the Atlas' Notes series by Cosmographia, focusing on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography related to a specific location.
  2. Access to the full post is for paid subscribers only.
  3. The post includes imagery and is authored by M. E. Rothwell.

Genre Grapevine’s Smorgasbord of 2023 Leftovers

Genre Grapevine • 39 implied HN points • 17 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The article covers news and items from 2023 that were left out of previous columns, providing a quirky collection of interesting tidbits.
  2. There are various topics discussed, ranging from the success of STEM romance novels to the impact of YouTube on book discovery.
  3. Some highlights include insights on literary hope theory, a debunked art piece, and the role of science in countering moral panics.

Hospitality is not conditional

Vittles • 264 implied HN points • 06 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Hospitality should be unconditional, not based on performance or stereotypes.
  2. Using hospitality to humanize cultures, such as in food media, can perpetuate biases.
  3. True hospitality is reciprocal and should not be burdened with changing perceptions or neutralizing hate.

Two perspectives on the liberal arts and the humanities

Heterodox STEM • 199 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
🚌 Education Literature
  1. Liberal arts education in the US may serve different purposes for elites and non-elites, with disparities in expectations and outcomes.
  2. Humanities education is seen as vital for a well-rounded education and understanding fundamental human questions and experiences.
  3. Reading classic literature may play a role in shaping perspectives and values, potentially reducing susceptibility to certain societal trends like 'wokeness'.

Catching a wave

Austin Kleon • 339 implied HN points • 30 Nov 21
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The creative process can be like catching a wave, where timing and intuition are key to success. Just like surfers need to know when to catch a wave, creators have to find the right moment to begin their work.
  2. Watching documentaries about creative people can inspire new ways of thinking about artistry. For example, comparing The Beatles' creative process to surfing helped spark new ideas.
  3. Understanding creativity might come from different experiences, like surfing. It helps to remember that creativity requires patience and knowing how to ride the waves of inspiration.

Absent London

The Leftovers • 99 implied HN points • 26 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. London's true identity lies in its absence, as depicted by Patrick Keiller in 1992.
  2. Living in London helps you gradually distance yourself from its overwhelming influence.
  3. Many who are drawn to a city's center often face disappointment and the realization of life's inherent futility.

2023 Recap: Novum Newsletter

Novum Newsletter • 224 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Anton gained a significant increase in subscribers despite a lack of consistent publishing in 2023
  2. Initially planned a weekly series for 2023 but shifted back to long-form writing
  3. Focuses on historical essays with a narrative approach, aiming for 10,000 subscribers by 2024

Norse Cosmology Part I: The Nine Realms Are Wrong

Norse Mythology & Germanic Lore • 39 implied HN points • 06 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The traditional notion of 'nine realms of Norse mythology' is a common misunderstanding and not accurately represented in the original source material.
  2. The Old Norse phrase 'níu heimar' is mentioned in the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda, but it does not necessarily translate to 'nine realms' as commonly interpreted.
  3. There is ambiguity and lack of clarity in the ancient texts regarding the concept of 'nine homes,' with suggestions that it might refer to underworld locations connected to Hel, the goddess of the dead.

Can you dance to this?

Splattern • 39 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Dancing can enhance the experience of listening to music or audiobooks. Doing both activities together can make each one more enjoyable and engaging.
  2. Responding to difficult content through dance can help process emotions. This allows for a physical reaction while remaining attentive to the material being listened to.
  3. Incorporating music and rhythm into learning can improve memory and comprehension. Using dance or songs can make educational experiences more memorable and fun.

Glimpses Behind The Curtain

Soaring Twenties • 201 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Working in a corporate environment can reveal what truly happens behind the scenes.
  2. Sometimes official reports and policies may not reflect the reality of a situation.
  3. Persistence and follow-up is key to getting things done efficiently.

Wolves At The Gates

Castalia • 119 implied HN points • 18 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Evil is often seen as something natural and powerful, like a force in nature. In shows like Fargo and Twin Peaks, characters see evil as something they must endure rather than defeat.
  2. Power can corrupt and is often linked to greed. Many stories illustrate how leaders can manipulate their positions without moral consideration, much like the characters in recent TV shows.
  3. There's a shift in how people view political systems. Instead of seeing evil as a result of misguided ideas, some now believe evil exists inherently in people and systems, making it a part of life.

Brownout Signals: Art in a World Gone Nuts

Dr. Pippa's Pen & Podcast • 19 implied HN points • 24 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Fashion can give us clues about the economy. Designers often reflect what’s happening around us and in the world.
  2. The color brown is becoming popular in fashion, shifting from a symbol of poverty to one of wealth. This change may suggest a longing for stability in uncertain times.
  3. Trends in beauty, food, and art are increasingly intertwined with political messages and social commentary, showing how closely connected our lives and choices are.

Lost iPhone videos, actually random music, the secret history of crosswords

Both Are True • 83 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Remembering lost iPhone videos can be a fun walk down memory lane, capturing moments from 2009 to 2012. It's like finding a treasure chest of forgotten memories.
  2. Discovering new music doesn't have to be hard; there are playlists that refresh daily to keep your tunes exciting. It's a great way to keep your listening experience fresh and interesting.
  3. Crosswords played a surprising role in American history, helping people during tough times. They aren't just games; they connect us and have meaning beyond just fun.

The Present is Female

Holodoxa • 99 implied HN points • 20 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. In many ways, men have fallen from their prominent position, with concerns rising about the social and economic well-being of boys and men.
  2. There are significant disparities between men and women in education and the labor market, with girls outperforming boys in school and fewer men participating in the workforce today than in 1979.
  3. Biological and psychological differences between genders, such as differences in brain development and social behaviors, play a role in observed disparities between males and females.

The New Status Anxiety

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 82 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Substack is changing the way writers connect with their audience. Unlike traditional blogs, it allows writers to publish directly and even earn money.
  2. There's a growing tension between classic media and Substack writers. Established journalists are feeling insecure as newer writers find success without the usual media gatekeeping.
  3. The stigma around self-publishing is fading. Many Substack writers now gain more respect and income than bloggers did in the past, marking a shift in how we view independent writing.

Manifesto

Castalia • 179 implied HN points • 08 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The internet was once seen as a place where everyone could freely express themselves, but it has mostly become a platform for groupthink and marketing.
  2. People now often self-censor and create content just for attention, making genuine expression rare and tough to find.
  3. True art and expression should focus on honesty and individual experiences, rather than trying to be the best or gain social status.

American War

KERFUFFLE • 31 implied HN points • 07 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Movies about the Vietnam War focused on moral lessons and the personal struggles of soldiers. They showed the dark side of war and questioned the heroism often portrayed in earlier films.
  2. In contrast, the film _Warfare_ represents the Iraq War without trying to teach a lesson. It depicts soldiers as skilled professionals just trying to survive, reflecting a more cynical view of war.
  3. Modern audiences already understand the harsh realities of war, so they don't need to be convinced of its brutality. Instead, films now aim to show the truth without needing to persuade or moralize.

Sam Tanenhaus's Buckley; Marcel Ophuls; More on MacIntyre; DOGE's price in blood

Unpopular Front • 32 implied HN points • 01 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Sam Tanenhaus's biography of William F. Buckley is considered a must-read. It offers a deep look at a key figure in American conservatism with engaging writing.
  2. Marcel Ophuls's documentary 'The Sorrow and the Pity' changed how France views its history during World War II. It reveals that many collaborated with the Nazis instead of resisting.
  3. A recent critique of MacIntyre's views argues that moral progress is possible through conversation and shared values, rather than just searching for a single goal in life.

Dinner at Eight

The Apéritif • 19 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Watching old movies can make you see more than just the story; it's a chance to peek into history and culture from a different time. It's like experiencing a museum in film form.
  2. Before strict rules in Hollywood, stories had more freedom to explore complex characters who weren't always good or bad. This allowed audiences to think for themselves about what they watched.
  3. No matter what century, people often deal with similar problems. Old films remind us that human experiences and concerns can be timeless.

VFYW: A Tough Egg To Crack

The Weekly Dish • 20 implied HN points • 09 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The contest involved participants guessing locations based on photos of views. They had to analyze details like language and signs.
  2. Sleuths used creative clues from the images to narrow down countries, like noticing the word 'apartman' indicates it might be in a region where Slavic languages are spoken.
  3. Each week brings new challenges, making participants rely on knowledge from previous experiences to figure out the correct location.