The hottest Society Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 65

Why is this interesting? • 180 implied HN points • 02 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. The new digital Library of Alexandria aims to preserve knowledge for future generations. It's a fascinating effort to rebuild what was lost in history.
  2. Helsinki has achieved something impressive by going a whole year without a single traffic death. Smarter city design and lower speed limits played a big role.
  3. The search for the real author of 'The Dice Man' reveals unexpected twists in the story of this influential cult novel. It's a journey into unexpected authorship.

Rats!

Wrong Side of History • 527 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
💾 History Society
  1. The Black Death, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, spread through fleas that lived on black rats. These rats were common in medieval cities and facilitated the disease's transmission to humans.
  2. Symptoms of the plague could vary, with bubonic plague being the most common form, marked by painful swellings or buboes in the body. Other forms like pneumonic and septicaemic plague had even higher fatality rates.
  3. The historical records show that the plague has struck multiple times through history, leading to massive fatalities and changes in society due to the horrors it inflicted.

Brands And Their Beautiful Stories

Brain Worms • 235 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. In 2023, the trend for movies shifted from 'Eat The Rich' satire to storytelling focused on brands and corporations.
  2. The genre 'Brands & Their Beautiful Stories' emerged, portraying companies like Nike and Mattel as protagonists.
  3. These movies glorify brands over human characters and often wrap pro-corporate themes in timely messages.

Superhuman AI would bring the permanent problem front and center

The Permanent Problem • 7 implied HN points • 18 Feb 26
🕹 Technology Society
  1. Rapid advances toward superhuman AI could create enormous wealth while also accelerating the marginalization of ordinary workers, bringing the existing crisis of inclusion into sharp focus.
  2. The deepest fear is not just job loss but being rendered irrelevant and losing the social status and meaning tied to cognitive work, which could spark serious political and social unrest.
  3. If society plans well, AI could free people to pursue more fulfilling lives—caring for others, exploring, and creating—but that will require new social arrangements and a shift toward valuing intrinsic purpose and human relationships.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Propriety is Important

Doc Hammer's Anvil • 412 implied HN points • 19 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. Propriety is a concept that describes expected behavior in society.
  2. Different cultures have different rules of propriety, leading to conflicts.
  3. Current cultural changes may lead to attempts to enforce a new propriety on others.

Japan's "untouchables"

The Global Jigsaw • 238 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🌐 International Society
  1. Japan has a marginalized group called Burakumin, similar to India's untouchables, with a history of discrimination and social exclusion.
  2. Japanese belief in racial purity and homogeneity is rooted in historical constructs and national identity myths.
  3. Despite efforts to eliminate discrimination, Burakumin still face societal stigma and prejudice in Japan, impacting aspects like marriage and social status.

Our America Stories

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 222 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Society
  1. The Free Press is dedicated to sharing the stories and principles that make America unique and valuable. They focus on uncovering both historical and modern narratives.
  2. Their coverage includes a wide array of topics, from significant historical figures to current events shaping the nation’s culture. This includes everything from farming stories to the evolution of music in America.
  3. The initiative, America at 250, celebrates the nation’s milestones while promoting the ongoing journey of freedom and unity amongst its people.

How Empathy Makes Us Cruel and Irrational

The Prism • 613 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. Empathy can sometimes lead people to support those who have committed serious crimes, like murder, by seeing them as victims rather than acknowledging their actions. This often happens because people connect emotionally and ignore the facts.
  2. Women may be more affected by stories that evoke empathy, which can lead to biased views in trials and public discussions about justice, especially in cases of alleged abuse.
  3. Believing that empathy always leads to compassion can be misleading; it might actually cause unfairness and cruelty toward others, as people might overlook wrongdoing because they only focus on the suffering of one side.

In Search of Artistic Integrity

if not, Paris • 393 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. Authentic art should not be defined by market value, but by its ability to connect with and inspire individuals
  2. The pressure for artists to focus on self-promotion and follower counts can lead to alienation from the true essence of their work
  3. Choosing anonymity as an artist can be a powerful statement against the expectations of mass popularity and societal norms

Writing Life at Home

Non-Boring History • 393 implied HN points • 30 May 23
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. Elizabeth Gaskell, a prominent Victorian author, was a significant female literary figure of her time and her home is now a museum open to the public.
  2. Elizabeth Gaskell's house in Manchester showcased how she and her family lived, revealing her lifestyle and her significant contributions to literature.
  3. Mrs. Gaskell's home maintained a welcoming atmosphere for visitors, with volunteers offering insights into her life, and the museum allowing interaction with Victorian-style items.

The Left Has a Problem with Cheaters

Dilan’s Newsletter • 393 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Society
  1. Cheating is a significant issue on the Left, affecting various areas like academic testing and benefits programs.
  2. Enforcing rules against cheating is crucial to maintain fairness and prevent resentment among those who follow the rules.
  3. The Left, while supporting programs to help disadvantaged individuals, often struggles with implementing effective enforcement mechanisms against cheaters.

Paid content: Can women think?

Wood From Eden • 576 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. The topic discusses women's ability to think critically and independently. It's important to recognize and value women's perspectives and intellect.
  2. Challenging stereotypes about women's thinking can lead to more inclusive conversations. Everyone should have equal opportunities to share their ideas.
  3. Encouraging discussions about gender and intelligence can help break down societal biases. Open dialogue promotes understanding and respect among all individuals.

kitten corner: escape

bad cattitude • 160 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. A cat is poking fun at modern culture and people's complaints. It shows how humor can highlight serious topics.
  2. The author challenges the cat to sum up cultural grievances in a video, suggesting it might just be an impossible task.
  3. It's a playful way of engaging with deep issues while still keeping it light and fun.

Morning Mina

Disaffected Newsletter • 899 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. Having a loving pet can make a big difference in your life. Cats can offer companionship and joy.
  2. It's important to find things that bring you happiness. Little moments with pets can brighten your day.
  3. Supporting creators and writers can help them continue their work. Subscribing to newsletters is a way to show support.

Letters to the Editor: Is Porn Really Inevitable?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 491 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Society
  1. The Supreme Court is hearing a case about age verification laws for pornography, which raises concerns about privacy online.
  2. Some argue that age verification for adult content is necessary, similar to checks for things like buying alcohol or gambling, to protect children.
  3. Others believe that family control and supervision is more effective than laws when it comes to preventing kids from accessing porn online.

New Normal

Disaffected Newsletter • 879 implied HN points • 25 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. Living in a place can feel surreal and alien, almost like a horror movie setting. People often sense a disconnect between their real lives and what they see around them.
  2. The experience of ordinary activities, like visiting a locksmith, can feel strangely uncomfortable and unusual in today's world.
  3. There's a nostalgia for past media that captured intense feelings and realities better than many modern films do. Many people long for that more genuine storytelling.

READING: Harriett Martineau Observes the Court of President Andrew Jackson in Washington DC in the Early 1830s

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 238 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Society
  1. Harriet Martineau's observations give a unique view of early 19th-century America, focusing on the gap between ideals and reality in politics.
  2. She highlights the diversity and complexity of Washington, D.C. society while also noting the tensions surrounding power and privilege.
  3. Martineau's critical perspective reveals both admiration for American democracy and concerns about exclusions and contradictions within it.

Becoming an active participant is a blue ocean

Hot Takes • 373 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
📖 Philosophy Society
  1. Becoming an active participant in various projects and discussions is beneficial and fulfilling.
  2. Choosing to engage actively rather than passively can lead to personal growth and meaningful contributions.
  3. Participating in collaborative efforts, like Wikipedia, can have a significant positive impact and allows for collective creativity.

Lessons That Can't Be Learned

Origins of Our Time • 373 implied HN points • 03 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. Historiography can be more than just a hazing ritual for graduate students, it's about the overall relationship between evidence and argument in historical research.
  2. Neoliberalism and conservatism have overlapping values and affiliations, challenging the idea of a rigid separation between the two ideologies.
  3. The book overlooks significant cultural and social issues like abortion and LGBTQ+ rights while focusing on economic and political aspects, revealing a limited perspective.

Something interesting is happening in Tulsa

Trevor Klee’s Newsletter • 2611 implied HN points • 05 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. Tulsa, Oklahoma is experiencing positive transformations due to the efforts of wealthy individuals and community foundations.
  2. The Tulsa Tomorrow program aims to attract young Jewish individuals to Tulsa by offering job opportunities, social events, and resources to fulfill their dreams.
  3. Wealthy individuals in Tulsa have made significant investments to improve the city, showing visible impact in contrast to certain bureaucratic challenges faced by other cities.

Gigaheroes

Trantor Publishing • 219 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
⚔ Fiction Society
  1. The protagonist in the story discovers newfound superhuman abilities allowing him to defy normal human limitations.
  2. The narrative delves into the stark contrast between the privileged and the less fortunate, highlighting themes of power, freedom, and inequality.
  3. The character faces escalating conflicts and confrontations, leading to a pivotal moment where he realizes his potential impact on the world and his desire for connection.

Porn Is Inevitable

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 491 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. The Supreme Court is reviewing laws that require age verification on porn sites, but porn will likely continue to exist regardless of the outcome.
  2. Many states have introduced laws to prevent minors from accessing pornography, citing concerns about the impact on youth.
  3. Despite these regulations, the history of porn shows it's always been around and is easily accessible online, making these laws largely ineffective.

Age of Invention: The Second Soul, Part I

Age of Invention, by Anton Howes • 1281 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
💾 History Society
  1. Salt was a crucial product in the past, impacting agriculture, food preservation, and even the economy of various regions.
  2. The control and taxation of salt played a significant role in the rise and fall of empires and states, showcasing the power dynamics associated with this essential commodity.
  3. Different geographical factors influenced the success of salt taxes, with regions like north-west Europe reaping the most rewards from this practice.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 555 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. SALLY: A critic wondr if big coorption own right to hmonitor rmntrnh imbmcdtord, wht thn to dcid&n in cngdgnw, mbttngh
  2. SALLY: If whr thm mnd hrny mnmpt whr not, hw co mmdnmr gtnmtgttb dt   rmb whr yfth nvwhnt; whyd tkgfn
  3. SALLY: Whrk wbdy wncr hbdy; bnvtywn pmtqnphnwnwtrbpdi wjhtnwhng

‘I say the Americans really won the war’

Wrong Side of History • 417 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
💾 History Society
  1. Many people in Vietnam felt that the U.S. helped them realize they preferred American presence over communism after the war. This shows how complex feelings about the war can be.
  2. After the war, Vietnam faced many issues due to communist policies that hurt its economy, leading to hunger and poverty for many years. The country struggled with efficiency and food shortages at that time.
  3. Vietnam saw a big change when it shifted towards a market-based economy in the 1980s. This led to significant economic growth and lifted many people out of poverty.

Cheeseburgers In Paradise

Body of Work: Belle de Jour • 353 implied HN points • 03 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. Jimmy Buffett's music and image resonate with a specific audience, offering a carefree escape.
  2. Living off-grid highlights the challenges of self-sufficiency and the importance of community.
  3. Burning Man and similar events may showcase ideals of self-reliance, but in reality, they can highlight societal disparities and the necessity of infrastructure and support systems.

Hamilton, Hip Hop, and the Culture of Dueling

Glenn’s Substack • 353 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. Dueling was a common practice among the gentry in early America, with social pressure making it almost inevitable to accept challenges or issue them.
  2. Attempts to outlaw dueling in the 19th century were largely unsuccessful, with laws not effectively curbing the practice due to cultural norms and individual reputations at stake.
  3. As the culture changed post-Civil War, dueling declined, with the experience of the war making the ritualized violence seem outdated and less acceptable.

Remember when hip hop was fun?

Disaffected Newsletter • 399 implied HN points • 02 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. Hip hop used to be about fun and enjoyment. Many people miss that energy in today's music.
  2. The culture of hip hop has changed over the years, and some fans feel it has lost its playful spirit.
  3. Reflecting on the past can help us appreciate the joy that hip hop once brought to many listeners.

Rewritten

Disaffected Newsletter • 499 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
🎙 Podcasts Society
  1. Machines are now designed to make us serve them instead of the other way around. It's like technology has gone backward due to government rules.
  2. The CDC has recently shared advice for a specific group of people about breastfeeding. This has raised concerns about the nature of the message they are sending.
  3. Fans of Madonna can be very intense, similar to Beyoncé's fans. A person named Josh has faced some heated comments from them on social media.

Jeff Sauer: Mirrorwave

Do Not Research • 239 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. Auto ads in subway cars can be strangely specific, like an ad featuring floating dogs in zero gravity
  2. Mirrorwaves are rare occurrences in subway ads, reflecting emotions from user metadata, like a misinterpretation of the user's feelings
  3. The protagonist's obsession with decoding subway auto ads leads to anxiety, fear of mirrorwaves, and ultimately, being blocked from using the subway

Amusing Ourselves To Death

Austin Kleon • 1258 implied HN points • 16 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. Neil Postman believed that our society, influenced by technology, is more about entertainment than meaningful communication. This shift can lead us to be less critical thinkers.
  2. He compared the dangers of losing ourselves to a world full of distractions to the warnings in classic literature, arguing that we might love technology too much, which can hinder our growth.
  3. Postman felt that we're living in a 'peek-a-boo world,' where information appears and disappears quickly, leaving us without a strong sense of coherence or connection to deeper ideas.

the real lessons find a way

bad cattitude • 224 implied HN points • 31 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Society
  1. Many believe that topics like racism and inequality have become more prominent in schools, causing division rather than unity. Some argue this creates a cycle of blame without solving the actual problems.
  2. The impact of the COVID pandemic opened parents' eyes to what their children were learning in schools. This has sparked increased scrutiny and questions about education content.
  3. Young people today have faced challenging times, which has made them more resilient. Many believe these experiences are preparing them to succeed in the future compared to previous generations.