The hottest Literature Substack posts right now

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Curator

Castalia • 1758 implied HN points • 08 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Publishing Art Criticism Society
  1. Literary writing should introduce new ideas, provide honest experiences, or unleash creativity. Unfortunately, much of what's out there feels repetitive and lacks depth.
  2. There's a growing disconnect between writers and publishers, as publishers often prioritize profits over the integrity of literary work. This leads to a system that might not serve those truly passionate about literature.
  3. The publishing industry is shifting, and some men feel left out of the conversation. It's essential to remember that literature should be about artistic expression, not just political representation.

Pantheons, Panchronos

How the Hell • 129 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Religion History Mythology Literature Philosophy
  1. The Pantheon of the Past represents a nostalgic time when humans relied on the gods. It serves as a reminder of a simpler, carefree era.
  2. The Pantheon of the Present reflects a confusing time where humans struggle to define their identity and values without divine guidance.
  3. The Pantheon of the Future offers hope as it imagines a world alongside intelligent beings. It suggests that while the future may belong to new entities, the values we cherish could still live on.

Best of The Free Press: We’re All Gonna Make It

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1799 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Travel Philosophy Parenting
  1. Even in tough times, there's a sense of optimism that things can get better. It's about hoping for change and taking action instead of giving in to despair.
  2. People are finding joy in unexpected places, like celebrating together even when plans go wrong. It's about making the best out of challenging situations.
  3. There’s a shift in how young people view education, with many choosing southern colleges over prestigious Ivy League schools for a more enjoyable experience and a different environment.

When you get confused

Austin Kleon • 6454 implied HN points • 31 May 24
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Media Creativity
  1. It's okay if your writing isn't perfect at first. The important thing is to just get it out there.
  2. Taking time to relax and enjoy lighter activities can help balance out harder work, making you more creative.
  3. When you feel confused or stuck, sometimes just getting on your bike and listening to music can clear your mind.
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Notes on Chapter 32

Life Since the Baby Boom • 691 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature History Art Family Relationships
  1. The characters have reached important milestones in their lives, like successful careers and personal achievements such as adoption. These moments show growth and fulfillment.
  2. The author acknowledges the loss of a friend who contributed to the writing process, highlighting the theme of family and community. This adds an emotional depth to the story.
  3. There is a hint at upcoming events, like the Microsoft antitrust trial, suggesting that the story will intertwine personal narratives with historical events. This keeps the reader engaged with both plot and context.

A process to process

Austin Kleon • 4955 implied HN points • 14 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Events Reflection
  1. Many people enjoy reflecting on memories, like going through old photos. It's a nice way to process feelings and experiences.
  2. There are always new books being released by different authors. Checking them out can introduce you to fresh ideas and stories.
  3. Gardening teaches us patience. Just like plants take time to grow, our creative projects need time to develop too.

Celebrating One Year of The Soul of Civility - A Special Giveaway!

Civic Renaissance with Alexandra Hudson • 259 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Civility Social norms Public Discourse Literature Communication
  1. The book 'The Soul of Civility' explores how civility can help us get along better, especially during tough times. It encourages respectful conversation even with people we disagree with.
  2. Many important people have praised the book, highlighting its impact and importance for today's society. This recognition shows that the message of civility is resonating widely.
  3. The author has traveled far and wide to discuss civility with various audiences. These talks are helping spread the idea of civil dialogue and connection in a divided world.

The Monday Media Diet with Emilia Petrarca

Why is this interesting? • 2232 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Fashion Literature Travel Media Art
  1. The author has a deep love for fashion and culture writing, often consuming and creating content across many platforms. They follow a diverse range of publications and newsletters to stay informed.
  2. Reading is an important part of their routine, with a special interest in fiction, particularly romance. They also appreciate stories that showcase unique experiences, such as total eclipses.
  3. The author had a memorable experience with train travel and learned to be cautious with airplane food after a bad incident. They are passionate about sharing fun travel stories and quirky experiences.

The Profile: Larry Page’s money man & Hollywood’s favorite gangster

The Profile • 198 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Film Theater Acting Literature Music
  1. Al Pacino is a master actor known for playing memorable villains. His performance in roles like Michael Corleone is often seen as a benchmark for acting excellence.
  2. Pacino believes that to truly act, one must absorb the character deeply, allowing their personality to emerge rather than merely pretending to be someone else.
  3. Creating great art means connecting emotionally with the audience. If you tap into real feelings, your work can resonate much more and leave a lasting impact.

Abusers In Plain Sight

Culture Study • 3937 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Relationships Feminism Trauma Identity
  1. Writing about trauma can bring up a lot of painful memories. It's important to realize that revisiting these experiences requires healing and self-reflection.
  2. Women often feel pressured to maintain relationships through hard work, which can lead to toxic situations. It's crucial to understand when it's time to leave a damaging relationship.
  3. There are many layers to women's experiences of desire and consent in relationships. It’s important to have open conversations about what that looks like and to support each other in understanding our needs.

Austen saved me from social media

The Common Reader • 708 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Philosophy Media Social
  1. Reading Jane Austen can offer a refreshing break from the fast-paced and often shallow content of social media. It allows for a deeper engagement with language and storytelling.
  2. Switching from social media to classic literature can feel challenging at first, but it can lead to a rewarding reading experience. The complexity of Austen's writing is like a nutritious meal compared to fast food.
  3. Engaging with classic literature may require patience and effort, but it ultimately helps to develop a more thoughtful and enriching perspective on communication and social interactions.

Make Villains Evil Again

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1377 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Film Literature Art Theater Traditions
  1. Villains are often given sad backstories nowadays, making them less scary. It's nice to see a movie where the villain is just pure evil, like in _Nosferatu_.
  2. The film _Nosferatu_ creates a chilling atmosphere, focusing on darkness and fear. It's set in a time when there was no electricity, which adds to the spooky vibe.
  3. Traditional Christmas decorations used to be very dangerous, like lighting trees with candles. These traditions reflect how people once dealt with the darkness of winter nights.

Ampersanding

Austin Kleon • 4995 implied HN points • 07 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Media Philosophy
  1. The ampersand symbol comes from the Latin word 'et', meaning 'and'. It shows how language can evolve over time.
  2. It's important to revisit your old notes because they can remind you of ideas and thoughts you may have forgotten.
  3. Finding the right music for writing is key; it should be upbeat but not too distracting so you can focus on your thoughts.

Can the philistine supremacy be stopped?

The Common Reader • 2232 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Arts Literature Education Social Issues History
  1. Schools are changing curriculums in ways that some believe exclude important classics, like Shakespeare and ancient texts. This might limit students' exposure to foundational literature.
  2. There is a push to replace traditional cultural experiences, like theater and museums, with more relatable activities for students. Critics argue that this could reduce opportunities for learning and growth.
  3. Knowledge from literature and history plays a big role in helping students from all backgrounds move up in society. It's important to ensure all students have access to enriching educational experiences.

A big pile of imperfect things

Austin Kleon • 5815 implied HN points • 24 May 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Film Education
  1. Reading big books can be enjoyable, especially when you take your time with them. Some people like to read them in parts over several weeks.
  2. It's okay to create imperfect things. The idea is to enjoy the process and keep going despite not being perfect.
  3. Finding joy in what you like can lead to happiness. It's about discovering new things to appreciate and even learning to like things you didn't before.

A 'Secret History'-ish period mystery, a great '90s true-crime black comedy, and four songs I like

Read Max • 711 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Film Music Art Media
  1. There's a cool mystery book set in the 1900s, inspired by 'The Secret History.' It blends academic settings with intrigue.
  2. A fun '90s true crime black comedy is highlighted, exploring themes of media and ambition. It's both entertaining and thought-provoking.
  3. Four music tracks are recommended, showing the author's current favorites. It's a great way to discover new tunes.

My Intellectual Heroes, Part 2

Life Since the Baby Boom • 691 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Philosophy Biographies Social Critique Atheism
  1. Christopher Hitchens was a brilliant writer known for his unique talent with words. He could create outstanding articles quickly, even after enjoying drinks with friends.
  2. Hitchens didn't always agree with everyone, but he valued strong thinking and consistency in ideas. His journey shifted over time, reflecting changes in his beliefs.
  3. He was unafraid to challenge societal figures like Mother Teresa and Henry Kissinger, criticizing them for their actions regardless of their popularity. Hitchens focused on truth and human values in his work.

The End of an Era

In Bed With Social • 376 implied HN points • 02 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Grief Love Technology Literature Memory
  1. Grief can make us feel heavy and sad, but it also helps us understand what really matters in life. When we lose someone, we start to see everything more clearly and value the little moments.
  2. Technology tries to help us hold on to our loved ones, but it's not the same as real love. We can't replace the feelings we have with digital copies or memories; we need to accept the loss and let love evolve.
  3. True strength comes from learning to live with the idea of impermanence. It’s important to make space for grief, knowing that love will still exist in our memories and shape who we are.

Excel at Assimilation

antoniomelonio • 75 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
⚔ Fiction Literature Creative Writing Storytelling Narrative
  1. Getting stuck in repetitive tasks can feel overwhelming, like being trapped in a never-ending loop with no escape. It's important to find a way out of that cycle to regain your sense of control.
  2. People often define themselves by how they're measured at work, which can feel dehumanizing. We shouldn't let our worth be reduced to numbers and data points.
  3. Finding moments of nostalgia and connection to simpler times can help revive our spirit amidst the chaos of modern work life. Those memories can provide comfort and hope for a better balance.

Success means you get to do it again tomorrow

Austin Kleon • 6554 implied HN points • 10 May 24
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Film Design
  1. Success is about doing what you love and getting to keep doing it, day after day. It's not about reaching a final goal, but enjoying the process.
  2. Understanding what you like can help you feel less stressed about being liked, which can make your work more authentic and free.
  3. Artists like Steve Albini believe that goals can create unnecessary stress. Instead, focusing on enjoying the process can lead to true success.

Shakespeare Schedule 2025

The Common Reader • 1275 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Theater Arts Education History
  1. There is a schedule for reading Shakespeare's plays throughout 2025. Each play will be discussed on a Sunday at 7 PM UK time over Zoom.
  2. The schedule includes various famous plays like 'Richard III', 'Midsummer Night’s Dream', and 'Macbeth'.
  3. Participants will receive a Zoom link the day before each meeting to join the discussion.

NEW EVENT: Helen Lewis tickets now on sale!

Odds and Ends of History • 268 implied HN points • 20 May 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Events Media Books Podcasts
  1. Helen Lewis is speaking at an event on July 29th, and tickets are available now. It's a great opportunity to hear from a well-known writer and author.
  2. Lewis is known for her work in The Atlantic and her podcasts, which are popular among many listeners. If you enjoy insightful conversations, this event should be intriguing.
  3. She also has a new book called 'The Genius Myth' that discusses interesting ideas about rebels and rule-breakers. The event will likely dive into themes from her book.

VFYW: Legends Abound

The Weekly Dish • 26 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art History Travel Food Literature
  1. The VFYW contest features a variety of fun and creative themes, showcasing unique views from windows around the world. It's a great way to spark creativity and engage with a community of puzzle lovers.
  2. Participants share stories and memories tied to their window views, turning the contest into a shared experience. This personal touch adds depth to the entries and makes the contest more enjoyable.
  3. The guessing process for the locations can be challenging but also intriguing. Many people enjoy the detective work involved in figuring out the right answer by analyzing clues from the photos.

Substack Reads: The business of air miles, Bowie’s favorite books, and cold compost

read • 16116 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
💼 Business Travel Literature Science History Gardening
  1. Frequent-flier point programs were initially designed for occasional free flights, but evolved into turbo-charged schemes for travelers to earn points quickly.
  2. Weighing ingredients in cooking can make a big difference in recipes, especially in baked goods, where even small variations can impact the final texture and taste.
  3. During winter, composting slows down as decomposition rates decrease, signalling a time for compost piles to rest and wait for the warmer season for active decomposition.

The Dusk of Decadence

Soaring Twenties • 77 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Poetry Society Fashion
  1. There's a growing need for more poetry in our lives, especially in this digital age where everything feels fast and overwhelming. It's good to take a moment to appreciate the beauty of words.
  2. The post reflects on how indulgence and materialism have changed our perceptions of value in things like clothes and food. What once held meaning can now feel empty when surrounded by excessive consumption.
  3. People are longing for authentic connections and experiences, as many feel isolated by modern living. It's important to remember the value of sharing moments together, rather than just displaying possessions.

Psycho

Nice Try • 379 implied HN points • 07 Sep 24
🎭️ Culture Film Literature Art Media Psychology
  1. The movie _Psycho_ has a famous shower scene where a woman is killed, but it cleverly tricks viewers into questioning who the real 'psycho' is throughout the film.
  2. Marion Crane and Norman Bates have mirrored characteristics, showing how both characters are driven by desires that lead to their own downfalls.
  3. On multiple viewings of _Psycho_, you can notice different aspects of characters, suggesting many of them might also have their own hidden psychotic traits.

Funny Ha Ha (2002) by Andrew Bujalski

Tao Lin • 879 implied HN points • 18 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Film Literature Art Music Philosophy
  1. The movie _Funny Ha Ha_ shows everyday life without dramatic events. It focuses on real emotions and simple moments between characters.
  2. Marnie, the main character, struggles with her feelings and relationships, reflecting a relatable sense of uncertainty and disconnection.
  3. The ending is unique and surprising, leaving viewers with a sense of closure that feels earned and satisfying, even without traditional resolution.

UFOs are a soft sci-fi genre

The Intrinsic Perspective • 7615 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🔬 Science Astrophysics Philosophy Sociology Technology Literature
  1. UFOs are often seen as a type of soft sci-fi that mixes imaginative stories with poor evidence. This suggests that many UFO enthusiasts focus more on fantasy than reality.
  2. Real first contact with aliens is more likely to be through indirect evidence over long distances, rather than physical visits. Scientists think we might find signs of alien civilizations from far away.
  3. As science progresses, we might enter a stage of uncertainty about aliens, leading to debates without clear answers for a long time. This means we could be questioning the existence of aliens for hundreds of years.

The Rise of the New Romanticism

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 72 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Film Music Society
  1. Movies and music are changing, with superhero films and major pop stars like Taylor Swift losing their dominant cultural grip. People are starting to seek new forms of art and storytelling that resonate more deeply with their lives.
  2. There's a growing frustration with technology, especially AI, as people question its real benefits and whether it genuinely improves our lives. Many are yearning for more human connection and less tech dependence.
  3. A new cultural movement, reminiscent of Romanticism, is emerging. People are valuing authenticity and reality over the superficial aspects of digital life, seeking to create meaningful experiences and engagements in the physical world.

Some kinds of monsters

Austin Kleon • 5115 implied HN points • 17 May 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Film Comics
  1. Taking breaks from technology can be refreshing and help us focus on enjoyable activities like listening to music or reading. Simple changes can lead to significant positive effects in our daily lives.
  2. Finding humor in creative struggles can lighten the load of anxiety and procrastination. Embracing these feelings is part of the writer's journey.
  3. Looking back on influential figures and their work reminds us of their impact on creativity. Cherishing their contributions helps inspire our own artistic endeavors.

on one-sidedness

bookbear express • 187 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Gender Relationships Feminism Narrative
  1. Some books tell stories about women who love men who don't love them back, which can feel pretty sad. Society often views this kind of love as something weak or pitiful.
  2. People usually try to match the energy that others give them in relationships. If someone doesn't seem interested, many believe it's best to move on, but staying in love can feel like a problem you need to fix.
  3. Limerence, or intense infatuation, can have meaning and might push you to change something in your life. But sometimes, it feels frustrating and pointless, leaving you unsure of what to do next.

A Bit of a Hypocrisy

Tessa Fights Robots • 29 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Philosophy Music Fashion
  1. The author highlights a feeling of hypocrisy in society, where people say one thing but do another. It's important to recognize and address these contradictions in our actions.
  2. Encouraging readers to support their work financially reflects the challenge many creators face in gaining sustainable support. It’s a reminder of how much we value content that resonates with us.
  3. The focus on a specific theme, like saving loved ones, illustrates the deeper emotional connections we have and the moral dilemmas we often grapple with in life. These situations can reveal our true values.

Pressed by Moms for Liberty, Florida school district adds clothing to illustrations in classic children's books

Popular Information • 12854 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Censorship Children's Books Education Parenting
  1. Florida school district adds clothing to illustrations in classic children's books due to challenges from Moms for Liberty
  2. Challenges included concerns about nudity and obscenity in books like 'In The Night Kitchen'
  3. Alterations to books in libraries raise questions about censorship and the rights of readers

The Ancient Greek Play That Hilariously Mocked Collectivism and Democracy

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 138 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Theater Comedy History Philosophy
  1. Aristophanes' play "The Assemblywomen" cleverly mocks democracy and the absurdities of life in Ancient Athens. It shows how sometimes people in power can be foolish and self-serving.
  2. The play presents a humorous twist where women take over the political scene, highlighting the chaos that can come from trying to enforce equality and collectivism.
  3. The humor exposes the flaws of democracy—where not everyone making decisions may have the best interests of society in mind, showing how majorities can be just as dangerous as tyrants.

some things I learned about love this year

bookbear express • 941 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Relationships Friendship Personal Growth Media
  1. It's okay to have imperfect friendships. Just keep in touch and stay in each other's lives, even if it's not perfect.
  2. Conflict in relationships isn't as scary as it seems. Listening to each other can strengthen your bonds.
  3. Love and life can be uncertain and scary, but that's normal. Embrace change and find people who want to explore with you.

Du Fu and Li Bai critique modern media

Wyclif's Dust • 536 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Media Literature Music Performing Arts
  1. Modern media offers a wide range of content that can be just as good as classic art. Today’s shows and movies have a depth that critics often overlook.
  2. The technology we have now helps artists reach more people and improve their work. Better sound and video mean more exciting performances.
  3. Mass media also helps educate audiences about what good art looks like. As things get personalized, there are more chances for niche, artistic works to thrive.

Against Forgiveness

rachaelmeager • 1448 implied HN points • 19 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Psychology Society Abuse Forgiveness
  1. Many acts of abuse can seem ordinary or unremarkable, making it hard for people to acknowledge their seriousness. We often want abuse to be extremely obvious for us to react strongly.
  2. Forgiveness is often pushed in our culture, especially after wrongdoing, but it can be harmful. Real healing might require facing the truth of what happened rather than simply forgiving the wrongdoer.
  3. Guilt can be a healthy emotion that points toward responsibility. It's important to recognize that not everyone who harms us is simply making honest mistakes, and true accountability matters.

Title matters

Austin Kleon • 2038 implied HN points • 09 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Creativity Inspiration Writing
  1. Titles are important for any piece of work. They can set the tone and attract interest.
  2. Using randomness can spark creativity in titling. Techniques like flipping through books or pulling titles from a drawer can yield great ideas.
  3. Keeping a running list of potential titles helps you have options ready when you need to name something.

Learning to love. How the poet Dana Gioia discovered his vocation through music.

The Common Reader • 1701 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Music Poetry Art
  1. Dana Gioia discovered his love for poetry while being exposed to opera. He found that experiencing opera deeply influenced his understanding of music and poetry.
  2. His time in Vienna showed him the value of spontaneity. He went there to study music but ended up realizing he wanted to be a poet instead.
  3. The experience taught him that sometimes things don’t go as planned, but unexpected gifts can lead to new passions, like how losing relationships led him to find inspiration in the arts.