The hottest Society Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

Stochastic Terror

Disaffected Newsletter • 779 implied HN points • 15 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Violence Society Gender
  1. The media can influence public perception and actions, which has been evident in political events, including attempts on leaders' lives. It's important to be aware of how narratives are shaped.
  2. Society often overlooks the reality of women's violence, which can lead to misunderstandings about abusive behaviors, even when they are clearly happening.
  3. There are diverse topics discussed in the media that range from serious issues to light-hearted humor, showcasing varied perspectives and cultural commentary.

Keeping it in the Family

Wrong Side of History • 508 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Marriage Society Health History Religion
  1. Cousin marriage was common among British nobility in the past, but its prevalence has declined due to health concerns and changing cultural norms. Many people were worried about its effects on children's health.
  2. The Catholic Church has historically opposed cousin marriages to promote social ties beyond the family, which helped shape modern democratic societies and reduce corruption.
  3. Despite health risks, cousin marriage remains popular in some communities, providing social and financial support. This can create strong networks but also lead to higher chances of genetic disorders in children.

Jesus Models and Luigi-Scolds

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 2627 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment Media Arts Trends Society
  1. In Utah, there’s a growing trend of hiring lookalikes of Jesus for family portraits and events. These models often face high expectations from those who hire them.
  2. The 'Luigi-Scolds' online don't aim to change minds; they just like to criticize. Their approach is more about expressing their views rather than persuading others.
  3. Podcasts are becoming a popular medium for discussing hip-hop battles, especially between big names like Kendrick Lamar and Drake. They bring a new angle to how fans engage with music.

How Empathy Makes Us Cruel and Irrational

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

Culture Study • 10387 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Celebrities Feminism Analysis Society Identity
  1. Taylor Swift's fame and success put her in a delicate position where even her smallest actions are heavily scrutinized.
  2. Winning constantly can lead to over-saturation and make it hard for people to root for you, turning every move into a topic of critique.
  3. Celebrity culture reflects greater societal issues, such as discourses on girlhood and the struggles faced by privileged white women in progressive spaces.

The Present Future: AI's Impact Long Before Superintelligence

One Useful Thing • 1256 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Automation Workplace Society Monitoring
  1. AI technology is rapidly evolving and can already perform many tasks that humans do, like monitoring and analyzing work environments. Even today, AI can help identify issues that need attention.
  2. Using AI for management and analysis can make work easier, but there are risks too. If not handled well, AI could lead to constant monitoring rather than support for workers.
  3. The choices companies make about AI right now will greatly impact how we work in the future. It's important to ensure that AI helps people, rather than replacing their skills or judging them unfairly.

Rabbit Holes 🕳️ #106

Creative Destruction • 41 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Narratives Public Debate Society Leadership
  1. The phrase 'I don't know' is fading away as we rely more on instant answers from technology. This makes us confident but might not actually improve our understanding.
  2. In today's world, attracting attention is often more important than having meaningful conversations. We live in a chaotic ‘attention economy’ where spectacle often beats substance.
  3. There seems to be a rising sense of carelessness in society where people are less willing to help or contribute. This may be due to broader social issues that demotivate personal responsibility.

Less Utilitarian Than Thou

Astral Codex Ten • 14522 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Utilitarianism Morality Tradeoffs 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.

15 things I consumed this week

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

Marriage

David Friedman’s Substack • 386 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Marriage Economics Family Society Traditions Relationships
  1. Marriage can be viewed as a partnership where both people share responsibilities like income, chores, and caring for children. It's like running a small business together.
  2. People often choose not to buy all services from outside, like cooking or cleaning, because it's easier and cheaper to do these things at home. It saves time and effort to manage these tasks within a marriage instead of hiring others.
  3. The decline in marriage rates might be linked to fewer household responsibilities and easier options for divorce, which make it less binding than before. People are adjusting to a modern world where marriage can seem less necessary.

Kielbasa, Victorian houses, cursed names

Disaffected Newsletter • 1139 implied HN points • 15 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Arts History Identity Society Tradition Humor
  1. Life is more luxurious than we often realize, even in simple things like heating up food. Someone else handles all the hard work for us.
  2. The emotional reaction to political figures can feel feminine, expressing a deep fear and vulnerability. It's interesting to think about how these feelings affect people's views.
  3. Modern queer culture seems to have lost some of its wit and charm, replaced by a more superficial version. There's a longing for the character and humor of the past.

The Happy Wife School

Sex and the State • 33 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Gender Roles Marriage Responsibility Society Social norms
  1. Women often feel they have to take responsibility for their husband's happiness, but that's not fair or accurate. Each person should have their own role in a marriage.
  2. It's common to believe that if one person works hard enough, they can fix all problems in a relationship. But both partners are needed to make things work.
  3. No one can completely control their circumstances or the actions of others. It's important to understand that sometimes, things are beyond our control.

Our Language Is In A State Of Vast Humiliation

Public Universal Friend • 159 implied HN points • 31 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Language Literature Society Identity Art
  1. Starting a new life can involve setting strict routines. For example, having a specific schedule for getting up, reading, and working can help create structure.
  2. It's important to balance work with personal time. Taking breaks for physical activity or listening to music can refresh your mind and emotions.
  3. Accepting different perspectives on loneliness can lead to deeper thoughts. Finding meaning in solitude might change how you view your daily experiences.

Wilful Ignorance of Evil is a Luxury No One Can Afford

Welcome to Absurdistan • 4422 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Government Society Policy Global Affairs
  1. The current economic growth is unsustainable as it is based on borrowed money.
  2. The financial system is at risk due to the massive amount of derivatives, which are essentially bets on our labor and property.
  3. To restore prosperity, we need to oppose elite tyranny, demand inclusive economic institutions, and abolish monopolies.

Tradwife Dilemma, Genetic History, The Great Gatsby

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1534 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Society Psychology Literature History Art
  1. Women are seen as equally attractive in both luxury and standard settings, which shows that appearance is more about the person than their surroundings.
  2. There’s been a big change in how Americans feel about college; many now think it’s not that important for their kids, unlike in the past.
  3. Interestingly, the wealthier a person was, the more likely they were to support ideas like defunding the police, which challenges common assumptions about money and social issues.

immigration, immigrants, and the american way of life

bad cattitude • 241 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Economics Identity Policy Culture Society
  1. Human capital is really important for a country's success. We need to create an environment where people's talents can grow and be used effectively.
  2. Immigration and cultural assimilation matter for maintaining a society's values. Newcomers should embrace the American way of life to keep the social fabric strong.
  3. Many Americans feel frustrated with how immigration policies and systems are set up. A fair approach that focuses on merit and recognizes everyone's contributions is needed.

My Podcast With Jim Rutt

From the New World • 16 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🎙 Podcasts Interviews Society Technology Politics Culture
  1. The timing of reactions to a key December paper about AI was off because people didn't realize its importance until much later.
  2. A new executive order on AI aims to reduce government red tape, which could change how tech companies work with the government.
  3. Since 9/11, there’s been a shift in counterterrorism tactics that creates suspicion among everyday people, leading to distrust in society.

Norway Notes

ChinaTalk • 311 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture History Art Travel Music 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.

Welcoming the stranger

Wrong Side of History • 346 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Immigration Hospitality Society Tradition Politics
  1. Hospitality is an important tradition found in many cultures. It often means treating guests well but can also highlight a divide between insiders and outsiders.
  2. While we often think of hospitality as a warm welcome, it doesn’t always mean accepting newcomers as part of the community. Many guests are seen as temporary, not true members.
  3. Changes in how immigrants are viewed over time can lead to hostility. Initially welcomed, immigrants may later feel rejected if locals sense they are staying and not fully integrating.

It’s expensive to be a Man

New Means • 3930 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Gender Masculinity Politics Equality Society
  1. Masculinity propagated by some influencers can be toxic, isolating, and damaging to men's mental health.
  2. Resistance to harmful stereotypes and embracing individuality can lead to emotional freedom and healthier relationships.
  3. Rejecting oppressive norms benefits not only men, but also promotes freedom and fulfillment for all genders.

What Does A Healthy Culture Look Like?

Castalia • 1498 implied HN points • 13 May 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Media Society
  1. A healthy culture should be open and decentralized. This means it shouldn't be controlled by a few powerful people, allowing many voices to be heard.
  2. Quality work is important, but everyone should have the chance to share their art. A good culture encourages creativity and supports new ideas.
  3. Art and money are different things. While artists need support to create, financial success doesn’t always mean the art is good. The focus should be on creativity rather than just profits.

Weltschmerz

antoniomelonio • 215 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Mental health Society Politics
  1. Weltschmerz means feeling tired or sad about how the world is. It's a deep emotional exhaustion about life's challenges and problems.
  2. People today face many big issues like climate change and wealth inequality, which can make this feeling even stronger. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by these problems.
  3. This sense of world-weariness has worsened over time as we see societal promises break down. It's a struggle that many people can relate to.

The Novelty Famine

The Bigger Picture • 2995 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Society Creativity Spirituality Technology Tradition
  1. Novelty is a transformative force that can counter endless repetition in culture. We are living through a novelty famine where everything feels tired and commoditized.
  2. Traditionalism and spirituality are making a comeback as people seek freshness in a world saturated with repetitive content.
  3. Creating the conditions for revelation to transform culture involves aligning with the sacred, listening for its song, and fostering moments of awe that render our existing categories obsolete.

Chúng em xin hứa

Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc • 3914 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Society Photography Journalism History Self-reflection
  1. Sometimes participating in events just for the sake of being part of it can add some color to our otherwise dull lives.
  2. Not everyone accompanying a group is a part of it, some are there just for show and to take photos.
  3. Reflecting on the value of experiences and moments captured can make us appreciate the significance of each opportunity.

🐬 Reality Is What You Make of It 🐬

Default Wisdom • 251 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Trends Society Identity Media Technology
  1. Cultural trends take time to develop and evolve. They don't just start and finish within a single year.
  2. There's a growing belief that our thoughts and imaginations can shape reality. Many people are exploring ideas like manifestation and online connections in more spiritual ways.
  3. Political landscapes are changing, with a mix of niche ideologies emerging. People are labeling themselves more based on aesthetics rather than clear political beliefs.

Why Is There Antisemitism?

Fake Noûs • 253 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture History Religion Society Politics Conflict
  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.

Reimagining Life with Friendship at the Center

Culture Study • 7245 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Friendship Relationships History Society Social norms
  1. Friendship used to be considered a vital part of life through history, becoming sidelined as marriage took priority in emotional connections.
  2. Modern ideals often emphasize a spouse also being a 'best friend', impacting how friendships are valued and maintained.
  3. Cultural norms and societal structures make it challenging to prioritize and nurture friendships over traditional family setups, but it's about understanding the possibilities and taking steps towards meaningful platonic connections.

The Ideology of the Dangerous Female

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1458 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Film Society Gender Narrative Mythology
  1. The 'Dangerous Female' concept explores how women can be seen as powerful or chaotic forces in society. It's interesting to think about the balance of power between genders.
  2. In the 2024 film 'Nosferatu,' women are portrayed as summoning dark, ancient powers. This adds a layer of complexity to the narrative about femininity and danger.
  3. The film suggests that men often fail to recognize or stop these chaotic forces from women. It raises questions on awareness and the dynamics in gender relationships.

Rabbit Holes 🕳️ #105

Creative Destruction • 51 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Society Community Lifestyle Technology Economics
  1. The addiction economy isn't just about things like social media; it's about all the industries that thrive on craving and dependency, which shapes our capitalism.
  2. Experiencing job loss in today's world can make work feel less meaningful, leading to a broken trust between companies and employees. People focus more on just getting paid rather than finding fulfillment.
  3. Life can't be perfectly curated or optimized; real growth comes from the messy, awkward experiences we go through. Accepting this messiness can lead to a more genuine and fulfilling life.

⤴✊ The techno-optimism of a 1970s Black Power activist and poet

Faster, Please! • 456 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Activism Poetry History Society
  1. Nikki Giovanni was a prominent poet and activist known for her strong views on race and social justice. She wrote about significant issues such as politics and love with a unique voice.
  2. Her work was influenced by the Civil Rights and Black Power movements, making her a key figure in the Black Arts Movement. This helped her gain recognition as the 'Poet of the Black Revolution.'
  3. Giovanni's perspective encouraged a sense of optimism and hope in the 1970s, contrasting with some of today's social justice narratives which may feel more negative.

Young Men Are in Crisis Mode, Fox News Abandons Pretense of News, Southern Baptists Boot Women, School Superintendent Boots Education, AI Can Make You Lonely and Drink, Gerry & The Pacemakers Sing

kareem • 6230 implied HN points • 19 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Society Gender Media Leadership Influence
  1. Young men are facing challenges in society in terms of finding their identity and facing societal expectations.
  2. Income potential is still seen as a measure of worth for young men, impacting their views on attracting women.
  3. Many public figures may not be providing positive guidance for young men, perpetuating toxic masculinity and harmful behaviors.

Dingus of the week: Carrie Underwood

Men Yell at Me • 1233 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Music Art Entertainment Media Society
  1. Carrie Underwood's career is seen as struggling and her performance at Trump's inauguration is viewed as an attempt to regain relevance.
  2. Critics suggest that artists like Underwood often blame 'woke culture' for their lack of success instead of focusing on their music's quality.
  3. There's a growing trend of celebrities embracing controversial political stances to stay in the spotlight, raising questions about their genuine beliefs.

LED candles are everything that's wrong with society

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 499 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Society Art Philosophy Technology Lifestyle
  1. LED candles are convenient but lack the magic and unpredictability of real fire. Nothing beats the warmth and charm that comes from a real flame.
  2. Society tends to favor efficiency over quality, but that makes life feel dull and lifeless. Embracing challenges and imperfections brings more richness to our experiences.
  3. Screens dominate our daily lives, and we often forget to engage with the real world. It's important to seek out genuine connections and experiences instead of just tuning into pixels.