The hottest Society Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

George Orwell, Pickup Lines, Uglification

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 852 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. Marriage and relationships are becoming less common among young adults, with many choosing to live alone.
  2. Most people find life gets better after middle age, contrary to the belief in a midlife crisis.
  3. In heterosexual relationships, if the woman is less committed than the man, they are more likely to break up.

Jen Gerson: Where have all the New Atheists gone?

The Line • 2731 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Society
  1. The trend of declining religious affiliation is noticeable, with Christianity on the decline while irreligiosity is on the rise in Western societies.
  2. A shift in perspectives is observed, with some former atheists converting to Christianity due to the moral void left by secularism.
  3. The atheist community, including New Atheists, is facing challenges and division, with some aligning with social justice movements and others critiquing them.

The Forever Mitzvah

Singal-Minded • 496 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. Dovi connects with Jesse during their unexpected encounter, leading to a deep conversation about life and experiences. Their bond grows as Jesse shares personal struggles, which shows how meaningful connections can arise from chance meetings.
  2. The act of smoking the shredded Torah represents a transformative experience for Jesse, symbolizing a new perspective on life and spirituality. It reflects a journey to confront fears and learn about oneself in unusual ways.
  3. The story culminates in a unique twist where Jesse contemplates a change meant to connect him more to his Jewish identity, showing how identity and belonging can create powerful feelings of connection and urgency in relationships.

TikTok is done for

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 8539 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. TikTok is facing a ban in the U.S., which many people believe is coming soon. This could change how we interact with social media and restrict freedom of expression.
  2. In New Jersey, there have been many reports of mysterious drones, but most sightings are just everyday planes or stars. This has caused confusion and panic among the public.
  3. There is growing concern about how men view women's bodies, especially after a celebrity's unedited photos went viral. Some men seem to forget that real women look different from their edited images in media.

Things Worth Remembering: The Dangers of Multiculturalism

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 7391 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Society
  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.
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Things Worth Remembering: ‘Jaws’ Was Never About a Shark

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2049 implied HN points • 17 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. The movie 'Jaws' is really about facing our own fears rather than just being about a shark. It's a deeper look at what scares us the most.
  2. This summer marks 50 years of 'Jaws,' and the town of Martha’s Vineyard is celebrating with events like screenings and exhibits. It's bringing a lot of tourists to remember the film's impact.
  3. The film has truly left a mark on the culture, with attractions, merchandise, and local events that still connect the community to that summer in 1974.

Merry Christmas

Wrong Side of History • 332 implied HN points • 26 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. Culture and identity debates are everywhere now, shaping casting, museum displays, and how history is told. These fights feel political and change which stories and voices get prominence.
  2. Free speech and political conflict are getting harsher, with real legal and social consequences for people who speak out and with fiction and media strongly influencing political views. That combination is reshaping public debate and accountability.
  3. Britain still projects soft power through cultural exports like popular history podcasts, even as people worry about younger generations, rising authoritarian tendencies, and ongoing security and historical memory issues. These cultural and political anxieties are linked and feed into each other.

The Broken Day

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 587 implied HN points • 23 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. The author feels disconnected from contemporary culture and has a nostalgic attachment to memories and objects from their past. They spend a lot of time reflecting on their personal experiences and the things they've collected over the years.
  2. Despite being housebound for a long time, the author creatively envisions life outside by 'nightwalking' in their imagination, exploring places they remember.
  3. There is a sense of infinite exploration in the author's journey through memories and objects, leading them to think about uncovering deeper meanings from their past.

Coleman Hughes: Candace Owens, Brigitte Macron, and Our Age of Conspiracy

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1929 implied HN points • 13 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. Candace Owens is spreading a wild conspiracy theory that Brigitte Macron is actually a man, which has gained a large following online.
  2. This theory was created by a French citizen and then popularized through a book and Owens' podcast, showing how quickly bizarre ideas can spread.
  3. Despite her past as an anti-cyberbullying advocate, Owens is now facing backlash for her role in promoting harmful claims against an elderly woman.

The Wisdom of Brown M&M's and Leaky Fire Hydrants

The Garden of Forking Paths • 2279 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. Van Halen's use of brown M&M's as a test exposed the importance of thorough event staff attention to safety details.
  2. Testing systems, like airport security, with red teams reveals vulnerabilities and promotes resilience.
  3. The concept of leaky fire hydrants highlights the need for addressing individual problems within systems to spark wider reform.

The Bones of a Dark Age Academy

Letters from Fiddler's Greene • 2437 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. The Dark Age Academy should focus on mutual aid, lobbying, security, and relief organizations to support the community's basic needs and economic security.
  2. The Academy should also include organizations that support education, family life, and community quality, like homeschooling and family support groups.
  3. In addition, the Dark Age Academy should incorporate fraternal organizations, business associations, and political parties to organize and direct power for the good of the community.
  4. Arts and intellectual publications, journals, and communities are essential for understanding the world, providing higher thinking, and capturing the truth, beauty, and good in society.

Ketanji Brown Jackson Goes Broadway

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 6913 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Society
  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.

A Sex Strike isn't Going to Work

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 7576 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Society
  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.

In This Dystopia

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1899 implied HN points • 05 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Society
  1. Many people ignore harsh realities around them while being distracted by entertainment. It's like partying right next to serious problems and pretending everything is fine.
  2. Public discussions often feel superficial or hypocritical, where people express concern but aren't willing to make meaningful changes. It's as if they're more interested in appearances than taking action.
  3. Despite the grim situations happening in the world, there is a sense of denial. People worry about the future, but many feel powerless to change anything, leading to a feeling of drifting along with the crowd.

The Colbert Cancellation and Why Comedy Must Now Be Political

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 2121 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. What people find funny is mostly shaped by their values and beliefs. Different groups will laugh at different things based on their political and social views.
  2. Comedy today is more divided than before because people's opinions on what’s funny often clash. This means comedians can't appeal to everyone like they used to.
  3. The rise of political media has created a deeper divide in comedy. Comedians now often respond to political issues, making it hard for them to reach a wide audience without being polarizing.

I interviewed the Jubilee CEO on platforming bigotry

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 2149 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. Jubilee is a popular YouTube channel known for its debate-style videos. They cover a wide range of topics, including sensitive issues like body image and political beliefs.
  2. The CEO of Jubilee has shared that they have a big team and a large office in Los Angeles, which helps them produce high-quality content consistently.
  3. One of their videos, featuring a debate between a Republican and multiple Kamala Harris voters, became one of the most-watched pieces during the last election, showing their influence in online discussions.

AI Video Should Be Illegal

The Algorithmic Bridge • 711 implied HN points • 11 Nov 25
🕹 Technology Society
  1. AI video creates deepfakes that can easily mislead people, damaging trust in society. This technology can mimic real people saying harmful things, which is scary and dangerous.
  2. Making AI videos illegal could protect society from misinformation, but it might also shield corrupt people from accountability. It's a tricky balance between safety and justice.
  3. Instead of banning AI videos, society might need to adapt its approach to trusting and verifying information. If everyone expects deepfakes, then finding the truth may become even harder.

Niall Ferguson: The Vibe Shift Goes Global

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 6543 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture 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.

The spread of British decline porn

Wrong Side of History • 436 implied HN points • 02 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. Many Americans have a negative view of Britain, often based on exaggerated stories and online videos. They may think Britain is chaotic, even though it's generally safer than many American cities.
  2. Short-form videos online have changed how people see Britain, showing negative images that create a gloomy impression. This differs from the more positive views that came from British cultural exports like movies and music.
  3. The proliferation of decline-themed content on social media feeds into these negative perceptions. It's important to recognize that much of what people see doesn't paint the full picture of life in Britain.

The New Age Is Dead

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 42 implied HN points • 19 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. The New Age movement, long embodied by figures like Deepak Chopra, is collapsing as scandals tie prominent spiritual teachers to Epstein-era moral failures and abuse.
  2. New Age blended hand‑friendly Eastern ideas with self‑help and consumerist culture, effectively aligning with and covering for neoliberal, hyper‑individualist capitalism.
  3. Critics are exposing how spiritual authority was used for personal gain and to shield abuses, sparking a wider reckoning and questions about what will replace this apolitical neo‑religion.

Monthly Roundup #32: July 2025

Don't Worry About the Vase • 2060 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Society
  1. The FDA is testing a new program to speed up drug reviews, which could make medicines available much faster than before. It's surprising that this approach isn't more common already.
  2. Recent trends show that people are increasingly betting on sports, especially college students. This raises concerns about the potential risks and impacts on young people's lives.
  3. Dining out has become more complex and sometimes more expensive, especially with services like Uber Eats. People might want to rethink their delivery habits, especially if they’re single.

They Became Symbols for Gazan Starvation. But All 12 Suffer from Other Health Problems.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1627 implied HN points • 18 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Society
  1. Viral photos from Gaza showing starving children may not tell the whole story. Many of the kids in these images have serious health issues like cystic fibrosis and rickets.
  2. A recent case highlighted by The Free Press involved an 18-month-old boy presented as a symbol of hunger. His health conditions were downplayed in reports.
  3. Several other similar images shared by major media lacked context about the children's medical backgrounds, creating a misleading narrative about starvation in Gaza.

Is AI Over-Hyped?

Fake Noûs • 436 implied HN points • 06 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Society
  1. AI is probably over-hyped — so many extreme claims make it unlikely we're underestimating its importance.
  2. History shows dramatic tech predictions often miss the mark. Real innovations change lives but usually in unexpected ways, and current AI has been helpful without being transformative for most people.
  3. Current large language models learn from text patterns and lack real-world understanding, so they are unlikely by themselves to solve the deepest scientific problems or produce genuinely new insights.

Culture Links, 12/23/2025

In My Tribe • 273 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. Broad claims about whole generations are overblown. On many issues the differences between age groups are small and mixed.
  2. Nostalgia makes the past look better than it was because people forget bad parts and cling to early memories. People often idealize the time before puberty when life felt simpler.
  3. Behavior often changes because a person's situation or social network changes, not because they've learned something permanent. To sustain change you need to alter environments and influencers, not just teach lessons.

The Death of the Public Library

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2184 implied HN points • 08 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. Public libraries are declining, not because people read less, but because they are being used more as shelters for the homeless.
  2. Many libraries are struggling with visitors and book circulation, making it hard for people to find a quiet space to read or study.
  3. Despite their beauty and potential, libraries like the Mandel in West Palm Beach are facing challenges that affect their original purpose.

The Iranian Poetry Culture Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1568 implied HN points • 12 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. In Iran, poetry isn't just for entertainment; it's a big part of everyday life and shared culture. People memorize it and use it to express deep feelings, making it a form of connection among them.
  2. The challenge of expressing criticism in Iran has made poetry a clever way to communicate complex ideas and emotions. This layered speech lets people share thoughts while also being cautious about what they say.
  3. While the West has many individual cultural references, Iran holds onto a shared poetic language that unites people. This common ground helps them deal with emotions together, unlike in more fragmented societies.

Why Japanese cities are such nice places to live

Noahpinion • 14353 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture 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.

This Week in Canada: Carney Makes the Center Look Cool Again

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 357 implied HN points • 16 Dec 25
📰 News Society
  1. Recent court rulings have created real uncertainty about property rights, as decisions recognize Indigenous title that can override traditional fee simple ownership.
  2. Mark Carney is making the political center look attractive again, pulling attention back to moderate, big-tent politics instead of the extremes.
  3. Canadian political culture now mixes symbolic gestures and personality-driven politics — from liquor-store patriotism to politicians who lean into festive, media-friendly moments.

Less Utilitarian Than Thou

Astral Codex Ten • 14522 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Society
  1. Some actions considered acceptable by many are questioned by those who identify as utilitarian or consequentialist, highlighting differing moral perspectives.
  2. Utilitarians may advocate for policies that involve sacrificing or compromising certain ethical norms for the greater good, whereas non-utilitarians may not view these actions in the same light.
  3. The perception of utilitarians being more willing to do harm for the greater good may stem from the discomfort with the idea of calculating morality and the juxtaposition of sacred values with utilitarian reasoning.

The History of The Onion You Didn't Know You Needed

Culture Study • 2000 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. The Onion started in Madison, Wisconsin, where a fun and collective writing approach helped create its distinct style. This Midwestern influence allowed the writers to focus on creativity without the pressure of big-city ambitions.
  2. The book discusses the conflicts between creativity and commercial success, suggesting that the essence of satire might struggle to survive under profit-driven ownership. This tension shapes how humor evolves in response to our changing media landscape.
  3. Satirizing the news plays an essential role in highlighting the flaws in how information is presented and understood. Even as the news environment changes, satire remains a valuable tool for challenging established narratives.

The Brenda Volunteers

The Glinner Update • 3891 implied HN points • 17 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. In the 1970s, the Samaritans faced challenges with obscene callers and implemented the Brenda system to address the issue.
  2. The Brenda system categorized obscene callers based on their motivations, which included various types of individuals like horny adolescent boys and fetishists.
  3. The approach of compassionate care towards obscene callers has had an impact on transforming societal expectations, making us all potential 'Brenda Volunteers'.

A Perfectly Grilled Corn on the Cob of Links & Recs

Culture Study • 1667 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. Grilled corn on the cob is a simple but delicious summer food, and it can be even better with a dash of salt or some cheese and spices.
  2. Summer days can be enjoyed by doing simple things like reading, gardening, or spending time outdoors with pets.
  3. It's important to stay aware of the hardships in the world, such as the ongoing food crisis in Gaza, and to help those in need through donations to organizations providing aid.

Why You Should Still Build Your Raft of Art in the Sea of Slop

Counter Craft • 1494 implied HN points • 11 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. Making art is still important, even when it feels hard because of all the noise around us. Your work can be unique and valuable, so focus on creating instead of getting distracted by trends.
  2. Don't worry about what others are doing or how popular their work becomes. Your audience will be different, and what you create is special to you, not a competition with mainstream stuff.
  3. Art enriches your life in many ways, and you should make it because you love it. Enjoy the creative process, regardless of whether anyone else sees or appreciates it.

How long until they can read your mind? Be thine own palace, or the world's thy jail...

The Common Reader • 1949 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
📖 Philosophy Society
  1. New technologies might soon be able to read our thoughts, which could change how we think about privacy. It raises important questions about government power and personal freedom.
  2. The idea of a 'free mind' is central to liberalism. We should feel secure in our thoughts and be able to keep our inner lives private.
  3. Montaigne and Donne emphasized the importance of solitude and self-reflection. Being comfortable with ourselves in our own minds helps us stay free, regardless of outside pressures.

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

Big Technology • 4878 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Society
  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.

How We Decide Where To Build Our Lives

Culture Study • 4437 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. People often seek ideal living places that balance many factors, but what really matters is how close you are to people you already know. It's about community, not just a checklist of features.
  2. Building a community takes time and effort, so living in a place that helps you connect with others is essential. This could mean less pressure from work or parenting demands.
  3. When discussing places to live, it's important to share personal experiences and keep an open mind. Everyone's needs are different, and what works for one person might not work for another.

The familiar loneliness of the Kinetoscope

Res Obscura • 4510 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Society
  1. The 2020s and the 1890s share many similarities, like protectionism and social division. People from both eras worry about advancing technology taking away jobs.
  2. The Kinetoscope, a one-person movie viewing device, represents a kind of loneliness in technology. It mirrors how today's technology often isolates us despite being connected.
  3. Edison's decision to focus on the Kinetoscope instead of larger audience devices highlights a trend toward personal, individual experiences in media. This shift continues with modern technology, where we consume content alone.