The hottest Narrative Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Faith & Spirituality Topics

Deconstructing the Hegemony; Reconstructing the Pluriverse — I

Pluriversal Planet • 314 implied HN points • 03 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Narrative
  1. The hegemonic narrative is collapsing, challenging individuals to redefine their beliefs and stand for a different world where many worlds can coexist.
  2. Human consciousness is undergoing a significant shift, urging people to confront the oppressive systems of the past and choose a path towards creativity, selflessness, and consciousness.
  3. The concept of Pluriverse emphasizes the coexistence of diverse worldviews and interconnectedness, offering a new perspective on how to rebuild civilization along more inclusive and interconnected lines.

Now, smol kitty

Disaffected Newsletter • 1079 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Narrative
  1. Mina is a small cat who was adopted and had a tough start in life, being the smallest of her litter. She really depends on her new owner for love and support.
  2. Mina is very affectionate and trusts her owner completely, unlike how she is with others who take time to warm up to her.
  3. Mina and her big brother Shredder have a playful relationship, often chasing each other and cuddling together after their fun times.

"You Sit on a Throne of Lies"

Investing 101 • 41 implied HN points • 13 Dec 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Narrative
  1. Stories have real power to shape who we are, so choose and tell them carefully because they teach values and give life meaning.
  2. Myths like Santa can help teach goodness, but when kids find out they were deceived it can create cynicism, so clearly separate playful allegory from factual truth to keep trust.
  3. Don’t give up on finding truth — investigate beliefs and hold nuanced convictions rather than assuming everything is false or picking comforting lies, because real faith or truth gives lasting meaning.

The Book Thief And The Power Of Words

Subtle Digressions • 79 implied HN points • 30 May 24
📚 Literature Narrative
  1. Words have incredible power, both to hurt and to heal. They can inspire people but also lead to destruction if misused.
  2. In times of hardship, words can be weapons for rebellion against oppression. Protecting the right to speak and share stories is crucial.
  3. The story of 'The Book Thief' shows us how important it is to value words and stories. Losing books means losing a part of our humanity.

Cloud Time

Vague Blue • 479 implied HN points • 10 Aug 23
📚 Literature Narrative
  1. The concept of time for freelancers is different with a focus on personal freedom and measuring productivity in unique ways like word count and joy.
  2. Artists blur the boundaries between work, leisure, and art, showcasing how time is a complex tool for creativity without strict divisions.
  3. Certain artworks and films like _Blue_ by Derek Jarman challenge traditional narrative structure and compel viewers to explore abstract experiences, highlighting the fluidity and constraints of time.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Moldavite Wants to Be Free

Default Wisdom • 218 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Narrative
  1. People often seek out magical experiences to feel special and connected. This can lead to a desire for community and belief in things like crystals and spiritual practices.
  2. Relationships with charismatic individuals can deeply influence our beliefs and choices, sometimes even affecting our mental health and decisions regarding medication.
  3. Even when someone recognizes the flaws in their beliefs or experiences, the search for meaning and understanding often continues. It's a journey of exploration, even if that exploration sometimes feels empty.

Rêves trouvés

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 293 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
📚 Literature Narrative
  1. The author found a lost notebook that had a note asking to be returned to its owner, which sparked a journey to reconnect it with that person.
  2. The contents of the notebook revealed dreams written by someone, which were personal and at times eerie, showcasing the complexities of human emotions.
  3. There was a moral dilemma about returning the notebook, as the author reflected on the past experiences with its owner while trying to do the right thing.

Adjusting the Levels in Revision

Counter Craft • 717 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
📚 Literature Narrative
  1. Revision is a critical part of writing where your draft transforms into a book. It's exciting because you see your ideas take shape, but it can also feel tough as you have to make tough choices about what stays and what goes.
  2. Writers typically fall into two categories: cutters and expanders. Cutters like to trim down their drafts, while expanders focus on building up their stories with more detail.
  3. It's important to maintain a balanced narrative throughout your story. This means looking at how much dialogue, description, and action you have in each chapter to ensure the pacing and flow of the book feels consistent.

A Question about The Question

Story Club with George Saunders • 55 implied HN points • 27 Nov 25
📚 Literature Narrative
  1. A good story often raises a question rather than providing a clear answer. This helps to create depth and complexity in the narrative.
  2. Writers should stay open to what their story is trying to express instead of forcing it to fit a predetermined question. This flexibility can lead to more organic and engaging storytelling.
  3. It's important not to get too caught up in finding the 'perfect' central question for a story. Focusing too much on this can hinder creativity and the natural evolution of the narrative.

How Not What

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 194 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
📚 Literature Narrative
  1. In storytelling, it’s often more interesting to focus on how events unfold rather than just what happens. This shift helps create a deeper connection to the story.
  2. Surprises can be exciting in stories, but relying solely on them can make them feel exhausting over time. Understanding how things happen can be more engaging.
  3. Asking 'how' questions in conversations can lead to richer discussions. These questions help get to know people better and uncover feelings and motivations.

Manderley, again

Disaffected Newsletter • 679 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
📚 Literature Narrative
  1. Manderley represents a place of both beauty and sadness, where memories and past experiences linger. It's easy to get lost in thoughts about what was or what could have been.
  2. The narrator feels a strong connection to the story of _Rebecca_, listening to it often and finding comfort in it. It's a way to escape and reflect on deeper feelings.
  3. There's a tension between wanting to be drawn in by the beauty of a place and the recognition of its darker aspects. People are attracted to complicated memories and experiences, even if they are bittersweet.

Observing death

Message from the Underworld • 412 implied HN points • 20 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Narrative
  1. The author reflects on recent deaths in the punk rock community and the impact it has had
  2. Writing about the deceased can be challenging but serves as a way to honor and remember them
  3. The author shares personal memories of observing sunset with their father and reflecting on their Navy experiences

How I wrote "Looking for Alice"

Escaping Flatland • 412 implied HN points • 30 May 23
📚 Literature Narrative
  1. Detailed accounts of a writer's decision-making process can be valuable for others.
  2. Writing advice often lacks specificity and can be frustrating for learners.
  3. Allowing ideas to flow naturally while writing can help maintain energy and coherence in a piece.

The Ethics of Meaning-Making

Breaking Smart • 41 implied HN points • 04 Dec 25
📖 Philosophy Narrative
  1. Meaning-making can be dangerous when it becomes rigid and does not accept uncertainty. It can lead to harmful narratives that ignore the needs and experiences of others.
  2. Ethical frameworks are essential for guiding our understanding of meaning. They help us not to let our personal viewpoints distort the reality of situations.
  3. It's important to embrace some uncertainty in our search for meaning. This allows us to keep our perspectives flexible and open, preventing us from becoming extreme in our beliefs.

The Library of Slaanesh

Thicket Forte • 959 implied HN points • 01 Feb 23
📚 Literature Narrative
  1. The library is a strange place filled with endless walls showing beautiful women, but they aren't real and can't be touched. Men lose themselves in this fantasy, forgetting the life outside these walls.
  2. As men begin to remember real women and experiences from their past, they realize there's more to life than just the pleasure from the walls. This sparks a desire to find and connect with others.
  3. Different men respond to their situation in various ways, some deny the existence of the outside world while others seek to escape it. The struggle between accepting this reality and longing for something more defines their lives.

[OVERRIDE]

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 673 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
📚 Literature Narrative
  1. The work consists of ten chapters that form a serial metafiction written by the same author, despite featuring different fictional names. Each chapter contributes to a bigger story that explores themes of authorship and reality.
  2. The author emphasizes that from this point onward, nothing else can be considered a part of the 'Work'. Any future contributions under fictional names will either be collaborations or individual essays, and misunderstanding them as part of the 'Work' is a reader's concern.
  3. There is a call for deeper engagement from readers to understand the complexities of internet-specific fiction. The author aims to challenge readers' attention spans and encourages them to explore the narrative more richly.

Eveningside: T&A Tools

Crewdson Trail Log • 393 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Narrative
  1. The photographer revisits locations, themes, and casts in their work over time.
  2. The narrative elements of a photograph often come together through a process of returning to a location.
  3. Using consistent crew members and actors can add depth and continuity to the storytelling in images.

The love of a cat

Disaffected Newsletter • 1478 implied HN points • 13 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture Narrative
  1. Gaining a cat's love takes time and effort. Unlike dogs, cats can be more reserved and cautious about showing affection.
  2. Pets can help each other heal from emotional struggles. The bond between a pet and their owner can support both through tough times.
  3. Every pet owner has a unique journey with their animals. Each relationship is special and helps both the pet and the owner grow together.

Declarations of Independence

steveinskeep • 373 implied HN points • 04 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Narrative
  1. Americans have embraced and used the promise of equality throughout history.
  2. The Declaration of Independence has been adapted and quoted by various groups seeking equality.
  3. The story of America's journey towards equality is reflected in both historical events and modern interpretations.

The Long Battle

Castalia • 239 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
📚 Literature Narrative
  1. Art has a deep impact on personal identity and growth. Both Peter and Dorothy explore their backgrounds and how they shaped their artistic journeys.
  2. Friendship can be complicated by competition and insecurities. Peter admires Dorothy's talent but is also aware of the competitive dynamics in their social group.
  3. Tragedy can change how we view someone's life. Dorothy’s suicide makes Peter reflect on her artistic genius and what she went through, showing a contrast between her vibrant work and her struggles.

The Hoaxer

Unbound • 613 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
📚 Literature Narrative
  1. The story explores a father-son relationship centered around the father's obsession with creating hoaxes, particularly involving mythical creatures and odd phenomena. This shows how a unique bond can be built through shared secrets.
  2. It highlights the father's deeper struggles with personal fulfillment and dissatisfaction in life, demonstrating that his hoaxes are a way to escape from mundane reality and create excitement.
  3. The narrative also touches on themes of family dynamics, including the impact of the father's actions on the mother and son, and how these affect their perceptions of truth and trust in relationships.

A Crisis...

Story Club with George Saunders • 62 implied HN points • 09 Nov 25
📚 Literature Narrative
  1. We might be entering a new stage where reading and writing aren't as important as they used to be. This is called a post-literate age.
  2. This idea sparks a lot of debate about how it affects storytelling and communication in our society.
  3. It's important to discuss these changes and think about what they mean for the future of culture and creativity.

Jocasta's Silence 2

coldhealing • 353 implied HN points • 01 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Narrative
  1. Oedipal narrative conflicts involve rejection of parental influence and adolescent identity assertion.
  2. In storytelling, conflicts with mothers focus on emotional understanding, while conflicts with fathers revolve around parental authority and judgment.
  3. Narratives like 'Everything Everywhere All At Once' explore complex mother-daughter dynamics and the generational struggle for understanding.

The strange afterlife of books (Nevédomosti №4)

The Lifeboat • 217 implied HN points • 01 Jun 25
📚 Literature Narrative
  1. A published book can have a surprising life after its release. It can gain new readers and interest even when the author thinks it's faded away.
  2. The role of an author doesn't end with publishing; they can also be a guardian for their work, helping it to stay relevant and connecting with readers.
  3. Readers often shape the understanding and appreciation of a book, sometimes knowing its importance better than the author does. Feedback from readers can deeply impact an author's view of their work.

Success

RPG Design Theories • 334 implied HN points • 26 Apr 23
🚌 Education Narrative
  1. Game mechanics should aim to be believable, easy-to-understand, and fun at the same time.
  2. Mechanics should tie to what's important in the game, determining when dice rolling comes into play.
  3. Consider the impact of player failure on their gameplay experience and find the right balance of randomization in tasks.

Palm Beach, Tower D

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 449 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
📚 Literature Narrative
  1. The Four Towers represent distinct areas of life in a revolutionary society, each with its own culture and traditions. People feel a mix of excitement and anxiety when crossing between these Towers due to their unique customs.
  2. Tower A focuses on transportation, where appointments are needed for travel. Cultural highlights include a beloved drone opera that humorously contrasts its artistic interpretation with its practical origins from the past.
  3. The Ministry of Communication, based in Tower D, reflects changes in how people interact. It encourages a collaborative approach to resolve conflicts rather than deepening divides, showcasing how communication has evolved since the revolution.

Understanding Luigi Mangione

Philosophy bear • 500 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Narrative
  1. Luigi Mangione's journey shows how complex a person's beliefs can be. He seemed to struggle with various political ideas throughout his life, often changing directions.
  2. People often don’t think strictly in political terms, but rather look for answers to different issues independently. This highlights the difficulty in fitting people into rigid ideological boxes.
  3. Luigi's story underlines the importance of feeling included in communities, especially for those wanting to make the world a better place. A lack of belonging can lead to frustration and misguided actions.

Global Death Orgy draws near

The Lifeboat • 172 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
📚 Literature Narrative
  1. Words can have a powerful effect on people. Just saying something can change how others feel or act.
  2. Over time, people can become desensitized to scary or shocking words. What once frightened them can become a joke.
  3. Humans need to connect with real feelings and not just repeat words like parrots. True emotions matter more than just saying what sounds good.

What Exactly is Data Storytelling? Here Are Some of The Basics

Data at Depth • 79 implied HN points • 15 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Narrative
  1. Data storytelling brings calmness and clarity to complex datasets by revealing the story behind the numbers.
  2. To engage interest and drive change, data needs to be transformed into a narrative that resonates with the audience.
  3. The three core components of data storytelling are: finding/creating a good data set, visualizing data to identify trends, and providing a narrative based on these trends.

New Work: Because of You

Cybernetic Forests • 79 implied HN points • 11 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Narrative
  1. The film "Because of You" explores the ethical implications of using human data without consent
  2. HeLa cells taken without Henrietta Lacks' consent played a crucial role in medical advancements
  3. The film dives into the complexities of identity, datafication, and generative AI

Bun. Chapter Ten: The Language Burrow

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 483 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
📚 Literature Narrative
  1. Reading is changing a lot. It feels more like playing a game where people want quick and clear information instead of deeper engagement with texts.
  2. People are becoming less patient with complex writing and instead prefer simple language that matches their existing beliefs.
  3. Even in difficult times, like illness, there's a return to moments of joy and beauty in everyday life, reminding us of human connection and the cycle of nature.

This New Internet Thing, Chapter 27

Life Since the Baby Boom • 461 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
📚 Literature Narrative
  1. Reading stories in parts, or serials, is a fun and old tradition. It keeps people coming back for more every week.
  2. Working at big companies can feel familiar, but it often involves juggling different cultures and opinions, especially when many companies team up.
  3. People in tech often have strong opinions about new products, and convincing them can be tough, but it's important to stay confident and informed.

That Other Me

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 119 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
📚 Literature Narrative
  1. Achilles' lament for Patroklos in Iliad 19 explores the impact of Patroklos' death on others, showcasing themes of personal loss and grief.
  2. Achilles expresses a collapse of identities with Patroklos and projects the loss of a single person onto his living father and son, illustrating a narrative of replacement and surrogacy.
  3. Grief is associative and unpredictable, touching not only the mourner but also the internal and external audiences, encouraging reflection on personal losses and the importance of responding to others' suffering.

This New Internet Thing, Chapter 26

Life Since the Baby Boom • 461 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
⚔ Fiction Narrative
  1. Grant is back in Silicon Valley after a long time in Japan and is adjusting to his new life after divorce. It’s a big change for him, and he’s reconnecting with old friends.
  2. Len and Dan are featured on a TV show discussing investments and the Internet. They didn’t know the show would focus so much on their recent embezzling case, which surprised them.
  3. Len shares his strategy for investing in Internet-related companies, looking for those that will benefit from the tech boom. This shows he thinks ahead and tries to find new opportunities.

Gentlemen Prefer Bitches

Castalia • 259 implied HN points • 23 Sep 23
📚 Literature Narrative
  1. Sometimes people get stuck in unhealthy relationships because they're attracted to those who treat them poorly. It can feel easier to focus all their energy on making one person happy instead of working on themselves.
  2. It's important to value yourself and set boundaries in relationships. If someone isn't meeting your needs, it's okay to speak up and expect respect.
  3. Being a strong and nurturing person in relationships can lead to growth, but it's crucial to communicate openly and honestly about expectations to avoid being taken for granted.

ANGEL FIRE

Unbound • 293 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
⚔ Fiction Narrative
  1. Ben is released from prison and tries to adjust to the real world, moving from a fantasy life back to reality. He feels excited but also scared about what lies ahead.
  2. He finds a job at a coffee shop called The Orbiter, which suits him well and helps him rediscover his love for storytelling and imagination. The owner, Ollie, believes in him and offers him a chance to rebuild his life.
  3. Ben encounters hostility from a group that hates imagination and creative pursuits, leading him to confront his past and the darker parts of society he now wants to navigate. He is determined to stand up for what he cares about.

The Ferryman

Soaring Twenties • 123 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
📚 Literature Narrative
  1. Staying busy is important for health and happiness. When people retire and stop being active, they often don't live long after that.
  2. It's good to connect with friends and family. Keeping in touch with others can help people feel less lonely and more engaged.
  3. Enjoying small things, like nature and conversations, is valuable. Taking time to appreciate life can make everyday moments better.