The hottest Tradition Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Philosophy Topics

There should be 2 NBA seasons every year

Good Morning It's Basketball • 805 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
🎾 Sports Tradition
  1. The idea of having 2 NBA seasons in a year could increase the stakes and excitement of the regular season and playoffs.
  2. Shortening the seasons without eliminating games could be achieved by creating 2 separate seasons within a year.
  3. Having 2 NBA seasons annually would allow for a compressed schedule, potential trade deadlines, and more off-season opportunities.

You Have No Right to Your Culture

Bet On It • 25 implied HN points • 26 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. You don’t have a right to own your culture; claims of exclusive cultural ownership are challenged and questioned.
  2. The collection uses essays to examine the human condition, pushing back on common social and moral beliefs about culture and identity.
  3. The essays are collected as a book and are available in both paperback and e-book formats.

The life cycle of a taboo

Wrong Side of History • 408 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Taboos can feel permanent, but they often start from new ideas or changes in society. It's interesting how what seems normal can shift over time.
  2. Different cultures create their own taboos for specific reasons, like protecting resources or avoiding risks. For example, Hindus have rules about cows, while Jews avoid pigs.
  3. As societies change, people often find themselves in trouble for breaking old taboos. What was once acceptable can become frowned upon or even illegal.

The preservation of fire

Wrong Side of History • 389 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. The preservation of cultural values and ideas is important for society's growth. We need to recognize and protect what we believe in.
  2. Engaging in discussions about our heritage helps keep these values alive. It's essential for people to come together and share their views.
  3. Events like conferences play a vital role in fostering these conversations. They allow individuals to learn from each other and build a stronger community.
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Narrower, Deeper, Older

In My Tribe • 820 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Hobbies often become more complex and less accessible over time. What used to be easy and fun for beginners now requires a lot of skill and effort to enjoy.
  2. As hobbies evolve, they often attract a smaller, older group of dedicated participants. This means fewer younger people are getting involved and learning the basics.
  3. Many traditional hobbies are losing their casual appeal. Newer generations may find them too complicated and end up choosing different activities instead.

Take me to church

Splattern • 59 implied HN points • 09 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. The community comes together to support each other, especially in times of need, like fundraising for church improvements and medical expenses.
  2. People in the village prioritize their connection to the land and family, working hard to grow their own food, even without modern machinery.
  3. Unlike in many places, the concept of a village in this community truly embodies teamwork and collective responsibility, creating a strong support system for everyone.

How To Love Classical Music

The Ruffian • 878 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Classical music has a rich history and can be a powerful emotional experience, especially when experienced live. Seeing many musicians come together to perform can make the music feel even more alive and impactful.
  2. Investing time and effort into understanding classical music can greatly enhance your appreciation of it. Unlike pop music, classical music may require more focus and patience to enjoy fully.
  3. You don't need to grow up with classical music to appreciate it, but having some exposure helps. Many people discover and love it later in life, and there are many resources available to help you get started.

The Divine Engineer of Ancient Sichuan

Chris Arnade Walks the World • 826 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Chengdu is a city that mixes modern life with traditions. Tourists can find panda-themed items everywhere and the city shows a blend of old and new.
  2. Li Bing is a significant figure in Chinese history for his engineering skills. He developed an ancient irrigation system that helped people manage floods and improve farming.
  3. Chinese heroes are often celebrated for serving the people rather than just fighting battles. Figures like Li Bing show how public service and engineering are valued in their culture.

The Way You Do the Things You Do

Wordloaf • 609 implied HN points • 22 Feb 23
🍲 Food & Drink Tradition
  1. Efficiency is important in baking for both home bakers and professionals.
  2. Tactile feedback can be a valuable reason for choosing certain baking methods over others.
  3. Finding joy in the baking process is a valid reason to choose specific techniques.

Friday Bread Basket 9/22/23

Wordloaf • 511 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
🍲 Food & Drink Tradition
  1. The Armenians in Artsakh are under military siege, facing genocide and starvation.
  2. Azerbaijan is blocking humanitarian aid and conducting war crimes in Artsakh.
  3. The traditional herb-stuffed flatbread from Artsakh called jingalov hats may be forever linked to sadness and grief.

Warp & Weft

Austin Kleon • 1718 implied HN points • 06 Sep 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Tradition
  1. Weaving has two main threads: the warp, which is the tense thread on the loom, and the weft, which moves over and under it. This can symbolize how we create things from both old ideas and new ones.
  2. The concept of warp and weft is often used in writing and art to describe how we all borrow from traditions and influences. Nothing is completely original because we all build on what came before us.
  3. Anni Albers' work connects weaving to creative expression, showing how different materials can inspire and shape our artistic processes. Learning about materials can open up new creative possibilities.

Essay Club: In Praise of the Gods by Simon Sarris

Mind & Mythos • 159 implied HN points • 23 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. We rely too much on rational thinking and it makes us feel disconnected from the world. This over-focus on logic can take away our ability to feel, experience, and connect.
  2. To regain a sense of wholeness, we should trust our intuition, celebrate the process of learning, and embrace the wonder around us. Engaging with stories, rituals, and experiences can help build a richer understanding of life.
  3. Our experiences and feelings, including gratitude and wonder, are important. They remind us that there is more to life than just logic and reasoning, and that beauty and meaning can be found all around us.

Silken Sweetness: Tofu Fa and Mango Coconut Sago

Vittles • 164 implied HN points • 20 Aug 25
🍲 Food & Drink Tradition
  1. Tofu fa and mango coconut sago are two traditional Hong Kong desserts that can easily be made vegan. They each have unique flavors and textures, making them special.
  2. Tofu fa is made from soya milk and has a silky smooth texture. A modern version can be prepared quickly using agar-agar instead of traditional methods.
  3. Mango coconut sago is a vibrant dessert that features tropical flavors and cheerful ingredients. It's great for celebrations and reflects the diverse food history of Hong Kong.

December 24, 2025

Letters from an American • 34 implied HN points • 25 Dec 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Tradition
  1. Warm holiday wishes are offered to everyone, whether they celebrate or not.
  2. There is gratitude for those who are fortunate this year to have a roof over their heads, food to eat, and loved ones nearby.
  3. There is empathy for people who are struggling and a hopeful reminder that Christmas marks the time when the light starts to return.

A Merry Little Chrismukkah

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 579 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Tradition
  1. For the first time in many years, Hanukkah and Christmas are overlapping, creating a unique celebration called 'Chrismukkah.' This blending shows a connection between Jewish and Christian communities this year.
  2. People from different backgrounds gathered to share their faith and values, highlighting the importance of family and community. The spirit of togetherness felt stronger during challenging times.
  3. The current environment has changed how many view their identities, especially for those who were once in the majority. There's a new awareness of what it feels like to be part of a minority group.

Under the Old Ginkgo

Tech and Tea • 476 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. The ginkgo tree in the backyard, despite being a nuisance with its smelly fruit, holds deep meaning and connection for the family. It represents the changing seasons and has special memories tied to it.
  2. Being 'useless' can actually mean thriving on your own terms. Instead of chasing traditional success, it's okay to embrace your unique path and focus on what really matters to you.
  3. You don’t have to scale and fit into conventional molds. Finding a small, appreciative audience for your personal gifts can be just as fulfilling as chasing big success.

The Heart of Christmas

The Commonplace • 544 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Christmas is more than decorations and gifts; it's about a deeper feeling of gratitude and love.
  2. Songs and celebrations are fun, but they don't capture the true essence of Christmas.
  3. The magic of Christmas lies in quiet moments of hope and connection, especially in the spirit of the holy child's promise.

Can society be perfect?

In My Tribe • 486 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Tradition
  1. Perfectionists believe society can be made perfect by following what they think are the right ideas. They think mistakes can be corrected easily.
  2. Anti-perfectionists believe that trying to perfect society often fails because of human flaws. They think it's okay for people to make mistakes and learn from them.
  3. Conservatives value traditions and experiences as important knowledge, while perfectionists sometimes discard traditions when they think they've found something better.

What books define America for you?

Men Yell at Me • 142 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Books can shape our understanding of a country, and everyone's list of what defines America is different.
  2. Attending events like rallies can inspire new ideas and research for writing, revealing societal issues like masculinity crises.
  3. There's a feeling that people worry about not having enough, even when there is plenty available, reflecting a deeper anxiety in society.

Date stamps

Austin Kleon • 1578 implied HN points • 09 Nov 21
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Date stamps are still useful in many jobs today, even if they seem old-fashioned. You can find them easily at office supply stores.
  2. Kids enjoy using date stamps on their drawings. It's a fun way to encourage them to write or keep track of their work.
  3. If you get a date stamp that's running out of years, you can sometimes fix it. Cutting off some numbers with a knife can help you get more use out of it.

Welcoming the stranger

Wrong Side of History • 346 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  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.

Fertility Links, 2/6/2025

In My Tribe • 273 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Women tend to prefer taller men, which has influenced men's height and weight growth over time.
  2. Pro-natal arguments focus on why society should encourage having children, with the belief that being a grandparent can bring joy and reduce loneliness in old age.
  3. Religious rituals historically supported family and community bonding, so new secular celebrations could help promote marriage and childbirth today.

Barangay stories: the Aswang and the jealous auntie

Wyclif's Dust • 268 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. The Aswang is a local Filipino monster that can scare children into behaving. It is said to look like a human, which makes it even creepier.
  2. Beliefs like the Aswang play a big role in Filipino culture and storytelling, blending fear with community wisdom.
  3. The story of the jealous auntie highlights struggles with mental health and relationships, showing how jealousy can strain even the closest ties.

Music in a Barn

The Analog Family • 139 implied HN points • 13 Dec 23
🎶 Music Tradition
  1. Performing Handel's 'Messiah' in a barn creates a unique and memorable experience. The mix of classical music with the sounds of animals adds a fun twist to the concert.
  2. The Christkindl Market features traditional German holiday foods and crafts, making it a charming place for families to enjoy Christmas together. It's a community-focused event that feels authentic and uncommercialized.
  3. Despite the chilly conditions and rustic setting, the atmosphere of the barn concert is magical. The audience leaves feeling uplifted and connected to the holiday spirit.

You Can’t Go Wrong With Delia

Vittles • 282 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🍲 Food & Drink Tradition
  1. Delia Smith's recipes are a reliable choice for traditional Christmas dinners. Many people rely on her approach to make sure their meals turn out well.
  2. Celebrating Christmas can involve a mix of personal traditions and modern adjustments. It's important to adapt holiday meals to fit family and cultural backgrounds.
  3. Cooking for Christmas can bring back memories and connect us with our loved ones. It’s often about creating a warm atmosphere, regardless of the methods or ingredients used.

Three Dishes, One Soup

Vittles • 100 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🍲 Food & Drink Tradition
  1. The meal structure of three dishes and one soup is common in Malaysian Chinese homes. It's not just about the food, but also about care and tradition.
  2. Cooking can be simple and doesn't always have to be complicated, especially with a good plan. You can make dishes that take little time and effort while enjoying the process.
  3. Learning to cook is often about experience and feeling rather than following strict recipes. It's good to adjust flavors to your taste and trust your instincts in the kitchen.

Your feet shake the Earth through your skeleton all the way down into the soil, and the worms giggle

Soaring Twenties • 108 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Walking barefoot on grass connects you to nature and feels amazing. It brings joy and a sense of playfulness.
  2. Being outdoors in the summer creates fun memories, like laughing and exploring with friends.
  3. Feeling the Earth beneath your feet makes you feel welcome and alive; it encourages you to enjoy life and adventure.

There And Back Again

Soaring Twenties • 92 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. There are two different realities that people can experience, but they don't overlap and you feel different in each one. It takes time to appreciate how these realities affect your mind and feelings.
  2. In Finland, silence is very calming and the way people interact often doesn't involve much talking. It's a culture where personal space matters a lot and actions can speak louder than words.
  3. Nature in Finland is rich and vibrant, especially in spring and summer. It has a unique beauty that evokes strong emotions and memories for those who have lived there.

The Living Dead

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 760 implied HN points • 05 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Existing cultural and societal norms often struggle to address the complexities of relationships with the deceased.
  2. Social roles and personhood can persist beyond biological death, challenging traditional concepts of personhood.
  3. Advancements in technology, like AI, may reshape how we perceive and interact with the living dead, potentially leading to new legal and social implications.

2/25/23 - Don't make fun of China or Chinese-style parenting based off of limited stereotypes.

Moly’s Substack • 137 implied HN points • 25 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Avoid making fun of China or Chinese-style parenting based on limited stereotypes.
  2. In rural China, land ownership and inheritance differ for men and women, impacting their sense of belonging and security.
  3. Real estate ownership in cities and villages in China have different implications, especially concerning inheritance and rights.

Melek Erdal's İçli köfte two ways (one disrespectful)

Vittles • 182 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🍲 Food & Drink Tradition
  1. İçli köfte is a special dumpling that needs a lot of care and the right techniques to make it delicious. It's usually made in big batches for gatherings rather than just for one meal.
  2. There are different versions of içli köfte across various cultures, but the Kurdish style values having a thin and delicate casing while allowing the filling to shine through.
  3. It's okay to play around with traditional recipes, as culture evolves and can be expressed in new ways. You can make a simpler, 'disrespectful' version of içli köfte while still respecting the culture behind it.

When You're Done with that Condom, Just Throw it Anywhere

Both Are True • 183 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Condoms are often discarded carelessly in places like parking lots. This shows a lack of respect for the environment and the community.
  2. Kids can have misunderstandings about adult behaviors and items, which can create confusion and fear. It's important to explain things clearly to children.
  3. Feeling isolated or rejected during childhood experiences can have a lasting impact on someone. These moments can shape how a person views themselves in social situations.

13 years ago, I accidentally created a chaotic holiday tradition

Men Yell at Me • 192 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. The author originally planned to keep Christmas simple and fun without stressful traditions. They wanted to avoid feeling overwhelmed like their mom did in the past.
  2. They cherish Christmas for its lights, decorations, and family time, remembering their childhood tradition of Christmas Eve pizza.
  3. The author aimed to create enjoyable traditions for their kids, starting with a reusable advent calendar filled with candies to avoid holiday stress.

On Living in the Past

Castalia • 219 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Living in the past can offer a deeper connection to history and heritage. It helps us understand our identity and where we fit in the world.
  2. Many cultures naturally integrate the past into their present. This blending creates a richer experience of life, unlike the strict focus on the 'now' often seen in the West.
  3. Balancing past and present can enrich our lives. Embracing history alongside contemporary experiences can lead to greater happiness and fulfillment.

The Chinese Watch Edition

Why is this interesting? • 180 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Chinese watchmakers are emerging and creating a name for themselves in the watch industry. They are attracting new fans with their unique craftsmanship.
  2. Swiss watches are known for their quality and tradition, while Japanese watches focus on precision. The new Chinese brands are starting to offer a different perspective in this competitive market.
  3. As China develops its watchmaking skills, it raises questions about whether they can compete with established Swiss brands in quality and prestige.

Woolly Dogs of Hood Canal

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 159 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Woolly dogs were special to the Skokomish people and were important symbols of loyalty and family. They had unique features, like tails that curl up.
  2. These dogs became extinct by the late 1800s, but the last known woolly dog, named Mutton, was collected for study and is now part of the Smithsonian's collection.
  3. Researchers are currently studying Mutton's genetics to learn more about these fascinating dogs and their history.