Culture

We characterise our ideal 'Substacker' in affectionate terms – we call them outsider nerds – they're outsiders insofar as they don't fit comfortably in the dominant media structure for whatever reason – perhaps they feel they can do better work outside of it They're nerds insofar as they're especially knowledgeable or passionate about a particular subject area.

Twitter, Facebook and Instagram were play attention games – they reward creators with 'status points,' likes, retweets and quote tweets for example. Those rewards come to those who are best at monopolising attention… that's not the same thing as telling the truth or acting in good faith. The things that get rewarded in those systems are things that provoke, divide and drive outrage – so we end up with a broken media economy that drives us all crazy and doesn't represent the best version of ourselves.

The essence of this connection lies in an enduring quest to effect positive change in the world. The judgement criteria revolve around whether the individual endeavored to make the world a better place. This book holds the key to one of the universe's greatest mysteries: the deciding factors for entry into heaven.

Co-Founder of Saatchi & Saatchi Advertising Agency

I'd argue it's easier now than ever, given the world's increasing openness to varied perspectives. Society's acceptance of homosexuality was a significant milestone, and now we're witnessing similar progress concerning gender issues. I perceive these shifts as testament to the world's growing receptivity to new ideas.

Co-Founder of Saatchi & Saatchi Advertising Agency

We took bold risks with unconventional styles and vibrant hues, but the crux of the matter remained that our marketing image always resonated with a particular sense of cool. It created this compelling narrative: if you owned a pair of UGG boots, you were undoubtedly cool.

Don't base one's identity on their opinions. This can be a perilous path because it makes it challenging to change one's mind. Instead, it's preferable to root one's identity in their values and character. In a world that's rapidly evolving, it's essential to anchor ourselves to elements that are stable - our values and character, the principles we uphold.

Founding Executive Editor of Wired Magazine & Technology Thinker

Many of the pioneer influencers were not intent on carving a career path or generating income through their online activities. They were merely portraying their everyday lives on the digital platform, and managed to stumble upon their niche one way or another.

For too long, Instagram influencers were dismissed as inconsequential, with their power and influence being underestimated. Without a doubt, even when an influencer is reaching out to a million followers about fashion, they are still communicating with a million people. That's a staggering degree of influence.

Science, akin to art, music, and literature, reshapes our perspectives, offering new insights into ourselves and our surrounding universe. This transformative aspect is what makes science as thrilling as any other facet of human culture.

Theoretical Physicist & Public Advocate for Science and Atheism

Our approach is this: diversity is an invitation to the party, inclusion means being asked to dance, and belonging implies having the chance to choose a song on the playlist. This metaphor speaks to making a difference and feeling truly part of something.

As we scaled up and prepared to go public, we realized that 'learning by doing' wouldn't always cut it. We needed to bring in individuals with expertise and experience, those who had 'been there, done that.' While we are immensely proud of starting out in Chennai, our aspiration has always been to establish a global presence.

Founder and CEO of Freshworks, cloud-based software company

The general body of research suggests a moderate positive correlation between religiosity and happiness. Religion provides a sense of community and cohesion within an in-group. It draws clear lines between in-group members, with whom I can engage in cooperative behaviour and reciprocal exchanges, and out-group members. Religion also offers purpose and meaning through a supernatural narrative.

Evolutionary Psychologist & Author Known for Consumer Behavior Research

There is an old saying in martial arts… blood and honour. In battle, you battle, but afterwards there's respect. You're giving everything in that place- you've done everything you can apart from dying, and you've shared that with this other individual. You shared blood, tears, sweat and competition. It's the height of challenge- and once that challenge is over, the better man or woman wins in that moment – and so the opponents have nothing but respect for each other.

UFC and Pride Fighting Championships Announcer

I have always believed in the principle that what comes easily can leave just as easily. Instead of merely 'buying' talent, which could later be 'bought' by another company, it is more impactful to create opportunities for potential talent. We need to see talent in more humanistic terms.

Founder and CEO of Zoho Corporation, cloud computing company

It often feels like there's an expectation for women to silently bear their burdens, as if we're accustomed to a culture of 'endure and stay silent'. Unfortunately, we've become so adept at concealing our problems that we often brush aside reproductive and women's health issues. This feels like the last remaining taboo.

British TV presenter, singer, and classical musician from Pop Idol

Fear isn't just a neurophysiological phenomenon; it's also socio-cultural. We're enculturated to fear; it's something that we inherit, acquire, and learn – which implies that there is possibility of 'unlearning' our fear.