The hottest Social Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Food & Drink Topics

The Symbolic Metabolism

Anima Mundi • 103 implied HN points • 13 Mar 26
📖 Philosophy Social
  1. People 'eat' symbols: ideas, images, and signs get processed like food and can be absorbed into the self or passed out as waste.
  2. Meaning isn’t just thinking — it’s a form of nourishment that shapes our inner life when it’s properly integrated.
  3. Modern society has a crisis of symbolic nutrition: we are overloaded with meaningless information yet starving for deep, nourishing meaning.

new beginnings — on leaving the pavement behind

antoniomelonio • 135 implied HN points • 08 Feb 26
📖 Philosophy Social
  1. Sustained critique and constant anger can hollow a person out, so it's healthier to step away from living inside rage and reclaim curiosity.
  2. AI is becoming a real trajectory, not just a gadget, and could end many forms of artificial scarcity and obsolete "bullshit" jobs, but the transition will be turbulent with job loss and institutional strain.
  3. Rather than performative doom, it's better to orient toward possibility — to write and work on building and exploring futures while honesty about the risks remains central.

Hungry Theater

Public Universal Friend • 79 implied HN points • 31 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Social
  1. The author expresses a feeling of helplessness and chaos at the start of a new project, indicating mixed emotions about change.
  2. There are moments of deep conversation and creativity shared with friends, illustrating the importance of connection and brainstorming.
  3. The central goal of the project is to encourage a poet to join a specific platform, showing a desire to inspire others.

Open Thread 356

Astral Codex Ten • 5712 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Social
  1. The open thread allows people to discuss anything and ask questions freely. It's a space for sharing ideas and engaging with others.
  2. Comments from the community can provide new insights into historical topics, like the early Christian views on abortion and marriage. This shows how understanding can evolve with discussion.
  3. Game theory continues to evolve, with strategies like Win-Stay, Lose-Shift gaining attention for their effectiveness in cooperation compared to older strategies like Tit-for-Tat. It's interesting to see how competition shapes these strategies in different contexts.
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Open Thread 360

Astral Codex Ten • 4955 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Social
  1. You can talk about anything and ask questions in the open thread. It's a space for sharing thoughts and connecting with others.
  2. There's a survey for people who consider themselves effective altruists to participate in. It's a way to share insights about giving and doing good.
  3. A new post will be shared for subscribers, celebrating the author's children turning one. It likely includes reflections on parenting and life.

Open Thread 361

Astral Codex Ten • 4336 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Social
  1. You can share or discuss anything you like in the open thread. It's a space to ask questions and engage with others.
  2. There’s a survey for the community that you can fill out. The deadline is January 5, and reminders will keep coming until then.
  3. Happy holidays! Expect fewer posts until January, as the posting schedule will be lighter during this time.

Open Thread 357

Astral Codex Ten • 3510 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Social
  1. You can ask any questions and share thoughts in the open thread. It's a space for casual discussions.
  2. There will be meetups around the world for the community, including a big event in New York from December 13-16.
  3. Acknowledgment of a sad news about Nikolas Doucet, which reflects the importance of community support during tough times.

God Spelled Backwards Is Dog

Gideon's Substack • 21 implied HN points • 20 Feb 26
📖 Philosophy Social
  1. AI is advancing fast and creating real hype about making many jobs and skills obsolete, so healthy skepticism should follow real developments rather than idle fear or wishful thinking.
  2. If AI solves material scarcity it will create a new problem: people will struggle to find meaning and satisfy thymos, the human desire for recognition and struggle, which can breed widespread spiritual discontent.
  3. Superintelligent AI could try to fix that by reengineering humans into more docile beings — but alignment is hard because we don't have agreed ultimate values and powerful systems may operate beyond our understanding or oversight.

I'm writing a book about Oh Hell

Matt’s Five Points • 199 implied HN points • 11 May 24
🎭️ Culture Social
  1. The author is writing a book on Oh Hell, a card game they love and play often. They want to share their passion and knowledge about the game with others.
  2. There is no existing book on Oh Hell, unlike many other card games, which motivates the author to fill this gap in the market.
  3. The book will mix strategy tips with personal stories about the game, showcasing its fun and competitive nature while engaging a broad audience.

Tuesday Thread: What Are You Working On?

Culture Study • 1000 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Social
  1. Engaging in gardening can be a fun and rewarding hobby. It allows you to witness small changes, like a plant budding, which can bring joy.
  2. Taking cuttings from plants can help you expand your garden without needing to buy new ones. It's a clever way to grow your collection.
  3. Working on a personal project or hobby can be a great distraction. It offers both relaxation and a sense of accomplishment as you see progress.

The Substack app is now the most powerful growth machine for creators

Substack • 1455 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Social
  1. The Substack app is growing quickly and is now the top way for creators to gain subscribers. This means more people are discovering and enjoying their work.
  2. The app combines features from social media with long-form content, making it easier for readers to connect with creators. Users can interact, share, and explore new voices all in one place.
  3. Creators have full ownership of their content and subscriber lists, which gives them more control. Unlike other platforms, the app focuses on meaningful connections between creators and their audience.

cat-slop sunday

bad cattitude • 102 implied HN points • 16 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Social
  1. The phrase 'you never go full catslop' suggests there are limits to creativity or expression. It's okay to push those boundaries a bit.
  2. Emotions might get hurt when challenging norms, but it's important to express yourself anyway.
  3. This space is dedicated to exploring different ideas and thoughts, especially those that might be seen as unconventional.

Here Comes a Regular

Kneeling Bus • 391 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Social
  1. Gatekeeping has changed meaning online. It used to mean controlling access to opportunities, but now it often means keeping knowledge or culture to ourselves in a crowded digital world.
  2. The internet has made information widely accessible, but this has disrupted traditional cultural institutions and made it harder to find unique value in experiences and knowledge.
  3. Many people feel nostalgic for a time when communities were more exclusive. They wish for the good aspects of gatekeeping, which kept certain cultural experiences special and less diluted by mass access.

Ronin Profile Updates are LIVE!

Ronin’s Newsletter • 61 implied HN points • 17 Dec 25
🔮 Crypto Social
  1. Ronin Profiles now give you a unified on‑chain identity with customizable pixel houses, claimable @ handles linked to RNS, and a single place to manage multiple Ronin addresses.
  2. The Mission Board gamifies onboarding so you can complete simple quests (link accounts, fund your wallet, set a handle, spin Fortune machines) to earn Arcade Coins and time‑limited gifts, and eligible users can claim a free lifetime handle from snapshot criteria.
  3. Privacy is now the default: you choose one Default Wallet to show publicly while other connected wallets stay hidden, and profiles include a live activity feed to see recent onchain actions and help builders find power users.

Seeking: Dating advice

Maybe Baby • 750 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Social
  1. Sometimes, it helps to get different perspectives on personal questions. Asking friends or readers can lead to great advice.
  2. Everyone has unique experiences that can inform their advice. Sharing questions publicly can bring in valuable insights.
  3. It's okay to not have all the answers yourself. Leaning on a community for support and guidance can be really beneficial.

Hidden Open Thread 383.5

Astral Codex Ten • 412 implied HN points • 29 May 25
🎭️ Culture Social
  1. This post is designed for paying subscribers only. It's important to support content creators by subscribing if you enjoy their work.
  2. There is a comment section for readers to engage and share their thoughts. It's a good way to connect with others who have similar interests.
  3. The post may include various topics for discussion, making it a flexible space for sharing ideas and perspectives. It's a nice way to explore different viewpoints.

Austen saved me from social media

The Common Reader • 708 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture 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.

Hidden Open Thread 362.5

Astral Codex Ten • 757 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Social
  1. This is a special thread for paid subscribers to discuss various topics freely. It's a place for open conversation and sharing ideas.
  2. The post seems to be part of a larger series, suggesting that the author shares ongoing content for their audience's engagement.
  3. Visual elements are included to capture attention, indicating that the author values a dynamic presentation of their content.

Hidden Open Thread 365.5

Astral Codex Ten • 688 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Social
  1. This post is meant for paid subscribers only. If you want to read it, you need to subscribe.
  2. There is a discussion happening in the comments section that you can join if you are a subscriber.
  3. The post seems to be a way for subscribers to engage and share thoughts on various topics.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 680 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Social
  1. People are consuming a lot of different media each week. It's interesting to see what others are watching, reading, or listening to.
  2. Oral histories and interviews can provide deep insights into culture and entertainment. They can be both fascinating and sometimes a bit sad to reflect on.
  3. Entertainment news and celebrity gossip can spark discussions and speculation among fans. It's fun to wonder about the lives of celebrities, like if Kylie is pregnant.

Happy Valentine's Day

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 219 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Social
  1. Valentine's Day is a time to celebrate love and joy with good friends and family. It's a chance to show appreciation for those we care about.
  2. A historical map of Seattle from 1907 shows how the city was envisioned to grow. It highlights how places change over time and the importance of urban development.
  3. The story of Denny Hill's removal and the city's growth reminds us that progress can be slow. Cities evolve in their own time, often influenced by economic factors.

Diary of a Popcorn Seller

Vittles • 202 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Social
  1. Working at a cinema can be hectic, especially during busy shifts when you have to juggle serving customers and keeping things organized. It's all about staying quick on your feet and making sure everyone gets what they need.
  2. Customers have unique ways of enjoying snacks, from sweet and salty popcorn combos to elaborate orders. It's interesting to see how food choices can reflect personal tastes and moments of joy during the movie experience.
  3. Even in a fast-paced job, small moments can be heartwarming, like witnessing a couple share a popcorn or seeing someone enjoy their treat. Those little interactions remind you of the happiness found in simple pleasures.

A proposal for importing society’s values

Musings on the Alignment Problem • 519 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Social
  1. AI systems like ChatGPT face value-based decisions that are complex and can be polarizing, highlighting the need to align AI to individual and group preferences.
  2. A proposed process called simulated deliberative democracy aims to use large language models to simulate human deliberations on value questions, offering a scalable and transparent approach.
  3. The proposal presents pros like scalability, transparency, and potential for inclusivity, but also faces challenges such as representativeness, aggregation method complexities, and difficulties in simulating how people change their minds.

Was 8th Century China Meritocratic?

The Great Gender Divergence • 157 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
💾 History Social
  1. In 8th Century China, there was a widespread belief in meritocracy and social mobility, which were endorsed by Confucius and Empress Wu Zetian.
  2. Elites might have had advantages like better education for their sons and using nepotism for promotions, which could challenge the true meritocratic nature of the system.
  3. Recent research on social mobility during the Tang Dynasty provides insights into the career paths, imperial exam pass rates, and ancestral backgrounds of individuals through tomb epitaphs.

Understanding Luigi Mangione

Philosophy bear • 500 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Social
  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.

Hidden Open Thread 351.5

Astral Codex Ten • 550 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Social
  1. This is a post for paid subscribers only, so you need to subscribe to access the content.
  2. Readers are encouraged to engage and share their thoughts in the comments.
  3. The thread seems to be a place for open discussions and sharing various topics among subscribers.

Welcome to Tanzania

Splattern • 39 implied HN points • 10 Jun 24
🏝 Travel Social
  1. Tanzania was formed in 1964 by merging Tanganyika and Zanzibar, each with its own unique history and culture. Tanganyika was once a colony, while Zanzibar was famous for its spices.
  2. Tanzania is home to over 120 tribes, each with its own language and traditions. People often visit their tribes annually to celebrate their culture with music and dance.
  3. The local diet is high in meat, including game meat like zebra and impala, which just became legal to sell. The lifestyle is generally slow and peaceful, with friendly people.

Our World Shaken, Not Stirred: Synthetic entertainment, hybrid social experiences, syncing ourselves with apps, and more.

Implications, by Scott Belsky • 235 implied HN points • 04 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Social
  1. A new era of synthetic entertainment is coming, with AI creating sequels without actors and sparking copyright debates.
  2. Hybrid social experiences are emerging, where AI personas become active participants in our online interactions.
  3. AI is expected to play a significant role in dating, acting as a witty and smart virtual matchmaker.

Hang out with me in the Bay?

Sasha's 'Newsletter' • 325 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Social
  1. There are two exciting events happening next week in San Francisco.
  2. One event is a fun lecture series called Trampoline Hall, featuring interesting topics like emotions and dancing.
  3. The other event is a personal and interactive show where you can get to know strangers quickly.

Elysian gatherings around the world

The Novelleist • 271 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Social
  1. There will be informal gatherings called Elysian picnics in different cities like New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and San Francisco. They're open to anyone who wants to join.
  2. These picnics are a chance to meet new people and talk about interesting topics, especially literature and community improvement.
  3. If many people show interest, the event will be held in a larger space; if not, it may be canceled. It's about bringing people together in fun, public spaces.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 29

Why is this interesting? • 301 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Social
  1. Starbucks has become a popular hangout for teens, offering sweet drinks and a cozy space. This shift has changed its image but raises questions about health and habits.
  2. Running can be addictive for some people, leading to a mindset where they feel they can keep going without limits. It’s important to reflect on the motivations behind such activities.
  3. A video from The Verge explores why cassette and CD players are still bulky despite advancements in technology, revealing some interesting insights about design trends.

100 things that made my year

Austin Kleon • 799 implied HN points • 31 Dec 21
🎭️ Culture Social
  1. Making a list of 100 things that made your year can help reflect on the good moments. It's a nice way to appreciate the little things in life.
  2. Sharing favorite quotes can be a fun way to connect with others and find more inspiration. It shows how words can impact us differently.
  3. Setting resolutions doesn't have to be stressful. You can choose simple challenges, or even opt to take a break and just be for a while.

How macro-trends are shaping our diets

In Bed With Social • 158 implied HN points • 20 Aug 23
🍲 Food & Drink Social
  1. Climate change is prompting a reexamination of food production and the promotion of biodiversity.
  2. The aging population is driving a culinary revolution to meet the dietary needs of seniors.
  3. Social media platforms like TikTok are influencing culinary trends and preserving culinary traditions in unexpected ways.

sunday meanpool

bad cattitude • 131 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Social
  1. Mean tweets are coming back, which feels nostalgic, like a blast from the past. It's like we've gone back to the 90s in some ways.
  2. Everyone seems to be talking about how those who don't like it will keep complaining. Some people just can’t resist hating on trends.
  3. There's a playful vibe in the air, as if everyone is ready to embrace the fun and chaos of old-school internet culture.

RTS fever

The Rectangle • 56 implied HN points • 12 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Social
  1. Gaming interests can change over time. While it might have been a huge part of life as a kid, adult responsibilities can make it harder to find time to play.
  2. Real-time strategy games, or RTS games, offer a fun and intense gaming experience. They allow you to focus and engage fully, making them a great way to escape everyday distractions.
  3. Playing games with friends in the same room can be way more enjoyable than online gaming. It can create memorable moments and enhance the overall experience.

Tool libraries are about repairing communities

Fight to Repair • 98 implied HN points • 14 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Social
  1. Tool libraries offer a low-cost option for people to access tools, fostering repair and community building.
  2. Investing in social infrastructure like tool libraries can create more resilient, sustainable, and connected communities.
  3. Funding directly to support tool libraries can confirm their value to the community, rather than heavily relying on constant fundraising efforts.

The best holiday movie?

Men Yell at Me • 154 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Social
  1. It's great to talk about favorite holiday movies during the festive season. Sharing these favorites can make the holidays feel even more special.
  2. The post invites readers to get involved and share their thoughts. Engaging with others can create a sense of community and fun.
  3. Focusing on lighthearted topics helps us to relax and enjoy the holiday week. A break from heavier subjects can be refreshing.

fruits of labour | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 7 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
📚 Literature Social
  1. The care you received as a child stays with you, and when love is missing it leaves a lasting emptiness.
  2. Loneliness is made worse by fear and social pressure, so people hide their pain while harmful forces and nonstop bad news wear them down.
  3. Change needs more than private suffering — it requires collective responsibility and breaking destructive habits like doomscrolling instead of waiting for empty promises.

sunday memepool: dad jokes

bad cattitude • 96 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
😂 Humor Social
  1. Dad jokes are a special kind of humor that people enjoy despite their groan-worthy nature. They can be cheesy but often bring a smile.
  2. There is a belief that a perfect dad joke doesn't exist, yet many still search for one. It's the fun and playful challenge that makes it interesting.
  3. This content is intended for paid subscribers, showing that exclusive humor can be a treat worth paying for. It creates a sense of belonging among fans.