The hottest Society Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

Things Worth Remembering: The Dangers of Multiculturalism

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 7391 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Crime Society Culture Rights
  1. There are crimes that society ignores because they go against popular beliefs. This makes it hard for people to talk about these issues openly.
  2. Many people are starting to recognize the serious problem of gang crimes that have targeted vulnerable young girls in specific communities.
  3. It's important for the public to be aware of these issues and to discuss them, even if it goes against the dominant narratives.

Why Is the Tesla Cybertruck So Depressingly Ugly?

The Honest Broker • 30021 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Design Aesthetics Art Criticism Cultural Commentary Society
  1. The design of the Tesla Cybertruck is seen as ugly and intimidating, making it resemble a military vehicle rather than a car. This choice of design seems to prioritize power over aesthetic beauty.
  2. Many modern designs, including the Cybertruck, lack the nuances and curves that characterize beautiful art and architecture. Instead, they often appear harsh and cold, making them feel less welcoming.
  3. The trend towards ugly and aggressive designs reflects a cultural shift towards asserting power and dominance in society, which affects creativity and art negatively.

The Honest Broker's 20 Most Popular Articles From 2024

The Honest Broker • 8610 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Media Technology Art Humanities Society
  1. The Honest Broker had a remarkable year with 171 articles published, attracting 25 million views and nearly doubling its subscriber count to 198,000. The growth exceeded initial expectations and highlights a strong community engagement.
  2. Many popular articles focus on technology and culture, reflecting a public concern about the impacts of new tech, including digital platforms that can manipulate and abuse users. There is a call for voices to address these issues, especially for those affected.
  3. Despite a shift towards discussing technology, there's still a yearning for deeper topics like the humanities and creativity. Articles that explore significant cultural shifts and raise critical questions resonate well with readers.

Cameras, Cars, and Culture: Notes From a Brief China Visit

Big Technology • 4878 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Travel Society Technology Media Automobiles
  1. In Beijing, there are cameras everywhere. It's a bit unsettling to feel constantly watched by so many surveillance cameras on the streets.
  2. Electric cars are super common in China. Many cars have green license plates, showing that they are electric, and you can see a lot of brands on the road.
  3. People mainly use mobile payments for everything. It's hard to find places that accept cash or credit cards, making it seem like future payments could all happen through phones.

Only About 40% Of The Cruz "Woke Science" Database Is Woke Science

Astral Codex Ten • 31935 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Funding Science Society
  1. Only about 40% of the grants flagged as 'woke' were truly related to wokeness. Many grants just added a sentence about helping minorities to meet certain criteria.
  2. A significant portion of the flagged grants included irrelevant claims about promoting equity, which likely resulted in them being incorrectly classified as woke.
  3. The process to identify non-woke versus woke grants could be done quickly and easily, suggesting the government's oversight missed many non-woke projects simply due to a lack of thorough review.
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What You Can Learn from Just Seven Pages by Hannah Arendt

The Honest Broker • 30719 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Humanism Technology Society Ethics History
  1. Hannah Arendt talks about how some people are so disconnected from reality that they want to escape earth. This shows a worrying trend in society's focus on technology over human connection.
  2. She warns that as we lean more on technology, we risk creating a world where machines control our lives. This could lead us to become helpless and slaves to our own inventions.
  3. Arendt believes that the more we focus on artificial things, the more we lose touch with meaningful, real-life experiences. This could make freedom feel empty and lead to a sense of loneliness in society.

Links, May 2025

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 755 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🎭️ Culture Media Society History Parenting Politics
  1. The 'Lost Cause' narrative around DOGE is misleading. People need to recognize the falsehoods behind it to address real budget issues.
  2. Cruise ships are getting bigger and better because they aren't held back by strict regulations. This shows how market decisions can lead to impressive innovations.
  3. The unification of Italy was influenced more by foreign victories than by internal strength. It's interesting to see how some states are formed in unusual ways.

“LLMs amplify existing security risks and introduce new ones”

Marcus on AI • 3952 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Security Ethics Society Innovation
  1. Large Language Models (LLMs) may increase security problems that already exist and also create new ones. It's important to be cautious as technology evolves.
  2. Keeping AI systems safe is an ongoing task that can never fully be completed. Security needs constant attention as risks change.
  3. Relying heavily on AI in everyday life could lead to serious problems. It's essential to consider the potential dangers before implementing AI widely.

On Cultural Relativism and some books I've recently read

Chris Arnade Walks the World • 1510 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Travel Literature Philosophy Society Arts
  1. Cultural differences really shape how people behave and interact. Some cultures have strong values like respect and responsibility, which can lead to better experiences in daily life.
  2. Traveling can be a mix of good and bad experiences, but visiting different places teaches us a lot. Some regions may offer more enjoyable or meaningful interactions than others.
  3. Books can provide deep insights into culture and history. Reading helps us understand different perspectives and can be an enriching part of traveling.

On the responsibility of size

Trevor Klee’s Newsletter • 1641 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Society Identity Behavior Human Interaction Ethics
  1. People can have different perceptions of a person based on their size. For example, a large person might be considered intimidating, even if they are friendly.
  2. This awareness of how others view them can be a burden and a blessing for someone who is large. They may adjust their behavior to avoid scaring people.
  3. If someone who is usually small suddenly became large, they might act differently, feeling more confident in using their size. However, that could lead to negative consequences if they don't understand the responsibilities that come with it.

The 6 New Rules of Communicating

The Honest Broker • 19582 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Communication Leadership Media Society Conversation
  1. People trust leaders more when they sit down and have casual conversations instead of standing up and giving speeches. It makes things feel more relaxed and real.
  2. Speaking with people instead of at them is important. Using everyday language and being informal makes communication more friendly and relatable.
  3. Storytelling and humor are better than just giving quick soundbites. People enjoy hearing real stories that connect with them on a personal level.

‘I say the Americans really won the war’

Wrong Side of History • 417 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
💾 History War Politics Economics Society Culture
  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.

Cultural endosymbionts

Wyclif's Dust • 804 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Media History Communication Society Technology
  1. People have always been worried about new technology, from books to smartphones. Looking back, many of these fears seems overblown, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t consider the possible problems today.
  2. Different forms of media can create real changes in society and how people think. For example, novels and TV shows changed how we view culture and morality over time.
  3. New technologies can be both good and bad for society, creating winners and losers. It's important that we evaluate their effects and think about how to adapt them to fit our needs.

The opt-out revolution

Men Yell at Me • 338 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Relationships Society Gender Identity Literature
  1. Many young people today are choosing to 'opt-out' of dating and relationships, feeling overwhelmed by the pressures and difficulties they face. This shift is different from past generations, where dating was more common.
  2. Melissa Febos explores her year of celibacy in her book _The Dry Season_, looking for a way to find happiness and fulfillment without relying on relationships. She seeks to understand if a woman can truly be happy independently.
  3. This cultural shift raises questions about personal happiness and societal expectations. People are now examining what it means to find joy outside of traditional relationships and roles.

A Few Stories From France That Are Capturing My Attention This Week

Paris Unlocked Newsletter • 159 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture History Travel Art Society Tourism
  1. Researchers are studying bones in the Paris Catacombs to learn more about the lives of the people buried there. This is important because many of their identities were lost when their remains were moved.
  2. The Catacombs were created in the 18th century due to a hygiene crisis from overcrowded cemeteries. It was a big project to manage the remains of six million people.
  3. The underground space in Paris allowed for the safe storage of these bones, preventing further health issues related to the city's cemeteries.

Stop speedrunning to a dystopia

The Intrinsic Perspective • 40345 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Critique Satire Technology Society Entertainment
  1. Big tech companies are doing shady things that can harm users, like creating fake music and using bots to engage with people. This shows a troubling trend toward prioritizing profit over real human connection.
  2. Kids' shows and adult films are being dumbed down to keep viewers engaged without paying full attention. This shift is making entertainment less meaningful and more mindless.
  3. There's a lack of strong critiques about how our media consumption is changing us, and we need more artists to call out these issues. Understanding the risks of being overly entertained is important to avoid a dystopian future.

What REALLY happened in Afghanistan?

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 37 implied HN points • 01 Mar 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict Journalism Afghanistan Taliban Society
  1. Habib Khan Totakhil witnessed the events in Afghanistan first-hand and shares those experiences. It's important to hear stories from people who lived through major changes, like the Taliban takeover.
  2. He emphasizes that we should support the Afghan resistance and not accept Taliban rule as normal. This helps us understand the ongoing struggles in Afghanistan.
  3. The role of journalism in conflict zones is crucial for revealing the truth about situations. Totakhil’s work highlights how important it is to share accurate information during times of war.

First World Problems: Dating

Fake Noûs • 165 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Relationships Society Gender Mental health Lifestyle
  1. Finding a partner is a big problem for many people today. This problem is tough because of differing desires between men and women, leading to frustration and dissatisfaction.
  2. The issue of being single can lead to serious feelings of loneliness and even increase the risk of suicide among men. This need for connection is felt deeply and can have major consequences.
  3. Potential solutions to the dating problem might include technology like robot partners, or even changing how we feel through drugs or genetic engineering. These ideas could help ease the pain of being single.

The Secret Lives of Hair

The Global Jigsaw • 277 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Fashion Art Health Trade Society
  1. Hair holds deep personal significance for people, symbolizing identity, shame, and beauty. From keepsakes to wigs, hair affects how we see ourselves and how others see us.
  2. The global trade of human hair is complex and often hidden, relying on economic disparities between those who sell their hair and those who buy it. Much of this trade originates from poorer regions, with many women selling their hair for financial support.
  3. Wigs and hair products go through a long journey before reaching consumers, involving multiple countries and cultures. The authentic origins of hair can be misleading, highlighting the hidden stories and market dynamics behind beauty products.

Fine Woke Cannibals

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 8966 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Society Academia Public Policy Ideology
  1. The term 'symbolic capitalists' describes professionals who focus on ideas and narratives rather than physical labor. This group spans various fields like education, media, and consulting.
  2. The book examines modern politics, claiming that recent conflicts were more about upper-class struggles rather than genuine ideological fights. It suggests that both sides misunderstood each other's motivations.
  3. The author reflects on his role in promoting 'woke' movements, showing how political actions often come from a desire for social status rather than true concern for people on the ground.

People prefer A.I. art because people prefer bad art

Read Max • 12303 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art Technology Philosophy Literature Society
  1. People often have a hard time telling the difference between AI art and human art. This shows how good AI has become at creating images that people find appealing.
  2. Many people seem to prefer AI-generated art because it's straightforward and easy to understand. In contrast, more complex human art can be confusing or challenging.
  3. This trend suggests that people's tastes lean towards art that feels familiar and comfortable, which is why they might choose AI art over more challenging pieces.

Ketanji Brown Jackson Goes Broadway

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 6913 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Arts Theater Entertainment Society Humor
  1. Ketanji Brown Jackson became the first Supreme Court Justice to perform on Broadway. This was a special and historic moment for both her and the theater.
  2. She made a surprise appearance in a fun musical called '& Juliet,' which offers a twist on the classic Romeo and Juliet story. It's a modern and playful take that focuses on female empowerment.
  3. The musical is described as a campy satire, blending humor with social themes. It aims to challenge traditional narratives, making it memorable and possibly polarizing for audiences.

2024 in Review

Freddie deBoer • 4331 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Music Media Youth Trends Society Criticism
  1. The 'brat' meme seemed to be more popular with older generations, and it might not really reflect what younger people actually enjoy or connect with.
  2. Many people in media feel pressured to stay relevant and youthful, leading them to embrace trends like 'brat' to seem more in touch.
  3. There's a growing disconnect where older writers might misinterpret the interests of younger audiences, wanting to feel young themselves through cultural phenomena.

How ‘Puss in Boots' Reveals the Key to Human Happiness (Seriously)

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 158 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Film Philosophy Happiness Society Literature
  1. Appreciating what you have is key to happiness. Instead of focusing on what you don't have, think about the good things in your life.
  2. The characters in 'Puss in Boots' show that friendship and love matter more than wishes. Sometimes, you realize what you want is already around you.
  3. Envy not only makes you unhappy, but it can also lead you down a dark path. Being grateful helps you enjoy life better.

The great AI forecasting divide

Faster, Please! • 548 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Forecasting Economics Innovation Society
  1. There is a debate about whether AI will change society in a big way or just a small one. Some experts think it could be revolutionary, while others see it as an evolution of technology.
  2. Economists base their predictions about AI on how past technologies have changed society. They might not expect the rapid advances that could happen sooner than anticipated.
  3. The discussion about AI's impact raises questions about our future and how quickly we might see changes in our lives and jobs because of intelligent machines.

Meditations On Bono Receiving The Presidential Medal Of Freedom From Joe Biden

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 3166 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Music Art Activism Politics Society
  1. Bono has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, raising questions about the authenticity of such awards in a society perceived as fake.
  2. Despite his humanitarian claims, Bono has strong ties to powerful figures and institutions, leading to criticism of his commercialized activism.
  3. The current state of art and creativity is often corrupted, serving the interests of the elite instead of promoting genuine change for the betterment of society.

Niall Ferguson: The Vibe Shift Goes Global

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 6543 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Trends Pop culture Aesthetics Geopolitics Society
  1. Culture influences politics and geopolitics, making it important to understand cultural trends.
  2. There have been distinct vibe shifts in pop culture over the years, each with its own style, like Hipster/Indie and Hypebeast/Woke.
  3. Recent changes in tech culture reflect a shift towards a more unfiltered environment, especially with Elon Musk's influence.

Clayton, Missouri

In My Tribe • 486 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🎭️ Culture Identity History Education Society Biography
  1. Sam Altman grew up in Clayton, Missouri, which is known for its strong educational system and smart students. The schools there were very competitive, and many students had high academic achievements.
  2. The author reflects on the importance of understanding different personalities in the startup world. Some talented individuals might be seen as difficult, but their unique contributions can be valuable.
  3. The history of Clayton and its changing demographics highlights issues like segregation. The neighborhood has transformed over the years, showing shifts in social dynamics and community identity.

Watching women cannibalize themselves for fun and profit

Men Yell at Me • 444 implied HN points • 28 May 25
🎭️ Culture Media Gender Society Religion Reality TV
  1. Reality shows like 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' show the struggles women face in a patriarchal society. These women navigate personal relationships while dealing with societal pressures.
  2. Despite being successful, many women feel trapped by expectations at home and in their faith. They are the breadwinners, but still carry the bulk of household responsibilities.
  3. The show's drama reflects real issues many women face today, like work-life balance and societal judgment. Watching these stories can make it easier to question the larger systems affecting all women.

The Girlboss Is Sleeping with the Intern

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2606 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Film Society Gender Art Literature
  1. There is a growing sense of dissatisfaction among women, leading some to seek out new experiences or break commitments. Many women feel trapped in their current lives and long for excitement or change.
  2. The film 'Babygirl' explores the character Romy, who seems successful but feels unfulfilled in her marriage. Her search for pleasure and connection leads her to an affair with her younger intern.
  3. Romy's journey highlights the complexities of desire and the risks people take when chasing what they think will make them happy. It raises questions about love, commitment, and personal satisfaction.

Why do I say thank you to Alexa?

Jeff Giesea • 558 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Human-computer interaction Ethics Automation Society
  1. People are starting to treat AI assistants like they are human, saying things like 'please' and 'thank you' to them. This shows how technology is changing our social habits.
  2. As we interact more with machines, it can blur the lines between real human connections and automated responses. This might make us value genuine relationships less.
  3. Even though AI has great potential to help in many areas, it's important to be aware of how it affects our understanding of what it means to be human.

The Cat in the Tree: Why AI Content Leaves Us Cold

The Convivial Society • 2628 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Technology Philosophy Human experience Society
  1. AI-generated content can be technically impressive but often feels dull and forgettable to many people. It lacks the emotional warmth that comes from human creativity.
  2. Unexpected discoveries, like finding a charming painting in nature, can bring genuine delight and a sense of connection. This feeling of surprise adds value to human-made art.
  3. The essence of art lies in human intention and presence. Simple acts of creativity can create a sense of companionship and joy, forming connections in a lonely world.

Why there's no "Joe Rogan of the left"

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 1140 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Entertainment Politics Society Identity
  1. There's no 'Joe Rogan of the left' because Rogan appeals to a non-political crowd. To engage more people, the left needs to communicate in spaces outside traditional politics.
  2. Rogan has created a strong connection with his audience by producing a lot of content. This helps him fight loneliness for listeners who feel like he is their friend.
  3. People are drawn to fun and relatable content. If the left wants to attract more followers, they need to focus on building positive relationships instead of criticizing others.

American Vacuum

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 777 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Education Philosophy Media Politics Society
  1. The culture in America often values quick opinions over deep thinking. This makes it hard for creative and thoughtful ideas to grow.
  2. Young people in America face barriers in education and media that limit their intellectual development. Many don't even realize what they're missing out on.
  3. There are three main issues affecting American culture today: focusing too much on the present, lacking appreciation for art, and searching for meaning only through hard facts.

We Live In A Nightmare

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2989 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Society Governance Activism Human Rights
  1. Many people don’t realize that we are already living in a dystopia where societal problems like capitalism and militarism are ignored. Understanding this is crucial for recognizing the real issues in our world.
  2. When you wake up to the truth, you begin to see the suffering caused by your government and the media. This awareness can be upsetting but is vital for genuine change.
  3. True happiness isn’t found in what society defines as success, like careers or consumerism. Instead, it lies in meaningful connections, nature, and honest experiences.

Against the Factory Farming of Creativity

Altered States of Monetary Consciousness • 1544 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Creativity Technology Society Economics
  1. The rise of AI in creativity can make it hard to trust what's real. Many people now question if an artwork or a piece of writing is made by a human or a machine.
  2. Generative AI systems often simply copy styles instead of creating unique works. This can dilute the personal stories and emotions behind the art, making it feel less authentic.
  3. There’s a growing push for an 'AI-Free' label, similar to fair trade, to signify work that comes from genuine human creativity instead of machine-generated content.

Life Cannot Be Delegated

The Convivial Society • 2609 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Technology Humanity Philosophy Society Tradition
  1. Life is about personal involvement and cannot be handed off to technology. When we let technology take over important parts of our lives, we miss out on what makes life meaningful.
  2. We should think carefully about how much we delegate to technology. There are limits to how much we can rely on it before it stops helping us and starts taking away from our experience of life.
  3. Everyday tasks and responsibilities are not distractions; they are part of what shapes our lives. Embracing the mundane can help us find purpose and meaning in our actions.

Power, Speed and Centralisation

The Commonplace • 824 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Modernity Consumerism Power Technology Society
  1. We live in a fast-paced world where everything moves quickly, but it often leaves us feeling stressed and unfulfilled. Speed can make us feel busy without achieving true progress.
  2. The relentless push for speed and efficiency leads to a centralization of power and control. As technology advances, those who control the speed of communication gain more influence over our lives.
  3. Sometimes, it’s important to just stop and reflect. Taking a moment to slow down allows us to think critically about what we really want and question who benefits from our constant rush.

Tom Holland on How Christianity Remade the World

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3482 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity History Philosophy Culture Society
  1. Christianity has had a huge influence on the Western world, shaping many ideas and values we hold today.
  2. Despite differing beliefs about specific miracles, the message of Jesus is recognized as incredibly powerful and enduring.
  3. Within just a few centuries, Christianity became the main religion of the Roman Empire, showing its rapid spread and acceptance.