The hottest Society Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

sunday memepool: more making fun of government

bad cattitude • 113 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Satire Civic engagement Political Commentary Society
  1. The post encourages humor and satire about government actions. It's fun to poke fun at serious topics.
  2. People often feel frustrated with government behavior and express it through jokes and memes. This can be a healthy way to deal with those feelings.
  3. Making fun of government can unite people over shared frustrations and can lead to discussions about change.

kitten corner: dr strangekitten

bad cattitude • 213 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy Personal Growth Political Views Society Relationships
  1. People often feel happier when they focus on their families and friends instead of politics. Building personal connections seems to bring joy.
  2. Wanting to live life without too much government influence is common, and it can feel good to embrace that idea.
  3. Sometimes, recognizing that a change in perspective can improve your feelings about life is important. It's interesting how love and beliefs can mix in surprising ways.

Be the elite you wish to see

Jeff Giesea • 1317 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Leadership Political theory Society
  1. Populism often focuses on complaining about elites rather than solving problems. It can lead to a mindset that values grievances over constructive actions.
  2. Elitism can be redefined as a positive force for leadership and excellence. Society needs leaders who can guide people and address real challenges instead of just gaining power.
  3. If you see problems in the world, you should step up and take action. You have the ability to be a leader in your own way and make a difference where you are.
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Tracy Chapman and Constantine Cavafy: A Song, A Poem and The Dream of Elsewhere

Unmapped Storylands with Elif Shafak • 1726 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry Music Culture Identity Society
  1. Constantine Cavafy's poetry explores themes of 'belonging,' 'roots,' and 'home', challenging the idea of leaving for 'elsewhere'.
  2. Tracy Chapman's song 'Fast Car' embodies optimism and compassion, reflecting her personal journey and struggles.
  3. Both artists, despite coming from different backgrounds, share a common thread of being 'outsiders' in their own ways and using art to convey universal emotions.

Violence and legitimacy: The assassination of Brian Thompson

Philosophy bear • 221 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Politics Society Morality Legitimacy
  1. Brian Thompson, a health insurance CEO, was killed, and some people are actually happy about it. This shows how divided opinions can be about such events across different political views.
  2. The discussion around his death raises important ethical questions, especially about whether it's ever okay to celebrate someone's death. It's quite complex and can depend on the person's actions and their effects on others.
  3. There's a belief that the laws we follow might not always reflect true morality. Some argue that the actions of people in power can still cause harm, similar to outright violence, even if they're legally justified.

A Depoliticized Future

The J. Burden Show • 738 implied HN points • 26 Apr 24
📖 Philosophy Liberalism Politics Society Human nature Civilization
  1. Liberalism aimed to depoliticize society but failed as politics is inherent to human nature and essential for societal order.
  2. Liberalism's attempt to distribute power widely actually increased the power of the state and led to bloodier conflicts.
  3. A well-functioning society needs a level of internal politics, but striving for a society with external politics, where enemies are outside of society, might lead to greater societal harmony.

NOTES FROM THE ROAD

TRANSFORM with Marianne Williamson • 3026 implied HN points • 02 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Elections Government Democracy Society
  1. The American people have a history of standing up and making things right when they realize the importance of a cause.
  2. The current economic situation in America is dire, but there is hope with a shift towards fair policies and economic justice.
  3. To address the challenges facing the country, it is essential for Americans to come together and make informed decisions about the future.

The Rise of Western Individualism

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 4431 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Psychology History Society Religion Economics
  1. Western individualism stems from historical factors like the power of the Western Church and its unique taboos on family structures.
  2. WEIRD societies have distinct characteristics: hyper-individualism, focus on intentions, patience for delayed gratification, and a willingness to adhere to rules even without enforcement.
  3. The rise of Western individualism influenced laws, innovation, and economic prosperity, with key factors like belief in moralizing gods, influence of formal institutions, and the impact of impersonal markets.

The Orbis Tertius Society

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

I Have No Mouth and I Must Stream

Default Wisdom • 222 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Media Internet Society Fandom Identity Technology
  1. Social media creates power struggles similar to medieval fiefdoms, where individuals desire commercial recognition and control rather than just attention.
  2. People often sacrifice their well-being for online popularity, blurring the lines between personal suffering and entertainment for audiences.
  3. As technology advances, there’s a growing concern about becoming obsolete or 'redundant', leading to anxiety about our roles in a future dominated by AI and big data.

Sadiq Khan’s Techno Feudalism

The Free Mind • 1375 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Government Climate Technology Economics Society
  1. Sadiq Khan's plans reflect a clear long-term vision, gradually changing private car ownership and lifestyle expectations.
  2. Cities like London are aiming for radical changes by 2030 to combat global warming, pushing for zero meat, dairy, and limited clothing consumption.
  3. The concept of 'radical incrementalism' involves small changes leading to significant impacts in shifting public behavior, like the introduction of pay-per-mile road charging.

Odds and Ends #47: I think this YouTube video just changed my life

Odds and Ends of History • 804 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture History Media Urbanism Society Politics
  1. A YouTube video can have a big impact on someone's life, showing how quickly ideas can change our perspectives. It's amazing how something simple can inspire us to think differently.
  2. Urban reviews can be subjective and funny, highlighting how even a short stay can lead someone to feel like an expert. It shows that everyone has different experiences in new places.
  3. The conversation about political lobbying is complex, and there seems to be growing concern about its influence. It's important to stay informed about how these issues affect us and our communities.

April 4, 1968

TRANSFORM with Marianne Williamson • 2790 implied HN points • 05 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Society Activism History Justice Equality
  1. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination on April 4, 1968, deeply impacted many, including the author's family.
  2. The legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and Bobby Kennedy is a reminder to strive for justice and create a better world.
  3. Despite the passage of time, the messages of love and justice promoted by Dr. King are still relevant and vital today.

Engineers and the New Technocracy

Breaking Smart • 110 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Engineering Innovation Society Philosophy Culture
  1. The writer is focusing on engineering ideas and themes in their writing. They believe this reflects their true interests and the world we live in.
  2. They argue that everyone has an engineer inside them. It's not about being an expert, but about engaging with the engineering aspects of human nature.
  3. The writer finds the general concept of technology uninspiring, while they feel strongly about embracing engineering behaviors and identities in everyone.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 26

Why is this interesting? • 301 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Arts Media Entertainment Literature Society
  1. Russia has fined Google an insane amount of money, more than all the money in the world combined. This shows how serious they are about controlling tech companies.
  2. There’s a deep connection between the anime 'Perfect Blue' and the film 'Requiem for a Dream,' offering a unique history worth exploring. Both works have intriguing themes that many people appreciate.
  3. Crows have strong memories and can hold grudges, sometimes even mistaking others for their enemies. This behavior highlights how intelligent and complex these birds are.

A Profound Act Of Sincerity

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2659 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Activism Society Humanity Authenticity Mainstream Media
  1. The self-immolation of Aaron Bushnell was a profound act of sincerity that shocked society.
  2. This act highlighted the lack of authenticity in a world filled with artificiality and pretense.
  3. Aaron Bushnell's sacrifice awakened a sense of awareness and inspired many to reevaluate their perspectives on global issues and personal sincerity.

How the luxury beliefs of an educated elite erode society

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 4261 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Society Class Beliefs Education Books
  1. Luxury beliefs confer status at low cost to the upper class, but can be damaging to lower classes.
  2. Affluent individuals often promote harmful lifestyles to others while distancing themselves from the consequences.
  3. The concept of white privilege can be embraced by wealthy white individuals to elevate social status, while those who actually face the repercussions are usually less privileged.

Thanks to Lutherans I skipped ballet

Garrison Keillor and Friends • 2653 implied HN points • 15 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Religion Society Arts
  1. Lutherans have a long history of being predominantly white due to their origins in countries that were not major colonial powers.
  2. Growing up in a Lutheran culture in Minnesota influenced the author's perspective on personal choices, culture, and lifestyle.
  3. The author avoided pursuing a career in ballet due to their upbringing among Lutherans, which shaped their values and lifestyle choices.

Do These People F*ck: The Sex Symposium

Many Such Cases • 1358 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Sexuality Gender Health Event Society
  1. The Sex Symposium focused on women over 40, addressing their unique challenges and experiences with sex. Many attendees were eager to talk about pleasure and sexuality without the fears younger generations might have.
  2. Speakers discussed the importance of individual pleasure but recognized societal issues like shame, trauma, and patriarchy that affect women's sexual experiences. While these are real concerns, some wonder if there’s more to address beyond personal feelings.
  3. Overall, the event was a positive space for discussions on sex, with many women feeling empowered to explore their desires. The excitement for pleasure was a big part of the experience, showing that many older women are enjoying their sexuality.

Women have an essential role to play in dissident movements

Becoming Noble • 1813 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Gender History Society Relationships Values
  1. Women play a crucial role in dissident movements by fostering deep bonds, warmth, and alliances in unofficial spaces like social gatherings and dinner parties.
  2. Creating welcoming and warm environments, particularly through shared events like dinner parties, can help in forming connections, shaping society, and nurturing goodwill.
  3. In times of challenge and turmoil, such as during 'civilizational winter,' building strong relationships and providing security through shared experiences like shared meals becomes essential for survival and strength.

Phone books

Internal exile • 77 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Nostalgia Communication Media Society Information
  1. Phone books used to be an important part of everyday life, providing a neutral source of information about people and businesses in a community. They helped people connect and get essential local information.
  2. Nostalgia for phone books comes from their role as simple, static resources that everyone had access to, unlike today's customized, often misleading online information. They once gave a sense of shared knowledge and community.
  3. With the decline of phone books, we have lost a common point of reference, and now most information can feel personalized and isolating. This change can sometimes lead to misunderstandings about what information is truly reliable.

How to say "the great reset" without saying "the great reset"

Tessa Fights Robots • 117 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Society Economics Culture Policy
  1. The world is changing rapidly, and there are new ways to talk about big ideas without using specific phrases.
  2. It's important to be aware of how we communicate these ideas to make sure our message is clear.
  3. Supporting creators and sharing their work helps them continue producing content, which is valuable for everyone.

sunday meanpool

bad cattitude • 113 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Society Trends Media Opinions Lifestyle
  1. Change is happening, and people need to recognize it. It's important to stay aware of shifts in society and adapt accordingly.
  2. The discussion surrounding opinions can sometimes be sensitive. It's okay to challenge ideas and spark conversation, even if it offends someone.
  3. Engaging with different perspectives is crucial. By understanding other viewpoints, we can navigate complex issues better.

The L.A. Fires Were Completely Preventable.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 48 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Society History Revolution
  1. The economic struggles of everyday Americans have been made worse by government and corporate actions that prioritize profit over people. Many feel trapped in a cycle of poverty and high expenses.
  2. There is a rising concern about historical injustices against Native American communities, with calls for more representation and acknowledgment of their struggles. Some believe that recent media portrayals are a way to distract from real issues.
  3. A revolution is seen as necessary by some to challenge the current systems that exploit and harm the public. There’s a belief that this moment could lead to significant change if people unite.

My friend, the sadistic murderer

Julie Bindel's podcasts and writing • 1395 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
📰 News Crime Society Violence Injustice Justice
  1. Kevin Ashdown, a former school friend, turned into a sadistic murderer who killed his girlfriend after years of abuse and control.
  2. The tragic story highlights the long-term impact of childhood abuse on individuals and how unaddressed anger and misogyny can lead to extreme violence.
  3. Reflecting on the past with empathy sheds light on how lives can diverge drastically, and how early experiences can shape a person's future choices and actions.

The Battle Between The Inner Life and The Outer Life

Sparks from Culture by David Roberts • 1179 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Economics Society Philosophy History
  1. Modern American capitalism has constrained many lives, leading to angst and a pursuit of more slow-paced lives.
  2. E.M. Forster's 'Howards End' explores the conflict between inner and outer ways of life, highlighting the impact of capitalism on personal relations and daily duties.
  3. There is resistance to hyper-capitalism in modern America, with a growing push for a slower life, nature, and emphasis on inner values.

AI in the Age of Mythic Powers by Josh Schrei

The Bigger Picture • 858 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🔬 Science AI Mythology Ethics Mystery Society
  1. AI's powers are seen as mythic and magical in scope, with abilities akin to those discussed in ancient stories and magical grimoires.
  2. The discussion around AI goes beyond rationality and delves into religious and spiritual questions, questioning concepts like sentience and consciousness.
  3. AI poses risks not just on a global and societal scale, but also on individual bodies, with potential impacts on embodiment, agency, and mental health.

Is Trump Literally the Antichrist?

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 24 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Religion Culture Governance Society
  1. There's a lot of strange and unsettling events happening in politics right now. People are questioning how these events might relate to bigger themes like the apocalypse.
  2. Some argue that figures like Trump symbolize the Antichrist due to their behavior and rhetoric. This idea connects to historical and biblical themes of deception and chaos.
  3. The concept of the apocalypse can be viewed as a transformative stage. It suggests that the upheaval we see could lead to a new understanding or a better future for humanity.

Letters to the Editor: ‘I’ve Watched Someone I Love Die’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 148 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Debate Health Ethics Policy Society
  1. Assisted suicide laws are controversial, with concerns about vulnerable people feeling pressured to end their lives. Some argue that these laws exist to provide relief for those suffering from severe, painful illnesses.
  2. People often request help to end their suffering, and without legal options, doctors and families face tough choices. The law aims to provide a more humane way to help those at the end of life find peace.
  3. Legalizing psychedelics like MDMA is not just about recreation; it's about addressing serious mental health issues and potentially saving lives, particularly for veterans suffering from PTSD.

The Celibates, the Gooners and the Moralists

Many Such Cases • 1538 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Sexuality Relationships Society Media Politics
  1. Many people are calling themselves celibate, but this often doesn't mean they're actually not having sex. Some just like the idea of being celibate because it makes them feel superior or detached from the current sexual culture.
  2. There is a trend of women choosing celibacy due to feeling disrespected in dating. This choice is significant, but it highlights the ongoing problems in the way people relate to each other sexually.
  3. Words around sexuality, like 'gooning', are becoming normalized in everyday conversation. This shift can contribute to a toxic culture, making it important to talk about these topics without judgment and to seek a healthier sexual culture.

joy will be mandatory

bad cattitude • 284 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Ideology Society Culture Wars Political Discourse Public Opinion
  1. People are increasingly divided, creating separate realities that don’t share common facts or agreements. This lack of mutual understanding makes it hard for society to come together.
  2. There seems to be a strong trend of intolerance among those who claim to be progressive. They often reject differing opinions and quickly excommunicate those who think differently.
  3. A big issue is the isolation and echo chambers people find themselves in. It's important for individuals to engage with diverse perspectives to avoid losing touch with reality.