The hottest Narratives Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Science Topics

A Year of Ukrainian "Collapse" Narratives:

Phillips’s Newsletter • 152 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict International relations Military Media Narratives
  1. Many media stories claimed that Ukraine was about to collapse during the war, painting a very negative picture of their situation.
  2. These repeated negative narratives can be harmful, influencing people's perceptions and possibly decisions regarding support for Ukraine.
  3. Despite the media's alarming predictions, Ukraine has continued to resist and fight back against Russian advances.

Not Just a Camera, Not Just an Engine

Breaking Smart • 36 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Narratives Storytelling Media Agency Society
  1. We often feel trapped between two narratives: one where people are blindly building without seeing reality, and another where people feel helpless and see a bleak future. Both views are inadequate.
  2. There are stories that help us see and do at the same time. It's important to find a balance between understanding the situation and taking action.
  3. Some narratives not only observe but also help shape reality, which can inspire us to navigate complex contexts in a more powerful way.

Book Offer

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 65 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
📚 Literature Books Writing Authors Publishing Narratives
  1. There are physical copies of the book 'No Apologies' on sale for half off. It's a good chance to grab a deal!
  2. The book discusses how people face silencing and punishment for their opinions. It encourages everyone to find their voice and speak up.
  3. Silence can have serious downsides. Speaking out helps build real connections and allows for open discussions, which can change minds.

The Shared Mythological History of Israel and the US (w/ Joan Scott) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 128 implied HN points • 29 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Middle East Cultural analysis Narratives Zionism Colonialism Mythology
  1. The histories of Israel and the US are deeply intertwined, often using shared myths to justify actions and policies, especially in relation to the Palestinians. This connection shapes how both nations view themselves as exceptional.
  2. The Holocaust plays a significant role in Israeli identity and the justification of its policies, creating a narrative that frames criticism as dangerous, echoing fears of historical victimization.
  3. Popular culture, like books and movies, has a powerful influence on shaping public perception of Israel and the Palestinians, often leading to biased narratives that ignore or simplify the complexities of the conflict.

Rabbit Holes 🕳️ #106

Creative Destruction • 41 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Narratives Public Debate Society Leadership
  1. The phrase 'I don't know' is fading away as we rely more on instant answers from technology. This makes us confident but might not actually improve our understanding.
  2. In today's world, attracting attention is often more important than having meaningful conversations. We live in a chaotic ‘attention economy’ where spectacle often beats substance.
  3. There seems to be a rising sense of carelessness in society where people are less willing to help or contribute. This may be due to broader social issues that demotivate personal responsibility.
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All Men Want to Be Heroes

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1316 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Society Identity Narratives Traditions Masculinity
  1. Men often seek opportunities to feel heroic and valued in society. It's important for communities to create situations where they can step up and make a difference.
  2. Experiences shared around communal spaces, like bars, highlight the desire for connection and action among men. These moments can lead to camaraderie and support among peers.
  3. Society's perception of masculinity can impact how men express their emotions and take action. Allowing them space to be heroes can lead to healthier relationships and communities.

The Free Press in Love

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1136 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Romance Relationships Personal Stories Narratives
  1. Love can be found in the most unexpected places, like rooftops and newsrooms. It's about recognizing those moments wherever they happen.
  2. Childhood crushes can leave a lasting impression. Even years later, we remember the special feelings we had for that one person.
  3. Jealousy can be a real emotion, especially for kids. It shows how much we care about those we like, even if we don't express it openly.

China via social media

Austrian China • 314 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics China Social media Narratives Government Criticism
  1. Making sense of the world through social media can be challenging, especially when lacking first-hand experience.
  2. Western observers often encounter four main narratives about China on social media, but these may not reflect reality.
  3. Different narratives exist about China, from portraying it as a socialist success to predicting its collapse, but the reality is more nuanced and complex.

Officially announcing On The Edge, my new book

Silver Bulletin • 427 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
📚 Literature Books Authors Genres Narratives Themes
  1. Nate Silver has officially announced his new book 'On The Edge' which delves into the world of gambling, risk, and decision-making, with a focus on the stories of risk-takers and successful gamblers.
  2. The book covers a wide array of topics including poker evolution, human aspects of poker, the commercial gambling industry, sports betting, venture capital, crypto, effective altruism, and the existential risks related to AI and nuclear weapons.
  3. Through in-depth interviews and research, 'On The Edge' offers a thought-provoking exploration of how different risk-takers think, revealing the interconnectedness of subjects like technology, economics, politics, and personal decision-making.

Our Civilizational Trajectory and the Dangers of a Single Story

Pluriversal Planet • 216 implied HN points • 30 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Colonialism Hegemony Resistance Narratives Globalism
  1. The unfolding tragedy of Gaza reveals the interconnectedness of our past, present, and future civilizations.
  2. Colonialism manifests through genocide, ecocide, and epistemicide, supported by neoliberal capitalism.
  3. Emergent narratives from voices suppressed by the hegemony offer seeds of hope for a pluriversal future beyond homogeneity.

Anatomy of a Narrative

DeFi Education • 739 implied HN points • 04 Oct 22
🔮 Crypto Investing Assets Narratives Market Analysis Decentralization
  1. Storytelling is really important in investing. It can help make a company seem more valuable even if the numbers don't add up.
  2. People often make quick decisions based on emotions rather than cold hard facts. This means understanding the narrative behind an investment is key.
  3. It's important to balance narrative and data when investing. Too much focus on one can lead you to miss opportunities or take on more risk.

What You Can't Say (About AI)

The Algorithmic Bridge • 212 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🕹 Technology AI Ethics Predictions Narratives Innovation
  1. Moral fashions restrict what can be said and thought about, and going against them can lead to serious consequences.
  2. In AI communities, there are unspoken beliefs and ideas that people hesitate to express publicly, even within their own groups.
  3. Challenging current moral fashions in AI can lead to uncovering important future truths and insights.

Two too many atrocities,...how many more?

History's Parrot • 78 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Journalism Narratives Truth Empathy
  1. The importance of sharing critical insights and information from independent journalists like Alastair Crooke to combat lies and tyrannies.
  2. The impact of 'win narratives' on empathy, active listening, and communication between states, as highlighted by the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
  3. The necessity to reflect on existence and societal decay in current times of turmoil and assault on societal pillars.

The War for the Free Internet

From the New World • 59 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Censorship Elections Technology Narratives
  1. The internet faces ongoing censorship challenges, and these can lead to the shaping of narratives that affect elections and public opinion. People have different views on what information should be shared or censored.
  2. The tension between media influences and political outcomes is complex. Different groups have tried to control the narrative around elections, often leading to disputes over media's role in shaping results.
  3. Emerging technologies like AI and social media are becoming new battlegrounds for censorship. As efforts to regulate these platforms continue, key figures like politicians and entrepreneurs are preparing for ongoing conflicts over information sharing.

The Mandate of Heaven in Fallout: New Vegas

Trantor Publishing • 119 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Gaming Narratives Power Dynamics Fantasy
  1. Fallout: New Vegas presents a gameplay where the player's persuasive argument decides the victor, not might.
  2. The game emphasizes the power of narratives in securing control and the player being central in these narratives.
  3. None of the factions in the game are strong enough to create a lasting society, showcasing a flaw in the power dynamics.

Ranking the Narnia books

The Good blog • 39 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
📚 Literature Books Fiction Reviews Narratives
  1. The Horse and His Boy is a favorite because of its strong character development and relatable experiences, like learning to ride a horse.
  2. Prince Caspian is highly regarded as a great story due to its engaging characters and memorable quotes.
  3. The Last Battle is seen as powerful but also too sad and controversial, making it a complex addition to the series.

Long Ago, Far Away

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 79 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
📚 Literature Narratives
  1. The concept of an Epic Cycle related to Trojan War narratives is likely a scholarly creation, not a historical reality.
  2. Expanding narrative universes like Star Wars provide space for new stories to respond to changing audiences, while canonical texts exert a centralized authority.
  3. Ancient narratives, like the Trojan War stories, evolved from local and oral traditions, adapting to suit different audiences and cultural contexts over time.

Why does it seem like there are two completely different versions of Christianity in the United States?

Think Future • 79 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Narratives Behavior Worldviews Religion
  1. There are two different versions of Christianity in the U.S.: Knights and Gardeners, based on different worldviews and beliefs about the universe.
  2. Knights see the universe as a cosmic struggle between good and evil, while Gardeners view it as a cosmic garden where all living things should be nurtured.
  3. Identifying whether someone is a Knight or Gardener can help forecast their behavior in various aspects of life, including relationships, conflict resolution, and soul matters.

Blue Skies

Nice Try • 19 implied HN points • 25 Apr 24
📚 Literature Essays Narratives Reflections Poetry Personal
  1. Looking up at the sky can remind us to appreciate the simple things in life. It's a healthy practice to slow down and notice what's around us.
  2. Taking time to breathe and reflect can bring peace and clarity. We often forget to pause and enjoy the moment amidst our busy lives.
  3. Setting small, personal goals, like looking at clouds more often, can lead to greater happiness. It's about finding joy in our everyday experiences.

A Tentative Manifesto for the Future of Organizations—3

Pluriversal Planet • 58 implied HN points • 19 Jun 23
📖 Philosophy Imagination Creativity Narratives
  1. The current system of incentives and structures perpetuates negative sum games and unsustainable practices.
  2. Organizations need to prioritize building capacities for collective imagination to create a flourishing future.
  3. Imagination is a powerful force that challenges oppression, and it is essential for envisioning and creating new narratives.

₿ITCOIN NGMI

sonsofcrypto • 19 implied HN points • 13 Feb 23
🔮 Crypto Technology Community Economics Narratives
  1. Bitcoin consists of software, economics, and community elements.
  2. Bitcoin's software has seen limited progress in user-friendliness and accessibility.
  3. The Bitcoin community has shifted towards a more cult-like atmosphere, straying from its original principles.

Narrative Violations

Brain Lenses • 19 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Narratives
  1. The term 'Narrative Violation' refers to something going against conventional expectations.
  2. Examples of narrative violations include unconventional paths to success, like a teacher becoming a tech CEO.
  3. Being a narrative violation depends on awareness of specific stereotypes or expectations.

From Self-Reform to Worldview-Reform

Creative Destruction • 28 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Belief systems Social Issues System Change Narratives Self-development
  1. Individualism-centric mindset hinders systemic change by focusing on self-reform over systemic reform.
  2. Shift towards systems reform encourages a deeper analysis and reflection for radical change.
  3. Worldview-reform suggests reframing fundamental beliefs and narratives for building a better alternative and conveying a new, exciting story.

The Postfictional Eerie

GOOD INTERNET • 13 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture AI Digital Narratives Internet Art
  1. The digital realm constantly challenges our perception of reality and intent in what we see, read, and hear.
  2. Artificial intelligence's ability to correlate vast amounts of data blurs the lines between fiction and reality, creating eerie and weird experiences.
  3. Our interactions with AI and the digital world lead to a post-fictional era where the boundaries between what's real and fictional become increasingly blurred, creating an unsettling and eerie atmosphere.

We Suck at Promoting Climate Action, Here is How We Change That

Creative Destruction • 20 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Communication Narratives Emotions Community Solutions
  1. Climate action communication needs to shift to be more people-focused, emotional, and clear to effectively engage the majority of the population.
  2. Utilizing emotional storytelling over facts can be more impactful in inspiring action and building community connections.
  3. Efforts to promote climate action should aim to create positive, awe-evoking narratives of a sustainable future to counterbalance doomerism.