The hottest Society Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

Saturday Commentary and Review #185

Fisted by Foucault • 202 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Policy Society International relations
  1. Ukraine's population is declining sharply due to the war and past crises. Many people have left the country, leading to labor shortages and an aging population.
  2. The rise of AI is becoming crucial for economies, especially with new players like China's DeepSeek competing strongly with the US. This highlights a significant shift in the tech landscape.
  3. There is a cultural shift in the US, with a new generation embracing the #MAGA movement. This change reflects a sense of optimism among young conservatives, contrasting with the challenges faced by other political groups.

The remarkably talented and alienated late Millennial man

Jeff Giesea • 4591 implied HN points • 11 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Identity Masculinity Generations Society Emotions
  1. Late Millennial men are often seen as talented and intelligent, but beneath the surface, many struggle with feelings of loneliness and alienation. They want to find their place in a complicated world.
  2. They face unique challenges in today's society, including high expectations and a cultural environment that feels unfriendly to traditional masculinity and ambition. This can lead to frustration and confusion.
  3. Despite their struggles, these men desire understanding and empathy. They want to be acknowledged for their feelings while also seeking guidance on how to succeed and feel fulfilled.

Against Forgiveness

rachaelmeager • 1448 implied HN points • 19 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Psychology Society Abuse Forgiveness
  1. Many acts of abuse can seem ordinary or unremarkable, making it hard for people to acknowledge their seriousness. We often want abuse to be extremely obvious for us to react strongly.
  2. Forgiveness is often pushed in our culture, especially after wrongdoing, but it can be harmful. Real healing might require facing the truth of what happened rather than simply forgiving the wrongdoer.
  3. Guilt can be a healthy emotion that points toward responsibility. It's important to recognize that not everyone who harms us is simply making honest mistakes, and true accountability matters.

The Architecture of Civilization

Civic Renaissance with Alexandra Hudson • 199 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Civility Society History Civilization Ethics
  1. True civilization is not about fancy buildings or power. It's really about how we treat each other and respect every person's humanity.
  2. Saddam Hussein tried to show off his power by building beautiful palaces. However, his cruel actions and disregard for human life made his rule more barbaric than civilized.
  3. Being truly civilized means showing kindness to everyone, especially those who are vulnerable. It's about caring for others and valuing human dignity above all else.

Porn Is Inevitable

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 491 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Law Society Sexuality Politics
  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.
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When Did You First Feel Like *Yourself*?

Culture Study • 1577 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Identity Self-discovery Personal Growth Society Community
  1. People often reflect on the moment they first felt truly themselves. It's a big question about self-identity.
  2. This journey to feeling like yourself can involve being comfortable with who you are, your looks, and your goals.
  3. Some may have taken active steps to become their true selves, while for others it might have been a natural progression.

What Are You Reading (In November)??

Culture Study • 1897 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Society Media Community
  1. Consider supporting local families in need, like helping them afford a van for transportation. It can make a huge difference for their daily lives.
  2. Stay mindful of consumerism during the holiday season. Focus on meaningful gifts and contributions rather than just buying for the sake of it.
  3. Engage in discussions about what others are reading. Sharing book recommendations can lead to great conversations and new perspectives.

Being You

New World Same Humans • 32 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Humanity Ethics Society
  1. Machines can do a lot, but they can't be human. Our unique experiences and feelings are what make us special.
  2. As AI becomes more advanced, we need to focus on the human connections that machines can't replace, like empathy and understanding.
  3. The future may free us to focus on what it really means to be a person, letting machines handle the repetitive tasks.

It's All Hitting The Fan Now

OK Doomer • 236 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Health Economics Society Public Safety
  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.

A Sex Strike isn't Going to Work

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 7576 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Feminism Society Media History Politics Gender
  1. Cultural appropriation happens when one group takes aspects of another group's culture without understanding its significance. American women joining the South Korean 4B movement might be seen as doing this, as they are adopting a struggle that is not theirs.
  2. A collective sex strike faces many challenges. It requires everyone to agree and act together, which is hard since individuals might choose to break the strike and miss out on the potential benefits without facing consequences.
  3. Looking at history, past movements didn't always work out as planned. Striking for change isn't as simple as withholding something, especially in a democracy where individual freedoms and choices are valued.

The Philippines

Wyclif's Dust • 1341 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Society Economy Family Tradition Language
  1. The Philippines is a developing country with many poor areas, but it's also growing quickly. Despite limited resources, people are adapting and using technology like Facebook for business and communication.
  2. Malls are really important in the Philippines. They provide a cool escape from the heat and are seen as a sign of progress, showing how shopping has become part of modern life.
  3. Family plays a huge role in Filipino culture. The extended family is very close-knit, with many children being looked after by relatives, and this sense of community helps young parents a lot.

I should not be left to my own devices

Jeff Giesea • 798 implied HN points • 03 Sep 24
🎭️ Culture Society Mental health Parenting Media Digital Culture
  1. The rise of smartphones and social media has led to increased anxiety and depression in Gen Z, starting around 2010. Parents are encouraged to be stricter with screen time while allowing more freedom in real life.
  2. Many adults, including parents, struggle with their own screen addiction, making it hard to guide younger generations. It's important to recognize personal habits before teaching children about healthy device usage.
  3. Empathy for Gen Z's struggles is crucial, as they face unique challenges in a digital world. Understanding their experiences can help foster better communication and support.

The Private Train Car Edition

Why is this interesting? • 2352 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Travel Luxury History Infrastructure Society
  1. Private rail cars are a luxurious way to travel that depend on public train systems like Amtrak. Owners can hitch their private cars onto regular train services for their trips.
  2. These rail cars were a big deal in the early 20th century, designed with amazing features like observation decks and sleeping quarters. Many were made by the famous Pullman company, known for its luxury craftsmanship.
  3. Even wealthy travelers in the past had to rely on public infrastructure, showing a unique blend of private luxury and public services. This coexistence is still important today as societies think about wealth and accessibility.

The Modernity Machine

Breaking Smart • 161 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
💾 History Modernity Society Psychology Political History Cultural History
  1. Modernity may have started in the 13th century instead of the 16th, linked to global shifts in culture and politics rather than just Western advances.
  2. Technological changes affected societies worldwide, creating different modern experiences that aren't just Western but globally diverse.
  3. The relationships between classes, like monarchs and workers, have changed over centuries toward more equality, suggesting that trends towards decentralization and empowerment will continue.

Transcript - America This Week, Dec. 13, 2024: "Assassination Tales and Rubber Elephants"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1054 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Media Health Society Events
  1. A recent crime event feels scripted and curated, almost like a story meant for social media, rather than a spontaneous act. This suggests that media shapes how we perceive and react to events.
  2. The manifesto related to the crime is very short and seems to have been crafted for easy consumption, reflecting the fast-paced attention spans of today’s audiences.
  3. The narrative around the assassination contains underlying themes and agendas, almost as if it was created to fuel discussions and opinions before it even happened.

Found in Translation

Seven Senses • 439 implied HN points • 25 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Friendship Communication Society Traditions Relationships
  1. Friendship can look very different depending on where you are from. For example, friendships in the US can be more open but less deep than in many European cultures.
  2. The pace of life affects friendships too. In some places, like France, people take their time to enjoy meals and socializing, while in the US, there's often a hurry to get things done.
  3. Cultural norms shape how we see friendships. In some cultures, having a few close friends is valued, while in others, people might have many acquaintances but fewer deep connections.

Can we already grasp the rough outlines of these coming forms, capable of threatening the joys of marketing?

Internal exile • 78 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Consumerism Marketing Automation Society
  1. AI agents are being marketed as helpers that take care of tasks for us, but they might actually make our lives more complicated and alienate us from real experiences.
  2. The way AI is being portrayed in ads can show a future where human agency is diminished, with technology making decisions for us instead of us making our own choices.
  3. Convenience can lead to a loss of personal will and the ability to make decisions, making it seem easier to let machines dictate our lives rather than engage with them ourselves.

Derealization for a whole hour

Disaffected Newsletter • 779 implied HN points • 05 Aug 24
🎙 Podcasts Mental health Society Culture Media Education
  1. Many people are feeling derealization, which makes them question if the world around them is real. This can happen even to those who are usually stable.
  2. A therapist is discussing what she's seeing in clients regarding derealization and offers advice for those worried about their mental state.
  3. There's a concerning situation in Vermont where the state's Supreme Court allowed schools to give vaccines to children without parents' consent, showing a troubling trend.

Thinking points, February 9, 2024

uTobian • 7311 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Government Society Media Policy
  1. Logic and reason are important and should not be banned, even if powerful entities try to suppress them.
  2. The biggest global risks in 2024 involve various organizations and entities that hold significant power and influence.
  3. Vaccines and the pharmaceutical industry are controversial topics, with strong opinions about their safety and impact.

Why Japanese cities are such nice places to live

Noahpinion • 14353 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Urbanism Housing Society
  1. Japanese cities provide affordable living spaces, like tiny apartments, due to lower demand and a culture of building plentiful housing.
  2. Despite small living spaces, Japanese cities excel in dense, mixed-use urban planning, creating the sense of luxury and freedom for residents.
  3. YIMBY policies in American cities aim to allow construction of compact living spaces like those in Japan, but not to force people into them against their will.

The Sweet Spot Between Doomscrolling and Hopium Smoking

OK Doomer • 178 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Society Media Philosophy Psychology Environment
  1. People feel alone when they realize how serious our problems are. They want to talk and connect with others who share their worries.
  2. Many distractions in our culture, like politics, pull attention away from the real issues at hand. They can feel like a way to ignore the reality of difficult times ahead.
  3. It's important to acknowledge that doom and uncertainty won't disappear. Finding a balance between awareness and hope can help navigate these feelings better.

The Great Subduction

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 967 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Internet Technology Philosophy Media Society
  1. The internet is changing how we live and work, making people feel more like resources than active participants. This change means we might end up being used for our data rather than our creativity.
  2. Our understanding of truth and reality is shifting. Many people are struggling to agree on basic facts, which leads to confusion and conflict. This shows how adaptable human culture can be.
  3. With new technology, the way we create and experience art is evolving. Instead of traditional movies and books, there are now many different forms of media, like podcasts and videos, shaping culture in new ways.

Britain's weird hate for air conditioning

Odds and Ends of History • 134 implied HN points • 19 May 25
🎭️ Culture History Society Politics Housing Urban planning
  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 West Only Has Pretend Heroes Like Spider-Man And SpongeBob

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1923 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Critique Heroes Pop culture Media Society
  1. The idea of real heroes is missing in Western culture, as only popular fictional characters are recognized. People often point to characters like Spider-Man and SpongeBob instead of real-life heroes.
  2. Many individuals who truly stand up against injustice or the powers that be are ignored or punished. The media doesn't promote these real heroes but instead focuses on those who entertain or distract the public.
  3. The prevalent culture tends to celebrate superficial achievements rather than meaningful contributions. Most celebrated figures support the status quo instead of challenging it.

2025 recap

Both Are True • 329 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Society Philosophy Art Literature Personal Reflection
  1. Time feels like it moves really fast, especially when we're busy. We often miss the little joys around us because we're too focused on our phones.
  2. Even though life is busy, the special moments we share with others exist outside of time. Those moments, filled with love, can feel infinite.
  3. Life has its ups and downs, and we often joke about it, but it's important to find happiness in the little things. We should appreciate the good stuff that makes life meaningful.

Smokey starts practising for the next Olympic Games.

A B’Old Woman • 579 implied HN points • 08 Aug 24
😂 Humor Satire Animals Sports Gender Society
  1. Smokey the cat is training to compete in the Olympics as a female participant. He's excited about the chance to win despite knowing he might not be the best.
  2. He recognizes that the rules allow him to compete as a girl, and he plans to use this to his advantage. Smokey is clever and knows how to charm people to get what he wants.
  3. If the rules change and he needs to prove his gender, he's not worried. He can easily switch back to being a boy, but he seems to enjoy the idea of competing as a girl for the fun of it.

Why Obsessing Over AI Today Blinds Us to the Bigger Picture

The Algorithmic Bridge • 445 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Automation Society History
  1. The way we view technology today often makes us forget how amazing our current advancements are. We take for granted the comforts and conveniences of modern life that our ancestors could only dream of.
  2. People tend to resist new technology because it's unfamiliar or unsettling. Over time, however, we usually come to appreciate these innovations as part of our everyday lives.
  3. Understanding AI and its implications is complicated and ever-changing. We may not find clear answers today, but it’s important to embrace the ongoing evolution and the new challenges it brings.

Paid content: Can women think?

Wood From Eden • 576 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies Society Philosophy Equality Social Issues
  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.

Excruciatingly Boring Dystopia

antoniomelonio • 332 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Society Literature Art Philosophy Lifestyle
  1. Many people feel life is painfully boring and routine. It seems like everyone is just going through the motions without any excitement.
  2. Work and social life often feel monotonous and unfulfilling. People long for genuine connections and creativity but get stuck in boring tasks and small talk.
  3. There are hints of change and hope, like workers' movements and the potential of technology to make our lives easier. We need to find small ways to break free from this boredom.

If We Solve Aging

David Friedman’s Substack • 251 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🔬 Science Aging Health Technology Society Politics
  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.

It's 1986 and here's what we're doing

Disaffected Newsletter • 2058 implied HN points • 24 May 24
🎭️ Culture Nostalgia Childhood Music Lifestyle Society
  1. The story is about two kids in 1986 having fun on their BMX bikes and enjoying their freedom. They go on little adventures like buying candy and riding around their neighborhood.
  2. They have a paper route and deliver newspapers, encountering different neighbors along the way. This includes a nice lady who gives them a kitten, showing the importance of community.
  3. They love music and often hang out at a record store. They enjoy playing records at home and watching movies together, making the most of their childhood.

Perhaps Taylor Swift Isn't the Defining Political Issue of Our Times

Freddie deBoer • 12747 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music Politics Media Celebrity Society
  1. Consumption should not be equated with politics; what you buy does not define your political beliefs.
  2. Boycotting products, like hating Bud Light, is not a substantial political action; true political change requires mass action and not just personal choices.
  3. Liking certain music or celebrities does not make someone inherently more progressive; true politics is about material change and actions, not just cultural consumption.

The Greatest Love...

Seven Senses • 339 implied HN points • 19 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Friendship Relationships Society Personal Growth Cultural Commentary
  1. Friendship is really important and can be more lasting than romantic relationships. Friends give us support and joy throughout our lives.
  2. As we grow older, friendships change but can still be very meaningful. We might not spend as much time with friends, but the connections can get deeper with age.
  3. Friendship breakups can be really painful, and it's natural for friendships to move closer or further apart over time. It's okay for relationships to evolve and still hold love.

The Unremitting Monedey

The Lifeboat • 160 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment Society Work Digital Games
  1. Selling virtual items, like gems in games, raises questions about morality and customer responsibility. People should manage their finances wisely, even in digital spaces.
  2. Entertainment in the form of virtual games can distract people from their real-life struggles, but there's concern about the exploitative aspects of selling virtual goods.
  3. The workplace can feel mundane and draining, leading to a desire for escape or change. Many people face the struggle of balancing personal happiness with their jobs.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 37

Why is this interesting? • 120 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture History Art Media Entertainment Society
  1. Some popes in history had children, which is not something many people know. It's interesting to explore how this affects the image of the papacy.
  2. Research shows that playing Tetris might help prevent PTSD. This means a simple game could actually have a big impact on mental health.
  3. Mapping Middle Earth is a fun way to look at the geography of 'The Lord of the Rings.' It can help fans understand the story better.