The hottest Tradition Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Philosophy Topics

Start the Week #105

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 10 implied HN points • 08 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. The author is busy and has a lot of reading and writing to do for upcoming deadlines. This means the newsletter schedule might be a bit inconsistent for a while.
  2. The author reflects on male bonding, noting that hugs and emotional displays might not feel genuine and preferring a more traditional style of bonding like joking and shoulder taps.
  3. The author is excited about teaching a writing course soon and has more ideas for lessons than he has time for, which he considers a nice problem to have.

Start the Week #106

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 7 implied HN points • 22 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Debates about 'decolonising' Father Christmas are treated with humour and used tongue-in-cheek to argue for Santa's existence.
  2. The holidays are a mix of enjoyment and relief, with pleasure from lights and gatherings but a strong preference for returning to work; the season can also bring sadness because a family death occurred on December 26.
  3. There is a seasonal push to subscribe with a 70% discount, alongside plans for a paid nonfiction series and writing courses, and an emphasis on a long, consistent writing career and regular updates.

Oh, However Will We "Survive" the Holidays?

American Dreaming • 169 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Many people think the holidays are really stressful and they often talk about needing to 'survive' them. But this view is exaggerated and doesn’t reflect how many people actually feel.
  2. Shopping and preparing for the holidays is easier than ever with modern technology and conveniences. We should appreciate this instead of stressing about it.
  3. Instead of dreading time with family, we should adopt a better perspective. Our complaints about family gatherings are minor compared to real struggles others have faced throughout history.

Ben Suga on Balancing Tradition and Creativity

Chance Operations • 158 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Tradition
  1. Ben Suga found inspiration in the physicality and difficulty of working with clay, similar to his experience as a wrestler in high school.
  2. Through apprenticeships in Japan and America, Ben learned the importance of tradition in ceramics and found creativity within the structured practice.
  3. The firing process in ceramics balances precision and control with chaotic elements like chance, adding an unpredictable yet intriguing aspect to the art.
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Defending Revelation

What Is Called Thinking? • 50 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Tradition
  1. Religion offers a way for people to find meaning and morality, even if they aren't fully rational thinkers. It's not just about science or pure reason; it's about learning and growing through community and traditions.
  2. Philosophers who think reason alone can guide humanity miss that we all need help in understanding ethics and morality. Revelation helps guide us and keeps society connected.
  3. Even if science could come back without religion, the deep insights from revelation are essential for being truly human. It's not just about knowledge; it's about fostering humanity's good qualities.

The Raindance

The Abbey of Misrule • 512 implied HN points • 21 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. The concept of time travel explored in a novel influences the type of people interested in it, showcasing different motivations and expectations.
  2. Reflections on identity and roots highlight the importance of knowing one's origin and history in a rapidly changing world.
  3. Contrasting cultural practices of asking 'what do you do?' versus 'where are you from?' showcase the shift from personal connections to professional identities.

Homeric Redshirts and Iliad 10

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 59 implied HN points • 13 Dec 23
📚 Literature Tradition
  1. The introduction of Dolon in Iliad 10 serves as a strategic element to provide rest and anticipation in the epic, suggesting it is integral to the overall theme and composition.
  2. Dolon's character in Iliad 10 is complex, with his appearance, relationship to wealth, and status as a single son with five sisters all playing significant roles in understanding his role in the story.
  3. Ancient scholars drew connections between Dolon's traits, such as his greed and appearance, to deeper themes like heroism in response to the actions of characters like Achilles, offering insights into how characters are developed in Homeric poetry.

The Struggle for Home

Neckar’s Notes • 105 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Home can be a complicated feeling. It’s not just a place we live but can also be tied to our emotions and memories.
  2. Our experiences shape how we feel about home. While we may feel at peace in some places, other locations can remind us of heavy emotions.
  3. Finding beauty in the imperfections of home can be challenging but important. Sometimes, home means facing difficult truths and still choosing to love it.

Two British events

The Abbey of Misrule • 135 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. There's a two-day conference on 'post-liberalism' in Cambridge on December 13th and 14th. Many interesting speakers will be there.
  2. On December 16th, there's an event in London discussing how the West is influenced by 'pseudo-religion'. It will include debates on various spiritual topics.
  3. Expect more content like essays and stories coming soon, as things will calm down after these events.

Grandfather Story

The Carousel • 84 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. It's important to stand by your beliefs, even when everyone around you disagrees. Taking a brave stance can feel lonely but can also be seen as admirable.
  2. Some charity events may not always do what they intend to and can end up being more harmful than helpful. It's good to question where donations really go.
  3. Family relationships can be complex and filled with expectations. Sometimes, big moments can lead to long-lasting pain and unresolved feelings.

The Case For Astrology

Castalia • 119 implied HN points • 15 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Astrology can feel surprisingly accurate for understanding personalities. People often connect strongly with their zodiac traits, which can help in navigating relationships.
  2. Many cultures have a long history with astrology, showing it's more than just superstition. It's a part of human experience and can offer insights into our lives.
  3. Astrology emphasizes the uniqueness of individuals. It promotes acceptance of different characters and limitations, encouraging us to be true to ourselves rather than trying to fit a single mold.

Grammar as metadata

Telescopic Turnip • 24 implied HN points • 17 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Languages often have gendered grammar, which can seem confusing and random. This happens because assigning genders to objects helps in communication by reducing ambiguity.
  2. As societies evolve, grammar and language can change to reflect new ways of thinking. This includes making language more inclusive for everyone, but that can lead to disagreement and conflict.
  3. Language isn't just about rules; it's a social tool shaped by culture over time. This means that changes in language reflect deeper social attitudes and divisions.

The Healing Power of Temazcal (Sweat Lodge): Q&A with Abuela Gloria Nanantzin Atekokolli

Tripsitter • 39 implied HN points • 25 Nov 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Tradition
  1. Temazcal is a traditional, sacred ritual with physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits practiced widely across the American continent.
  2. The temazcal structure symbolizes the womb of Mother Earth and reconnects individuals to creation, birth, and the universe.
  3. Roles of a temazcal guide are vital, requiring preparation, sensitivity, love, and understanding to provide a safe and meaningful experience for participants.

The Truth of Myths

Polymathic Being • 70 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Myths can hold deep truths and meanings, even if they aren't literally factual. They often reflect universal human experiences and insights.
  2. Understanding myths helps us confront our own flaws and aspirations through archetypes. Stories from different cultures teach us about balancing different aspects of our nature.
  3. Rather than seeking to prove myths as factual, we should appreciate their wisdom. They offer insights that can guide us in our everyday lives, revealing lessons that have been learned over time.

Better than our Fathers!

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 39 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
📚 Literature Tradition
  1. In Homer's epic poetry, rivalry and competition between heroes play a significant role, shaping the narratives and relations between characters.
  2. The comparison between generations in Homer's work challenges the idea of valuing the past over the present, showcasing a dynamic of improvement and advancement.
  3. The Theban epic tradition, though not directly preserved in extant Homer texts, had a significant impact on the Homeric world, contributing to themes of heroism and conflict.

The Life and Death of the Hawker Centre

Vittles • 156 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🍲 Food & Drink Tradition
  1. Hawker culture in Singapore was built on individual craft and diversity but is facing challenges due to modernization and standardization.
  2. Government initiatives are in place to preserve the hawker trade in Singapore, seen as a key part of the social safety net.
  3. While new hawker-inspired businesses have emerged, true hawker culture is deeply rooted in the authentic, independent stalls found in traditional hawker centers.

Woolly dogs

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 179 implied HN points • 05 May 22
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Seattle has a lot of dogs, even more than children according to recent data. In fact, it was ranked the most dog-friendly city.
  2. Coast Salish people had two unique dog types: a larger hunting dog and a woolly dog used for its fur. Unfortunately, both types went extinct by the 1800s.
  3. Dogs were important companions and provided valuable resources like wool for textiles, showing their special role in the lives of the Coast Salish people.

Why are Dakotans Not Like Scandinavians?

Erik Examines • 44 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Culture is shaped more by the society we live in than by our genetic background. People can look similar but behave very differently based on their cultural experiences.
  2. Understanding comes from shared culture and language rather than just appearance. Having common experiences and cultural references can create deeper connections than shared heritage alone.
  3. In America, there's a strong focus on race in discussions about behavior and culture, which can be different from European perspectives that emphasize cultural variety across different countries.

Celebrate Australia Day in Murray Bridge and Tailem Bend

Murray Bridge News • 19 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Australia Day celebrations in Murray Bridge and Tailem Bend include barbecues, awards, and citizenship ceremonies.
  2. Murray Bridge will host a free community breakfast with guest speaker Samela Harris and awards for deserving locals.
  3. Federal MP Tony Pasin encourages Australians to celebrate the nation's success on Australia Day and offers patriotic bumper stickers.

The Lions Tour

Ben’s Blog 🏉 🧠🧑‍💻 • 18 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🎾 Sports Tradition
  1. The Lions Tour is a long-standing tradition in rugby that started in 1888, showcasing matches across countries. It began with a historic journey to Australia and New Zealand.
  2. Personal experiences in rugby can create unforgettable memories, especially moments spent with legendary players. These experiences can shape one's identity and inspire a love for the sport.
  3. Upcoming events and celebrations related to the Lions Tour, like special match events, can foster community engagement and support for local rugby, making the experience enjoyable for everyone.

This Blog Will Last a Lifetime

polymathematics • 39 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Having a lifelong project, like a blog, can be very valuable. It gives you something to work on consistently throughout your life.
  2. Projects that last a long time can be more fulfilling than short-term ones. They allow you to grow and evolve along with your interests.
  3. Writing regularly helps you reflect and share your thoughts, which can be beneficial for personal growth and connection with others.

Royal Disillusionment

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 183 implied HN points • 07 May 23
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. The author reflects on his disdain for the Royals but admits his feelings have softened over time.
  2. The Royal family's recent events, including Prince Harry's behavior, were discussed and critiqued.
  3. The author shares personal anecdotes and connects his changing views on the Royals to similar experiences with other public figures.

Somin on Conformism: A Reply

Bet On It • 85 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Tradition
  1. Conforming to majority intellectual trends on certain issues may be a strategic choice to avoid unnecessary conflicts.
  2. While adhering to certain traditions may hold valuable wisdom, being open to questioning and evolving traditions is important.
  3. Balancing deference to experts with critical thinking is crucial, especially in situations where expert views are likely to be reliable.

Welcome to DOC NYC

Splattern • 19 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Attending film festivals can provide inspiration for new projects, especially when you see how different filmmakers tackle similar issues like climate change and culture.
  2. Protecting indigenous cultures and ways of life is crucial, as modern influences can threaten their traditions and connection to the land.
  3. Wealth is often measured by generosity and community support rather than money, highlighting the importance of sharing and helping one another.

Darts, I love you

The Rectangle • 28 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🎾 Sports Tradition
  1. Darts is more than just a game; it's a popular social activity in places like the UK. People often play darts in pubs and at home, making it an accessible sport for everyone.
  2. Playing darts can be a fun way to relax and clear your mind. It's a great alternative to screen time and helps keep you active.
  3. The history of darts shows how it became a beloved pastime. It evolved from a simple throwing game into a major sport enjoyed by millions.

10% More Social Conservatism

From the New World • 140 implied HN points • 12 May 23
📖 Philosophy Tradition
  1. Social conservatism can lead to happier and more engaged communities.
  2. Enforcing social norms can encourage people to focus on more meaningful activities.
  3. Communicating socially conservative ideas culturally may be more effective than logically.

On Seeking Sufis, Soundscapes, and The Self (Ch. 17)

Ink-uilab • 19 implied HN points • 29 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Tradition
  1. Begin the journey of seeking by immersing yourself in the cultural and spiritual experience of qawwali performances.
  2. Appreciate the deep-rooted traditions and generational ties of qawwali performers, honoring their dedication to the art form.
  3. Understand the profound impact of Sufism on qawwali, where music transcends the auditory to become a spiritual and communal experience.

Crise de foie

Splattern • 19 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Celebrating Tally's birthday included a delicious and rich dinner, making it easy to break food rules. The dinner featured fresh ingredients, and the indulgence left the writer feeling unwell afterward.
  2. Kayla, Tally's mom, expressed her love and care, making the writer feel welcomed and supported. Her kindness and family connection provided emotional comfort.
  3. During the sauna conversations, Tally and Orion discussed the idea of desire and escaping from pain. They recognized that facing and feeling their pain is important for personal growth.

Eurovision Song Contest: A 9-Point Explainer

Ahpocalypse Now • 19 implied HN points • 15 May 23
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. The Eurovision Song Contest is a tradition that has been going on for 67 years.
  2. Eurovision is an extravagant spectacle with unique and grand performances.
  3. Eurovision is a song contest with a mix of normal and extravagant entries, influenced by politics, unity, and complicated scoring systems.

The Battle of Two Realms

Once Upon A News • 19 implied HN points • 21 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. In a land of tradition, matadors valiantly battled bulls in grand arenas.
  2. Lawmakers in another realm aimed to end the tradition for animal welfare reasons.
  3. The clash of values between tradition and empathy highlights the necessity and challenges of change.

The Cult of the Ellipse

Skunk Ledger • 92 implied HN points • 24 Jul 23
📚 Literature Tradition
  1. The Cult of the Ellipse involves rituals and ceremonies passed down through generations.
  2. The Sacrament influences societal norms and moral behavior over fifty-two-year epochs.
  3. Volunteering for the Sacrament is viewed as a mark of moral character and high integrity.

Why I didn't wear a tie

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 6 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Wearing a tie at family events was a tradition, but sometimes it's okay to break from tradition. This year, one person chose not to wear a tie to feel more at ease with everyone else.
  2. A health scare in the family made the decision to skip the tie even more meaningful. It was a reminder of life's unpredictability and the importance of being present.
  3. For special occasions like memorials, respecting the moment can mean changing how we dress. Sometimes, a casual look reflects our true feelings better than formal attire.

Spring hath Sprung

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 79 implied HN points • 02 Apr 21
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. Spring is a time of new growth, like the blooming of camas flowers, which are beautiful but can cause some digestive issues if eaten in large amounts.
  2. Many birds, like black-capped chickadees, are busy building nests, which is an exciting sign of the season's arrival.
  3. Weeds grow quickly in spring, and while they can be seen as a nuisance, they might also play a beneficial role in the ecosystem.

Celebrating Simple Gifts

Who is Robert Malone • 14 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. We often feel disconnected from each other and struggle with feelings of anxiety and emptiness. It's important to reconnect with family, friends, and community to find purpose and meaning in life.
  2. Physical labor and simple tasks can bring a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment. Engaging in work with our hands helps us appreciate the world around us and cultivates peace.
  3. Simple gifts in life are valuable and can help combat negative influences from modern media and society. Focusing on these gifts can lead to a happier, more centered existence.

Thoughts on England and the UK

Logos • 2 HN points • 28 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Tradition
  1. England is a country full of contradictions, showing both pride and insecurity about its past. People often feel embarrassed about their history, yet maintain a sense of superiority in their culture.
  2. Despite being cosmopolitan, many Brits can seem very self-centered, believing their customs are the norm and struggling with language skills. They can be well-traveled but still see themselves as 'foreigners' when abroad.
  3. The UK has a strong spirit of innovation and good qualities like cultural acceptance and record-keeping, but often suffers from bureaucracy and a reluctance to embrace change. This conservatism can physically be seen in the state of infrastructure and public services.

A Zealous Wholeness or a Broken Peace?

Gideon's Substack • 4 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Tradition
  1. The story of Pinchas shows that acts of extreme zeal can have serious consequences. While he is rewarded for stopping a plague, it raises questions about the morality of his violent actions.
  2. The broken letter 'vav' in the word for peace symbolizes that true peace may be complicated by past violence. It suggests that something that seems whole might still have underlying issues.
  3. The text encourages us to reflect on our own intentions. While Pinchas acted with zeal, we need to consider if we would act with the same purity of motive or if our actions could lead to unintended harm.