The hottest Literature Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Art & Illustration Topics

Commentator

Castalia • 139 implied HN points • 18 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The reaction to Salman Rushdie's stabbing shows a divide in views about freedom of expression and censorship. It's a complex issue, but we need to remember the consequences of writing can be serious for many.
  2. Tinder has changed dating by making it more intentional, but it also makes dating feel more addictive and lonely. Instead of casual social interactions, people now often date from home, relying more on apps than real-life connections.
  3. Nuclear energy is gaining support as a clean energy source amidst concerns about climate change. It's important to recognize that nuclear power could be a key part of future energy solutions, despite past fears and accidents.

Gutenberg to chatGPT- “Been there, done that”

⭐️Bob’s Newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 22 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Gutenberg's printing press revolutionized information sharing in the 15th century, boosting literacy rates and triggering the Renaissance.
  2. The printing press faced opposition from religious and political authorities who feared losing control over information dissemination.
  3. The introduction of new technology like AI and chatGPT mirrors historical concerns about job replacement, accuracy, and societal impact.

Guest Post: Baale and Mugudu

The Story Birds • 39 implied HN points • 20 Feb 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature
  1. The story of Baale and Mugudu is a cautionary Tulu folktale about a brother and sister who turned into fish, emphasizing the consequences of breaking promises.
  2. In Tulunad, festivals like Keddasa are celebrated to honor Mother Earth and mark the blooming season with festivities.
  3. The tale highlights the importance of honoring traditions and following certain rules to lead a healthy and prosperous life.

Hobbits - Part II

Living Fossils • 5 implied HN points • 19 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Different countries are choosing very different ways to deal with hobbits. Denmark is focusing on protection and understanding, while the Dominican Republic is using military action.
  2. In Denmark, there's a law to protect the hobbits, but it has led to fear and tension among farmers. People are worried about their safety and farm animals.
  3. Japan has a plan to move humans off Shikoku island to make space for hobbits. This approach is aimed at reducing conflict, but it raises questions about trust between people and these creatures.
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Everything You Care About Is a Cliché

The Elbow • 39 implied HN points • 05 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Your most profound experiences and deeply cherished beliefs can seem boring to others.
  2. Clichés continue to circulate because they resonate with people year after year.
  3. Adding specificity and details to clichés makes them more real and compelling.

Woodbine: Communion

Do Not Research • 39 implied HN points • 20 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Communal living has a long history filled with diverse experiments and movements, from religious separatists to hacker ecologists.
  2. Belief and faith in communal life are essential for successful experiments in communal living.
  3. Woodbine explores the importance of defending embodied life, memories, and shared narratives in building sustainable communities.

Vol. 1, Issue 31 - Interview with Daniel Dockery (Monster Kids)

Johto Times • 39 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Daniel Dockery's book, 'Monster Kids,' explores how Pokémon influenced a generation and captures the essence of the 90s 'Pokémania' era.
  2. The new Pokémon Center is opening in Taipei, Taiwan, expanding the Pokémon brand outside of Japan.
  3. There’s a special Tera Raid event featuring Mewtwo in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, encouraging fans to bring their strongest Pokémon for the challenge.

Of Maharajas and (Modern) Men (Ch. 9)

Ink-uilab • 39 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The post discusses the historical significance of the Second Round Table Conferences in the 1930s for India's struggle for freedom.
  2. Emery Kelen's satirical caricatures captured the essence of the Indian Round Table Conferences during that era.
  3. Sir Mohd. Iqbal's perspectives on the 'Modern Man' presented at the conference are highlighted through poetry.

Rites of Spring

Autoscriptorium • 39 implied HN points • 30 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Spring festivals often occur in mid-April, a month after the start of Aries season, symbolizing new growth and rebirth under the protection of Venus.
  2. Different cultures celebrate the transition to spring around April 30th, with festivals like Floralia and Walpurgisnacht mixing elements of ancient traditions with newer customs.
  3. Walpurgisnacht, on April 30th, holds historical significance in the Harz Mountains in Germany, blending Christian and pagan beliefs in a festive way.

Explaining Behavior 7: Phenomenology

Bullfish Hole • 39 implied HN points • 18 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Phenomenology explains behavior by focusing on the subjective experience of the actor.
  2. Understanding the reasons behind people's actions often involves examining perceptions, emotions, beliefs, and goals.
  3. Interesting theories challenge or contradict audiences' assumed beliefs rather than simply confirming what they already know.

Little Treats #6

Autoscriptorium • 39 implied HN points • 29 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The author shares things they enjoy, like a gel lotion, bitters and seltzer, and certain foods.
  2. The author recommends books they like, including works by Gene Wolfe and Donald Antrim.
  3. The author introspects on the concept of enjoyment in their daily life and in reading.

First letters found in new scroll

Vesuvius Challenge • 62 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
💾 History Literature
  1. A new scroll called PHerc. 172 has been discovered, and it was buried during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius around 79 AD.
  2. Scientists are excited because they clearly see ink in the scroll for the first time, allowing them to start reading its Greek text.
  3. The team is looking for help to further analyze the scroll and unlock more of its content, as many words are already close to being readable.

Curator

Castalia • 139 implied HN points • 08 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Art has shifted from being a personal expression to being seen as a tool for social justice. This change can often make it feel like art is less valuable on its own.
  2. The idea of mental health and crime might need a new perspective. Instead of seeing criminals as purely bad or insane, we should consider how their behavior is shaped by their circumstances.
  3. People are increasingly viewing life through a 'gaming' lens, where winning is the main goal. This approach can lead to a lack of compassion and fulfillment, showing that there might be a need to seek a deeper meaning beyond games and stories.

Occam’s Shaving Cream

Breaking Smart • 18 implied HN points • 20 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Writing should feel fun and engaging; if it doesn't, it may need a fresh touch.
  2. It's important to keep your own standards in mind when creating content, aiming for joy rather than just quality.
  3. Sometimes a simple idea or concept can spark the creativity needed to write something meaningful.

The Ruffian's Greatest Hits 2023

The Ruffian • 165 implied HN points • 23 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Stories can hinder critical thinking by creating a comforting narrative.
  2. Historical narratives can overshadow truth and harm the discipline of history.
  3. Discussing complex and controversial topics like gender identity requires nuanced understanding and thoughtful discourse.

Little Treats #5

Autoscriptorium • 39 implied HN points • 04 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Consider indulging in small treats to break up daily routines and find moments of joy and relaxation.
  2. Exploring different activities like watercolor painting or using unique products like squalane oil can bring a meditative and refreshing experience.
  3. Discover new interests, like trying out new snacks or equipment at the gym, to add excitement and variety to your routine.

Thank You!

Unpopular Front • 60 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The newsletter has been successful and is about to celebrate four years. The writer is grateful for the support from readers during this time.
  2. Starting the newsletter was a big risk after losing a job and facing rejections, but it turned out to be a great decision.
  3. The writer aims to keep providing understanding and entertainment to the readers in the future, especially during challenging times.

On Ibsen's Enemy of the People—Or How to Face Public Outrage

Vremya • 179 implied HN points • 09 Apr 22
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Public outrage has always existed, but it’s more concentrated now on social media. It’s common for people with new or uncomfortable ideas to be met with resistance.
  2. Ibsen's play 'An Enemy of the People' shows the struggle of speaking uncomfortable truths. The main character faces anger and backlash when he reveals that the town's spa is contaminated.
  3. The play highlights the challenges of changing people's minds about moral beliefs. It can be tough to share important ideas, especially when they go against what many believe to be true.

Weekly Retrospective #5

Novum Newsletter • 281 implied HN points • 05 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The abuse of storytelling and the hyperinflation of narratives in today's society
  2. The decline of humanities education and reading, impacting historicity and understanding of the past
  3. Machines lack the cognitive experience to write compelling novels, making human creativity essential

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 30

Why is this interesting? • 60 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. There's a website that focuses on the growing trend of not just saying 'hello' when messaging. It highlights how our digital communication has changed.
  2. One man shared his story of buying 81 leather jackets and how this habit has affected his life. It's a quirky take on consumerism and addiction.
  3. Tokyo's subway system is now managing one of London's subway lines, taking over from the previous Chinese management. This shows how global partnerships in public transport are evolving.

Sugar and Mr. Bonbon

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 19 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The post is about 'Sugar and Monsieur Bonbon' on a specific date. It seems to require a paid subscription to view in full
  2. There are related posts like 'Candy in Damascus' and 'Starch Gives Everything' by different authors, but 'Sugar and Monsieur Bonbon' seems to be behind a paywall
  3. To access the full story about 'Sugar and Monsieur Bonbon,' it appears that one must subscribe to the platform or be a paid member

Purples

Nice Try • 199 implied HN points • 26 Feb 22
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Life is full of distractions, but they can be welcome ones. Whether it's cleaning or spending time with family, these activities help us cope.
  2. Ordering groceries online can lead to unexpected surprises, like receiving way too many cans of tuna. It's funny how mistakes can turn into unique challenges.
  3. Creative projects, like painting a room or using a synthesizer, can become overwhelming and messy. It's important to keep things simple and not lose track of what you intended to do.

30 Jan 2024 – Windowless skyscrapers and random numbers

Outsider Art • 19 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature
  1. Some skyscrapers lack windows and were constructed in the 1960s-1970s to house telecommunications equipment, like 33 Thomas Street in New York City.
  2. Windowless skyscrapers were designed to aid in temperature control and protect against external threats, including withstanding a nuclear blast.
  3. The Brutalist design of windowless skyscrapers like 33 Thomas Street replaced earlier Art Deco telecommunications hubs, ushering in an age of mass surveillance.

Monsters and Mediocrity

Breaking Smart • 47 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Monsters often need a vital or life-like element to exist, just like Frankenstein's monster needed a 'spark of life' to be animated.
  2. Contraptions and monsters share a relationship where both may lack design integrity and are often unnamed, highlighting their unfinished or imperfect nature.
  3. True monsters are typically derived from living beings, reflecting a recognizable perversion of something familiar, like a giant cockroach.

This is water, motherfuckers

Sex and the State • 18 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
📖 Philosophy Literature
  1. David Foster Wallace's 'This is Water' speech teaches us important lessons about life and awareness. It's about seeing the world beyond our daily routines.
  2. Listening to people who have faced struggles can provide unique insights. Their experiences often lead to deeper understanding and advice.
  3. Sometimes, the most valuable advice comes from those who have battled with their own challenges. Their perspectives can help us navigate our own lives better.

Curator

Castalia • 119 implied HN points • 02 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Literary criticism helps reflect the health of a society through its culture. Critics believe that poor artistic standards can lead to societal decay and a decline in political morals.
  2. Longtermism, a philosophical idea focused on the importance of the future, can oversimplify ethics by assuming we can predict and control outcomes for future generations. It's more complicated than that.
  3. The debate over sex positivity versus prudishness highlights how different views on sexuality impact women. It's important for women to have the freedom to define their own experiences without societal pressure or shame.

Joe Piscopo, Frank Sinatra, Phil Hartman, and Nick Land

Fisted by Foucault • 136 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Joe Piscopo was a significant figure in the early 80s SNL era but faced challenges with changing cast and producers.
  2. Phil Hartman's portrayal of Frank Sinatra on SNL was iconic, portraying him in a comedic light and causing controversy.
  3. Humorous exchanges and misinterpretations from the SNL sketch 'The Sinatra Group' have left a lasting impact on viewers, showcasing the power of memory and humor.

Mind the cinematic gender gap

I have thoughts • 19 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. There is a gap in recognizing female artistic achievements in the cinematic world, with examples like Greta Gerwig being overlooked for Best Director nominations despite success in filmmaking.
  2. There is a need for more representation of women in the film industry, both behind the camera as directors and in front of the camera as well-written characters.
  3. Artistic consumption can be more intentional to support and promote women's voices and stories, encouraging a shift towards inclusive creative exploration.

Pain amplifiers

Internal exile • 47 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. David Lynch's films often evoke strong emotions and can be deeply affecting. One viewer recalls their first experience crying during a movie, highlighting the powerful connection to Lynch's work.
  2. Lynch's unique style blends surreal storytelling with unsettling imagery and sound design. This mix creates a sense of discomfort that keeps audiences engaged and guessing.
  3. As viewers grow older, their feelings towards Lynch's films can change. What once seemed confusing or unsettling can later be appreciated for its depth and artistry.

VFYW: 'What's With The Funi Business?'

The Weekly Dish • 43 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. This week features a funicular view, which is a unique twist on the usual window submissions. It shows how creative participants can get with their photos.
  2. Participants noticed various clues in the photo, like signage and architecture, to guess the location. It's fun how they piece together hints from the image.
  3. There was a lively discussion about whether certain types of views follow the contest rules or not. It highlights how engaged and enthusiastic the community is about the contest.

Why Aren't We In The '60s?

Castalia • 119 implied HN points • 30 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. There was a belief that cultural and social upheavals, like those in the 1960s, would repeat in cycles. People hoped for a new wave of creativity and social change similar to that time.
  2. Recent movements for social justice seem less joyful and spontaneous than the vibrant protests of the 60s. Instead of celebrating freedom, they often feel controlling or focused on punishing others.
  3. Today’s culture is more about individual branding and status than true equality and uniqueness. This has created a conformity that feels disconnected from the eccentric and radical spirit of the past.

Copyright isn't your friend

The Leftovers • 59 implied HN points • 09 Nov 22
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Copyright laws can hinder access to culture for those who cannot afford books, and book piracy can actually create more readers.
  2. Making a living solely off writing books is tough for most authors, who often rely on other activities like teaching or editing to sustain themselves.
  3. The publishing industry heavily relies on copyright laws, but the quality of literature may not necessarily suffer if there were fewer books published.

Another Gripe

Unpopular Front • 55 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Responding to negative reviews can seem petty, but sometimes it's necessary to clear up misunderstandings. It's important to address when someone's critique misses the point of your work.
  2. Understanding the tone and context of writing is crucial for meaningful critiques. Misinterpreting jokes or irony can lead to completely off-base reviews.
  3. Critics should be careful when making claims about an author's political views or arguments. Misreading can reveal more about the critic's biases than the author's actual stance.