The hottest Society Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

What's got my attention this week #20

The Shift With Sam Baker • 219 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. The Shift With Sam Baker offers reading recommendations, including topics like embracing natural beauty and feral femininity.
  2. The Friday Round-up includes interesting articles on diverse topics like gender issues and personal stories.
  3. Consider supporting reader-supported publications like The Shift With Sam Baker to access exclusive content and show appreciation for the work.

Montana: Lost Cause or Last Best Place?

The Recovering Academic • 217 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. Montana is a place with rich and contradictory views held by outsiders, often portrayed as either a wild frontier or an idyllic refuge.
  2. People in Montana embrace a blend of conservatism and libertarianism, where neighbors with opposing political views can still live harmoniously.
  3. Living in Montana can be challenging economically, requiring trade-offs and adaptability in industries like logging, teaching, or remote work.

Modern Magnificenza

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 133 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. Our society is very focused on logical thinking, but we also need creativity and emotional understanding. It's important to balance both sides of our brains to have a fulfilling life.
  2. We are experiencing big shifts in power and wealth today, similar to what happened before the Renaissance. Wealthy individuals can lead to positive changes by funding beautiful, meaningful projects in their communities.
  3. Working on meaningful and beautiful projects can provide not just personal satisfaction but also benefit the community. This approach can help those feeling lost in today's fast-paced, tech-driven world.

Functioning without function

antoniomelonio • 110 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
📖 Philosophy Society
  1. People often define themselves by their jobs, but the idea of having a job is changing. As roles disappear, we may struggle to answer the question, 'What do you do?'
  2. Without clear roles, we might feel bored and lost, needing something to strive for and find purpose in. This could lead us to focus more on relationships and personal connections.
  3. As technology takes over tasks, we might wonder about our significance and what we contribute to society. We may shift from job-based identities to being better partners, friends, and family members.

What is the goal of anarchism?

The Novelleist • 347 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Society
  1. Anarchism promotes the idea of living peacefully in small, self-governing communities. It believes people can manage their own lives without a large government.
  2. History shows that small communities often face threats from larger groups. To be safe, these small groups sometimes need to band together or rely on bigger organizations for protection.
  3. One way to achieve a peaceful, self-governing life may be to work within existing societies. By forming small communities where people can live as they want, we might promote harmony while still having some protection from the outside.
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Norway Notes

ChinaTalk • 311 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. Oslo is a city full of parks and interesting activities, like volleyball, even if its neighborhoods are sometimes considered rough. The city has a vibrant vibe, especially during the summer with long daylight hours.
  2. Norway's history with its support for Palestine has created some complexity, especially as the nation grapples with issues of antisemitism. There are mixed feelings and challenges about how historical support affects current views.
  3. The Viking culture is fascinating but had both brutal and humane aspects. Books about the Vikings provide intriguing insights into their lives and are accessible for anyone interested in this part of history.

As in the home

Disaffected Newsletter • 499 implied HN points • 16 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. The dynamics of a household can reflect larger societal issues. What happens in our homes can often parallel what happens in our communities.
  2. Family relationships can influence our understanding of social structures and interactions. How we connect with our family shapes how we relate to others.
  3. Personal stories and examples can help illustrate bigger concepts. Sharing experiences can make complex ideas easier to understand.

The Orbis Tertius Society

Secretum Secretorum • 378 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🚌 Education Society
  1. The Orbis Tertius Society is described as a secret group that aims to explore new ideas and thoughts. It's seen as a mix of a fun experiment and a serious quest for understanding.
  2. Andrew Rose is offering a space for this society at Fractal University in NYC, which focuses on community education. People can apply to join and be part of this unique initiative.
  3. The society blends the concepts of a hidden community with positive intentions, promoting collaboration and thoughtful discussions among its members.

Human Awareness in the Digital Age

The Digital Anthropologist • 19 implied HN points • 05 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. Awareness evolves with human learning and shapes our societies and cultures, leading to global changes.
  2. In the Digital Age, technology plays a significant role in increasing awareness at a rapid pace, impacting how we perceive and interact with the world.
  3. Increased awareness through digital technology brings about societal challenges, including managing the influx of information and adapting to new societal norms and behaviors.

sunday memepool

bad cattitude • 96 implied HN points • 20 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. Sometimes, there are things we can't ignore once we see them. They stick with us, and we can't pretend they don't exist.
  2. It's important to recognize the lies and tricks that might be hidden around us. Understanding these can change how we view the world.
  3. Staying aware and questioning what we see is key. It helps us make better decisions and see things more clearly.

Fertility Links, including a conversation with Lyman Stone

In My Tribe • 258 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Society
  1. Fertility rates are dropping globally, mostly because fewer people are forming couples, which includes both married and unmarried partnerships.
  2. Smartphones and technology are isolating people by providing entertainment at home, which makes it harder for them to build social skills and form connections.
  3. Creating communities that encourage interactions and closeness can help strengthen relationships and possibly improve marriage rates.

🎦🌌 Dystopian Hollywood vs. a tech-optimist, Up Wing future

Faster, Please! • 731 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. Popular sci-fi often portrays new technology harming humanity instead of helping, reflecting societal concerns and fears.
  2. Science fiction has shifted from optimistic visions of the future to dystopian and pessimistic outlooks, impacting our ability to strive for a better future.
  3. Movies and entertainment choices can reflect our core values and beliefs, influencing the success of different types of films in varying markets.

You Have Wasted Your Life

The Pedestrian • 495 implied HN points • 12 Mar 23
⚔ Fiction Society
  1. The writer spent two months in prison for state benefit fraud
  2. The writer reflected on how literary pursuits brought destitution and a criminal record
  3. The writer wished for a different upbringing that encouraged a different career path

Five Links for July 2025

Five Links (and three graphs) by Auren Hoffman • 105 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. MrBeast is a huge success on YouTube and knows how to grab people's attention. His strategies show how the attention economy works.
  2. Barry Diller has had a long and impactful career in entertainment, making important decisions that shaped popular culture. His memoir shares lessons from his many successes and failures.
  3. Japan changed the way ships are built and became a leader in shipbuilding by using innovative techniques. This helped them produce ships more efficiently than others.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 39

Why is this interesting? • 241 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. David Lynch is known for his strange movies, but he also had a love for his Scion xB car as he lived in Los Angeles.
  2. A man in Oregon shared that he created viral googly eye sculptures as a way to deal with heavy emotions.
  3. Many artists are covering the classic song 'A Long December' by Counting Crows, showcasing its lasting impact.

Programming Patriotism

Litverse • 199 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
📚 Literature Society
  1. George Orwell viewed patriotism as a survival strategy during times of crisis, emphasizing the unity it can create.
  2. Orwell focused on optimizing humanity through patriotism, seeing it as a programming language for society's functionality.
  3. Orwell's experiences as a cop and insights into leadership in 'Animal Farm' reflect his beliefs that centralized systems dehumanize individuals and create inefficiencies.

Disinformation - the new cash cow, especially if we get 're-educated' about its' meaning.

A B’Old Woman • 299 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Society
  1. The New Zealand government is looking to understand disinformation better by offering a $450K tender for research. This is to help them recognize and tackle disinformation in society.
  2. There is concern that the definition of disinformation might be changing. Some groups are expanding the meaning to include comments that are considered mean or hateful, which raises questions about free speech.
  3. One project related to disinformation seems to focus on specific groups and narratives, but some critics point out that other important topics, like the experiences of Muslims, are not being addressed.

Soul Bits

Tessa Fights Robots • 21 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. The author reflects on their birthplace, highlighting that it no longer exists. It's a strange feeling to acknowledge a place that has disappeared.
  2. They describe a significant change from ordinary Soviet life to a chaotic, free era filled with colorful commerce. This transformation felt like liberation from past burdens.
  3. The piece captures a mix of nostalgia and complexity about change and memory, blending personal experience with larger historical events.

Some Notes on Hate-Watching

Banana Peel Pirouette • 197 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. The practice of hate-watching involves watching shows or movies that are disliked, without enjoying them but still keeping up with the content.
  2. Hate-watching can stem from strong emotional responses like umbrage or aversion, leading viewers to engage with content they dislike on a sub-rational level.
  3. Hate-watching has evolved with modern media, offering a safe way for audiences to consume and critique content remotely, often leading to online discussions and shared sentiments.

Dissecting Discontent

Sam’s Newsletter • 196 implied HN points • 04 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. Some political ideologies have hidden motives like jealousy and entitlement.
  2. Incel ideology mirrors socialist thought in terms of entitlement and jealousy towards certain groups.
  3. The idea of jealousy and entitlement in incel ideology is similar to the sentiment of inequality in socialism towards the rich.

Helen Garner's 'How to End a Story'

Kvetch • 77 implied HN points • 16 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. Helen Garner writes honestly about the struggles of aging, especially for women. She shares her feelings about insecurity and the challenges of being in a failing marriage.
  2. Her observations about men and relationships highlight the emotional toll that their egotism can take on women. Garner's reflections are relatable and show a shared experience of disappointment.
  3. Garner's life and writing illustrate the tough realities of being a writer in Australia. Despite her fame, she faces financial struggles and reveals the passion that drives her to write regardless of money.

[Updated] 'Speaking of Mothers' - a superb piece of writing from Sarah Henderson.

A B’Old Woman • 179 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. The word 'mother' has a deep and lasting meaning in many cultures. People feel strongly that this word should not be replaced with terms like 'birthing parent'.
  2. Society is moving away from using the word 'mother', which some believe is a troubling trend. It raises concerns about losing connection to important social roles.
  3. The importance of language in shaping our understanding of relationships and identity is highlighted. Words like 'mother' help create feelings of connection and belonging.

😃⤴ Is a future-optimist Vibe Shift happening?

Faster, Please! • 731 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. The concept of vibe shift from pessimism to optimism can be seen in societal attitudes towards progress, innovation, and disruptive technologies.
  2. Up Wing thinking focuses on embracing risk, emphasizing technology's role in progress, and supporting entrepreneurial capitalism to drive positive change.
  3. There is growing evidence of an emerging future-optimist vibe shift, especially in social media content, attitudes towards technologies like nuclear energy, and the performance of the stock market.

A Short Note About A Mistake

The Abbey of Misrule • 707 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. Be cautious of how your words can be hijacked by others for their own agendas.
  2. Make sure to research and clarify the background and intentions of any publication or platform that approaches you for content.
  3. Stand firm in your values and beliefs, and don't allow your writing to be used to support ideologies that you oppose.

If We Solve Aging

David Friedman’s Substack • 251 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🔬 Science Society
  1. There isn't a single fix for aging; it's a complex issue that requires addressing many changes in the body. Solving one part of the problem might only add a few years to life expectancy.
  2. If people lived for centuries, they might change careers or take more leisurely paths in life. This could lead to many people retiring early, but society still needs workers for essential tasks.
  3. Without aging, older politicians could hold power indefinitely, affecting society's decision-making. This might lead to less innovation and a government influenced more by the old than the young.

Suis-je polygame parce que je suis Noir ?

L'Atelier Galita • 299 implied HN points • 19 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. Polygamy is a form of marriage where an individual is married to multiple people, often an man to several women.
  2. In France, polygamy is prohibited by law, as it is illegal to have multiple marriages.
  3. Words carry connotations, and it's important to be mindful of the implications of the words we use, especially in sensitive or potentially racist contexts.

It's All Hitting The Fan Now

OK Doomer • 235 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Society
  1. People are starting to feel uneasy about the state of the world, as many issues are becoming urgent and visible. It can be overwhelming to watch everything unfold.
  2. There's a growing sense of vindication among those who warned about these issues, but it still feels strange and not entirely satisfying. Many are wishing they had done more to prepare.
  3. It's important to take action and help others during these challenging times. Preparing for potential crises can make a difference and support your community.

The templatised monetisation of "prep" years

system bashing • 98 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. Many youth spend their prime years preparing for exams, often with disappointing outcomes.
  2. Media companies commercialize this exam prep nostalgia into profitable TV series.
  3. Some countries, like Singapore, have reformed their administrative service hiring processes for better results.

sunday memepool

bad cattitude • 90 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. Chasing dreams can be tough, but it's important to keep fighting for what you want. Persistence is key to achieving your goals.
  2. Life often teaches us hard truths about ourselves and the people around us. These realizations can lead to personal growth.
  3. Sharing experiences, like memes or stories, can help connect with others and lighten the mood. Humor can be a great way to cope with challenges.

On Speaking to The Cleaning Ladies

The Pedestrian • 357 implied HN points • 24 May 23
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. The author works as an administrative assistant at a council and has developed different relationships with colleagues based on their positions.
  2. The author faced ingratitude from the cleaning staff despite going out of their way to be friendly and helpful.
  3. Realizing the cleaning staff might be intentionally negligent, the author reported safety violations which led to positive changes in their behavior.

All on our own

Disaffected Newsletter • 399 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. There was a time when people felt more connected and shared a common culture. It felt like things were simpler and more hopeful back then.
  2. People today often feel isolated and disconnected, being seen more as online personas rather than real individuals.
  3. For those feeling alone now, there's a recognition that it's okay to walk that path and share in that experience.

Somehow They Filmed a Movie From Inside My Internet-Addled Brain

Michael Tracey • 88 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. The movie 'Eddington' effectively captures the chaotic nature of our online lives and how it spills into real life. It portrays how people get lost in social media and feel detached from reality.
  2. Joaquin Phoenix's character is complex and reflects contemporary political themes without endorsing any particular viewpoint. The film shows the absurdity of online behaviors and their real-world consequences.
  3. The film's representation of events like protests and conspiracy theories mirrors the strange and wild experience of recent years. It connects the dots between internet culture and current social issues in a unique way.

sunday meanpool

bad cattitude • 97 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. It's easy to think that the world is a scary place. Many people feel this way sometimes.
  2. Often, the negativity we see around us is caused by our own attitudes and perspectives.
  3. Changing how we think can help us see things more positively and reduce fear.

Wheelie Bags and Related Petty Gripes

The Commonplace • 933 implied HN points • 11 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. Packing light for travel can make journeys easier and more enjoyable.
  2. People often overpack when traveling, leading to unnecessary stress and inconvenience.
  3. Making thoughtful choices about what to bring on a trip can lead to a smoother travel experience.

Britain's weird hate for air conditioning

Odds and Ends of History • 134 implied HN points • 19 May 25
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. Britain has a strange dislike for air conditioning, which affects how people stay cool in hot weather. It seems many prefer to tough it out rather than use AC.
  2. There are ongoing delays in UK projects like HS2, which is causing frustration for those hoping for improvements in transport. People are looking for better public transport options, especially buses.
  3. A recent report suggests building more homes and smaller living spaces could help with housing shortages. It also points out that more air conditioning might make these homes more comfortable.

The Fat Whores of London

The Heart Attack Diet • 139 implied HN points • 25 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. There were fat people throughout history, such as during the Victorian era, but statistics on obesity were not widely kept.
  2. Images of fat Victorians and the availability of food during the time suggest that calories were abundant for those who could afford them.
  3. An Italian doctor in London in 1897 created BMI scores for prostitutes, aiming to link obesity with immorality, revealing societal views and practices of that time.

Why Is There Antisemitism?

Fake Noûs • 253 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. Antisemitism has deep historical roots, where Jews have often been unfairly blamed for various problems in society. This has led to longstanding prejudices against them.
  2. Cultural and religious differences have led to misunderstandings, contributing to the negative views about Jewish people. Many times, leaders have used Jews as scapegoats to distract from other issues.
  3. Modern antisemitism is fueled by conspiracy theories and ongoing conflicts, particularly the Arab-Israeli conflict. This often intensifies negative perceptions of Jews, even though these biases are widespread beyond just that conflict.