The hottest Tradition Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Philosophy Topics

Ghost Routines

slow motion multitasking • 515 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Some people believe that ghosts are not actual souls but imprints of past routines or strong emotions. For example, if someone cried a lot in one spot, that might leave a haunting behind.
  2. The theory states that certain places and objects can 'record' these memories, similar to how a tape recorder works. This idea is great for understanding why old castles might feel extra spooky.
  3. Interesting ghost stories can include everything from haunted toys to the history of numbers like 13. Exploring ghost culture can be fun and spooky, especially during Halloween!

Photos From New York City's Halloween Dog Parade

In the Flash • 1378 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. The Tompkins Halloween Dog Parade has been a fun event for 34 years, bringing together pet owners and dog lovers to show off their furry friends in costumes.
  2. Taking photos of the parade can be challenging because cute dogs often lead to predictable pictures, so it's important to think creatively about how to capture interesting shots.
  3. Photographing from a dog's perspective can create unique images, helping to show the event from a different angle and vibe.

Earlywood: ‘Experto Crede’

The American Peasant • 1876 implied HN points • 05 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. 'Experto Crede' means trust the expert. It's important to rely on knowledgeable people for guidance.
  2. Keeping up with your interests can bring joy. Exploring new ideas can help you grow and learn.
  3. Regularly sharing thoughts and experiences is valuable. Writing can connect you with others and sharpen your skills.

Book Review: Arguments About Aborigines

Astral Codex Ten • 28081 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Anthropologists have debated Aboriginal social structures for centuries but often missed opportunities for direct communication with Aborigines to clarify basic cultural questions, like whether they have chiefs.
  2. The book discusses the complexities of Aboriginal culture, including initiation rituals and marriage practices, which often involve significant age gaps and a mix of serving in-laws before marriage.
  3. Aboriginal society includes unique concepts of relationships and genders, with taboos surrounding mother-in-law interactions and rituals that manage these complex social dynamics.

5 Ways to Stop AI Cheating

The Honest Broker • 34143 implied HN points • 28 May 25
🚌 Education Tradition
  1. AI cheating is a big problem in schools right now, and many believe it's worsening fast. Students often use AI tools to do their work instead of learning.
  2. An old-fashioned education style, like the one at Oxford, could help stop AI cheating. This system relies heavily on handwritten work and face-to-face discussions with teachers.
  3. The Oxford method is tough and demanding, encouraging real understanding and preventing cheating. If used more widely, it could ensure students truly learn and earn their degrees.
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The Limits of Reason, Individualism and Secular Morality

Glenn’s Substack • 999 implied HN points • 27 Aug 24
📖 Philosophy Tradition
  1. Reason and individualism are important, but they need a balance with tradition and community. Without this balance, societies may struggle to maintain cohesion.
  2. The rise of moral relativism challenges the foundations of secular morality, making it hard to find common ground in society. People may disagree on values and laws without shared beliefs.
  3. Liberal democratic values are under threat as moral arguments lack a strong foundation. This may lead to laws that rely more on force than on a shared understanding of right and wrong.

A Manifesto in Defense of Courtship

The Honest Broker • 25333 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Courtship has been important for a long time in helping couples come together. It gives a structured way to build a relationship over time.
  2. Following the rules of courtship helps both people become better and more attractive. It builds respect and courtesy, really laying a good foundation for a future together.
  3. In today's fast-paced dating world, finding love can be harder despite all the dating apps. Slowing down and embracing courtship might help create more meaningful connections.

Acts of Faith

As Ever • 7 implied HN points • 09 Mar 26
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Tradition
  1. When everything collapses, art and poetry still remain and can bring comfort and meaning in the darkest times.
  2. Life can feel like wandering through old traditions and long silences; we keep moving, sometimes speaking with regret, but staying gentle among friends and enemies.
  3. Certain single moments—a touch, a wave, a song—are enough to satisfy us forever, turning into a memory that feels like an inheritance and brings contentment.

Hanson-Caplan: The Culture Convo

Bet On It • 130 implied HN points • 24 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Two colleagues are focused on the problem of cultural drift and have interviewed each other to explore ideas about culture.
  2. A new book arguing that people don’t have an inherent right to their culture is now available for purchase.
  3. A separate major book was accepted by a university press, and finishing its required revisions under a tight deadline will mean lighter posting for a while.

‘It’s about changing minds. I want to make choosing bhangra ‘normal’ for everyone.’

NN Journal • 139 implied HN points • 05 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Bhangra is a fun and energetic dance from Punjab that is great exercise. It has traditional roots but now mixes with popular music and fitness classes.
  2. Everyone is welcome to join Bhangra classes, no matter their background or skill level. The focus is on inclusivity and making dance enjoyable for everyone.
  3. Dancing Bhangra can help improve mental health and build confidence. It's not just about physical activity; it also provides a break from everyday stress.

The best of America

Disaffected Newsletter • 1079 implied HN points • 04 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. A song can capture deep feelings of home and nostalgia, even if it's not officially patriotic.
  2. Personal memories tied to music can evoke strong emotions and comforting moments.
  3. The power of music often brings back memories of loved ones and shared experiences, making it special.

The inhuman assault on Christmas

Thinking about... • 739 implied HN points • 13 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. AI and algorithm-generated Christmas music removes specific religious and human details, leaving bland, soulless versions that erase the songs' meaning.
  2. Attention-hungry algorithms and the companies that profit from them are weakening shared cultural practices like teaching, conversation, and holiday rituals.
  3. The real emotional and historical depth of songs—love, specific people, and stories—can't be authentically reproduced by machines, so preserving culture needs human care and transmission.

Kielbasa, Victorian houses, cursed names

Disaffected Newsletter • 1139 implied HN points • 15 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  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.

Joy in repetition

Austin Kleon • 3597 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Doing the same thing over and over can be joyful instead of boring. It may help you learn and create in ways you didn't expect.
  2. Repetition can turn challenging tasks into enjoyable habits. When you keep practicing, you may end up loving what you once found hard.
  3. Life is full of cycles and routines, and we should embrace them. Recognizing the beauty in repetition can lead to happiness and creativity.

Why I Am A (Medieval) Catholic

Castalia • 699 implied HN points • 06 Jul 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Tradition
  1. Medieval Catholicism offers a unique way to understand psychological states using the idea of demons and possession. This approach can help explain behaviors and emotions in a way that modern labels sometimes fail to capture.
  2. The Catholic tradition emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and redemption. This is shown through stories, like Dante's, which illustrate that even the worst actions can lead to healing through understanding and acceptance of one's sins.
  3. Religious language and belief systems can provide powerful support in overcoming struggles, like addiction. Many people find that embracing a higher power helps them in their journey towards recovery and self-acceptance.

The Novelty Famine

The Bigger Picture • 2995 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture 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.

Bathtime in Bulgaria

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 639 implied HN points • 27 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Ivan Vazov is a key figure in Bulgarian literature and his work sparked a sense of national identity. His poetry, especially about freedom, shaped how many Bulgarians see their history.
  2. Baths in Bulgaria are more than just places to get clean; they hold cultural and spiritual significance. They serve as social spaces where people connect and share, reflecting the blend of history and community.
  3. The experience of bathing has evolved through different political contexts, from Ottoman influence to socialist ideals and now into capitalist commodification, affecting how people relate to these traditions and spaces today.

Ceçi N’est Pas une Pipe

Seven Senses • 299 implied HN points • 13 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Memories are tied to objects, making them more valuable than money. A simple mug can hold the warmth of shared moments.
  2. Sentimental value can sometimes defy the idea of non-attachment. It's natural to hold on to things that remind us of loved ones.
  3. Each object can tell a story from our past, connecting us to our experiences and the people we cherish.

On Pilgrimage with 20,000 Young Catholics

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1715 implied HN points • 26 Jul 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Tradition
  1. Many young Catholics are feeling a revival of interest in traditional practices and the Latin Mass. They find beauty and connection in these rituals.
  2. The pilgrimage to Chartres Cathedral is more than just a walk; it's a way for young people to seek something deeper and more meaningful in their lives.
  3. This trend shows that many young people are looking for ways to connect with their faith and community beyond the usual daily routines.

Ave Maria

Disaffected Newsletter • 2058 implied HN points • 24 Dec 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Tradition
  1. Music can deeply affect our emotions and memories, often making us cry or feel overwhelmed, especially during special times like Christmas.
  2. Personal experiences, such as family traditions and moments of wonder, can leave a lasting impact and means of connection to our past.
  3. There's a desire for beauty and meaning in traditions, even if one doesn't fully believe in them, showing that these feelings are universal.

How to Be a Joiner

Culture Study • 4155 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Joining a community helps you feel a sense of belonging. When you meet new people who share your interests, it can be uplifting and comforting.
  2. Participating in regular traditions or rituals can make life more enjoyable. These simple routines, even if they seem silly, create positive energy in your week.
  3. It's normal to feel nervous about joining new groups. Just showing up a few times can help you feel more comfortable and connected, which is worth the initial awkwardness.

The Front Page: Pilgrims, Past and Present

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 338 implied HN points • 27 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Immigrant stories show America as a place where people fleeing tyranny can find safety, opportunity, and freedom.
  2. A critique of land acknowledgments argues that treating territory as belonging to races is dangerous and that extreme calls for ‘decolonization’ could lead to ethnic cleansing.
  3. The edition collects Thanksgiving-themed pieces—personal gratitude, historical reflections, and profiles of new citizens—offering varied perspectives on the holiday.

The Miracle of the Light

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3909 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Tradition
  1. In tough times, we look for hope and inspiration, often represented by light. The stories and symbols of Jewish history highlight the fight for life and dignity.
  2. A famous image from 1931 shows a menorah shining bright against a swastika, symbolizing the struggle between good and evil. It reminds us of what we stand for in the face of opposition.
  3. Some people mock traditional beliefs, like the miracle of Hanukkah, but these beliefs underline important values like human equality and the sanctity of life. Our spiritual heritage teaches us about more than just history.

Things Worth Remembering: The Freedom to Be Different

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1729 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Being different is important and can shape our lives in meaningful ways. Simple actions that stand out may seem small, but they hold real significance.
  2. The freedom to be oneself, especially in the Jewish community, has been fought for and is vital for survival and identity.
  3. Simon Rawidowicz showed how being unique and thinking differently can have a deep impact, even in challenging times. His life was a testament to the strength found in embracing one's differences.

J.S. Mill vs the Post-Liberals

Persuasion • 2378 implied HN points • 24 May 23
📖 Philosophy Tradition
  1. John Stuart Mill was an activist as much as an academic, fighting for women's rights and free speech.
  2. Mill believed in the importance of free speech for pursuing truth and combining conflicting ideas.
  3. Post-liberals criticize Mill, but misrepresent his views on liberalism, tradition, and custom.

Why These Christmas Songs Could Only Be Written in America

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3348 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Many famous Christmas songs, like 'Let It Snow!' and 'The Christmas Song', are not about religious themes but focus on winter, romance, and festive activities.
  2. These beloved songs were often written by Jewish Americans, blending their cultural influences into the music that celebrates Christmas in America.
  3. Even if someone doesn't celebrate Christmas, the music can still be enjoyed as a part of the holiday spirit and tradition.

Spin the Bottle, Roll the Dice

Seven Senses • 799 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Using randomness in your adventures can make them more exciting. By spinning a bottle and rolling dice, you can discover new places that you might not have chosen otherwise.
  2. You don’t need to travel far to have a memorable day out. A local adventure can be just as fulfilling when approached with open-mindedness and curiosity.
  3. Every encounter can add meaning to your day. Whether it's a chat with a local or visiting unique spots, these moments can contribute to an overall magical experience.

Life Cannot Be Delegated

The Convivial Society • 2609 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture 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.

A story from Japan

City Quitters • 1558 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Yuichiro, a young farmer, is working to keep his family's tangerine farm alive while blending old traditions with new ideas. He believes that the younger generation can help revive rural areas in Japan.
  2. Many young people today are moving away from big cities like Tokyo, seeking a slower and more balanced life in the countryside. Programs are in place to encourage this shift, but a change in values is also needed.
  3. Yuichiro is reconnecting with his family's roots, sharing knowledge and creating community ties. He shows that living closely with family can foster a rich and meaningful life for everyone involved.

The Rocking Out Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1085 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Suiseki is the Japanese art of displaying beautiful stones that resemble mountains or landscapes. These stones encourage people to admire nature's beauty in a unique way.
  2. Setting up a suiseki display involves careful selection of stones and bases that enhance their natural shapes and features. This process is similar to bonsai, where presentation plays a key role.
  3. Unlike living plants, suiseki stones can't die, making them a low-maintenance way to enjoy art and nature in your home. They allow for contemplation of nature's beauty without the worry of upkeep.

Sexy Trads

Becoming Noble • 1475 implied HN points • 06 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Embrace the concept of being a 'Sexy Trad' - align faith and masculinity, reject outdated stereotypes, and embody virtues like courage and devotion.
  2. Focus on living out traditional values rather than just preaching them - strive to strengthen faith through beauty, discipline, and reverence.
  3. Build a strong and virtuous relationship by offering a seductive alternative to modern dating norms, maintaining discipline, and embodying qualities like strength and seductiveness.

What is a Man?

Break Free with Karen Hunt • 1356 implied HN points • 22 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Andrew Tate and Jason Aldean are receiving attention for different reasons, but both are accused of racism.
  2. There is a deliberate effort to accelerate division among different classes and races in society.
  3. The focus should be on common values like family, community, and love, rather than getting caught up in extremist ideologies or online influencer distractions.

Why Doesn’t Anyone Want to Make French Wine Anymore?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 612 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🍲 Food & Drink Tradition
  1. Many French winemakers are nearing retirement, and there aren't enough young people interested in taking over their businesses. This could lead to a loss of a long-standing tradition in winemaking.
  2. One case highlights a family vineyard with generations of history, but the current generation decided against continuing the tradition. They found it too complicated and not profitable enough.
  3. The future of French wine is uncertain, and without new interest and investment from younger generations, this aspect of cultural heritage may decline.

Please Accept My Application To Be Turned Loose in The Royal Forest to Root for Beechmast and Acorns

The Chatner • 1316 implied HN points • 01 May 23
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Rooting for beechmast and acorns in the royal forest helps improve tree growth and soil health.
  2. Being turned loose in the forest for pannage is a traditional right that fosters social cohesion.
  3. Eating acorns as a pig can help prevent poisoning in cattle and ponies, protecting their lives and aiding village productivity.

Excalibur

Becoming Noble • 996 implied HN points • 12 Nov 23
📖 Philosophy Tradition
  1. The qualities that define nobility have varied but always involve the concept of the genuinely superior ruling the inferior.
  2. To maintain power, the nobility must embody and be perceived as a manifestation of the Divine Will, holding the Mandate of Heaven.
  3. Incorruptibility is essential for kings to prevent them from becoming tyrants, and for a society to turn away from modern decadence and return to a traditional reality.

THE CORONATION: WHAT'S THE POINT?

History, etc • 1081 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🌍 World Politics Tradition
  1. The modern monarchy's investment in faith is key to understanding it.
  2. Monarchy retains aspects of secrecy and sacredness in a time of panoptical overshare.
  3. Charles III's approach to monarchy includes mystical and expanding views, rooted in faith.

An emotion I can't name

Disaffected Newsletter • 1618 implied HN points • 07 May 23
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. It's common to feel complex emotions that are hard to label. Sometimes, experiences can touch us deeply without having a clear name for the feeling.
  2. Receiving a meaningful gift from a loved one can evoke strong emotions. It shows that someone cares about us and wants to share something special.
  3. Family relationships and their expressions of love can shape our emotional experiences. Understanding these moments can help us recognize and appreciate our feelings better.

You catch more flies with vinegar

Disaffected Newsletter • 1059 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Some common sayings might have their meanings reversed over time. A phrase like 'blood is thicker than water' could mean the opposite of what we think it does.
  2. The saying 'you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar' isn't accurate when it comes to actual flies. Sometimes vinegar works better for attracting pests like fruit flies.
  3. Making a fruit fly trap with vinegar is simple. Just mix vinegar in a jar with holes in the lid, and the flies won't be able to escape after they get in.

The Philippines

Wyclif's Dust • 1341 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  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.