Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning $8 / month

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning explores the intersections of genetics, history, and culture through diverse topics. It delves into genetic ancestries, the impacts of ancient civilizations, evolutionary science, and the historical roles of empires and migrations in shaping modern humanity and its genetic landscape.

Genetics and Ancestry Evolutionary Science Historical Civilizations and Empires Cultural and Religious Influences Human Migrations and Conquests Genomic Technologies and Discoveries Societal and Civilizational Transitions

The hottest Substack posts of Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning

And their main takeaways

When civilization control-alt-deletes: prehistoric Europe’s false dawn and long reboot

955 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
💾 History Ancient Civilizations Archaeology Cultural History Demographics
  1. History often gets viewed through a lens that says the present is better than the past. Many believe we are moving towards a brighter future, but this ignores how societies have often declined over time.
  2. Civilizations can experience drastic collapses followed by long periods of recovery, like how the Mycenaean Greeks fell into a 'Dark Age' before slowly rebuilding their culture.
  3. Ancient Europeans saw significant demographic changes, and early farmers and foragers were very different from each other. Over time, these distinct groups began to blend, showing how migration and cultural shifts shaped Europe.

Wealth, war and worse: plague’s ubiquity across millennia of human conquest

343 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
💾 History Economic History Human Evolution
  1. Plagues have played a big role in shaping human history, affecting everything from wars to economies. The Black Death, for example, changed Europe's structure and pushed it towards the Renaissance.
  2. Diseases have not only influenced cultures but also human genetics. They have forced our bodies to adapt, showing that sickness can drive evolution.
  3. Just like in the past, new diseases can lead to major shifts in society. When Europeans brought diseases like smallpox to the Americas, it weakened local populations and made them vulnerable to conquest.

RKUL: Time Well Spent 2/2/2025

280 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
📚 Literature Books History Philosophy Science Cultural Studies
  1. Surprises teach us new things that change our understanding. They help us adapt our views of the world when what we expect turns out to be wrong.
  2. History shows that even unlikely places can produce great innovations and thinkers, like Athens and Ramanujan. Talent can arise from the most unexpected backgrounds.
  3. Twists and turns in history, like wars and societal changes, can shape powerful civilizations. Sometimes, survival and adaptability lead to greatness, even against the odds.

We are what we speak: Indo-European phylogenetic and linguistic trees concur

800 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
💾 History Linguistics Genetics Cultural Studies Anthropology
  1. Recent ancient DNA research has greatly advanced our understanding of the origins and evolution of Indo-European languages. This includes finding connections between ancient peoples and the languages we speak today.
  2. Studies reveal that the Yamnaya people from the Pontic steppe played a key role in spreading Indo-European languages across Eurasia. They replaced many indigenous populations, showing a significant impact on the genetics of modern Europeans.
  3. The genetic findings confirm a close relationship between our linguistic history and biological roots. This means the languages we speak can reflect our ancestral heritage.

We were selected: tracing what humans were made for

783 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🔬 Science Genetics Evolution Anthropology
  1. Ancient DNA research has greatly improved our understanding of human evolution. Scientists can now study our genetic history and how humans have adapted over thousands of years.
  2. New techniques allow researchers to see how natural selection has shaped our traits, like skin color and immune response. This gives insight into why certain characteristics are more common in different populations.
  3. The findings show that our physical traits have changed over time due to varying environmental pressures and lifestyles. This helps explain how humans have managed to survive and thrive in diverse habitats.
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The other man: Neanderthal findings test our power of imagination

686 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🔬 Science Genetics Anthropology Paleontology Evolution History
  1. Neanderthals were more diverse than previously thought, similar to modern humans. Recent DNA findings show that they had unique social behaviors and were genetically distinct from their neighbors.
  2. The ancient DNA era has rapidly changed our understanding of human prehistory. Discoveries from ancient genomes have revealed new insights into our ancestors and how they interacted with Neanderthals.
  3. A notable finding is the discovery of a Neanderthal named Thorin, who lived in isolation for thousands of years. This suggests that Neanderthals had unique ways of life that are very different from modern humans.

Science giveth and science taketh away

366 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🔬 Science Evolution Genetics Mathematics Natural History
  1. Science has advanced a lot since Darwin's time, but we often miss the wonder and excitement that comes with these discoveries. It seems like people today are less amazed by scientific progress than they used to be.
  2. Darwin proposed that evolution happens through natural selection, but he didn’t fully explain how traits are passed down. Later scientists combined genetics with evolution to better understand how traits vary across generations.
  3. Today, understanding evolution requires recognizing four main forces: mutation, migration, selection, and drift. These forces shape the genetic diversity that fuels evolution.

RKUL: Time Well Spent 1/1/2025

211 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
📚 Literature Books Authors Criticism Ideas Theory
  1. Books that challenge the norm can change how we think. Authors who present radical ideas might be dismissed but can spark new creativity.
  2. Parents often believe their choices greatly affect their children's outcomes, but many outcomes are influenced more by genetics and chance than parenting styles.
  3. Science evolves as new discoveries are made. Historical theories can be amazing, but modern techniques allow us to understand life in greater detail than ever before.

"But then I realized horses are just men-extenders"

394 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
💾 History Civilization Technology Culture Evolution Military
  1. Horses played a key role in advancing human civilization by providing a new source of power for farming, transport, and warfare. They helped people accomplish tasks more efficiently and laid the groundwork for modern advancements.
  2. The relationship between humans and horses lasted for thousands of years and influenced societal structures, including the development of patriarchal societies. As horses were integrated into daily life, they changed the nature of work for men and women differently.
  3. Even though technology has replaced horses in many ways, their historical importance is profound. They were our first major means of boosting productivity and transforming the way humans lived and worked.

A language family of one, a land beyond conquest

657 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
💾 History Genetics Language Europe Anthropology
  1. The Basque language, Euskara, is unique as it is the only surviving indigenous non-Indo-European language in Europe. This makes it a fascinating subject of study, as it has no known relatives.
  2. Basques have a distinct genetic profile, with a high frequency of RH-negative blood type. This unusual trait contributes to theories about their origins and historical isolation in Europe.
  3. Recent genetic research suggests that the Basques may not be the oldest inhabitants of Europe as previously thought, but instead, they are descended from human populations that lived before the introduction of agriculture.

RKUL: Time Well Spent 12/12/2024

251 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Political Philosophy Eastern philosophy Philosophy of science
  1. Your time is limited, so it's important to spend it wisely instead of wasting it on distractions like social media.
  2. Philosophy can mean different things to different people, from self-help to deep religious texts, but it encourages reflection and understanding.
  3. Many great philosophers, like Socrates and Confucius, aimed to explore fundamental truths and offer insights that still resonate today.

Graphic Content & Cyber Monday: the year’s deepest discount

274 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🔬 Science Genetics Population History Anthropology Evolution
  1. Cyber Monday is a great opportunity to get a good deal on subscriptions, like locking in an annual rate of $50.
  2. Population trends show that regions like South Asia and Africa will have significant growth, changing global dynamics in the coming decades.
  3. Ancient DNA research is revealing new insights about human evolution and genetics, showing how our ancestors adapted to challenges over time.

Africa’s exception to every rule: Ethiopian genetics, sovereignty and religion

572 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
💾 History Civilizations Genetics Colonialism Cultural Studies
  1. Ethiopia is unique in Africa due to its rich history, diverse cultures, and genetic diversity. It has a mix of influences from both Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East.
  2. The country's geographical features, like its highlands, have helped preserve its independence and distinct cultural identity over centuries. This has made Ethiopia a symbol of resistance against colonialism.
  3. Ethiopian genetic studies show a complex ancestry that includes both African and Eurasian elements. This makes Ethiopians distinct from other populations, emphasizing their unique place in human history.

War and Peace: horse power, progress and prosperity

240 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
💾 History Military History Cultural History Economic History Political History Social history
  1. Horses played a key role in the success of the Mongolian invasions. Genghis Khan's ability to quickly mobilize large numbers of horses allowed him to surprise and defeat his enemies.
  2. The Mongol strategy relied on their horses for speed and endurance, which made long-distance raids and rapid attacks possible. This mobility changed how wars were fought.
  3. Horseback riding also enabled nomadic societies to effectively gather and transport resources needed for war. It gave them an advantage over foot soldiers in battles.

RKUL: Time Well Spent 11/11/2024

194 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
📚 Literature Books History Culture Writing Publishing
  1. Horses have played a huge role in human history, helping with farming and trade. They allowed people to transport more goods and develop agriculture more efficiently.
  2. Dogs and cats have different roles in our lives. While dogs have been our working partners for thousands of years, cats are more companions that bring us joy.
  3. Many of today's educated elites don't understand the views of the majority. This disconnect can lead to problems in a democratic society, as it might affect how political systems work.

The longer I live, the wronger I get to be

674 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🔬 Science Genetics Evolution Data Analysis
  1. In the field of human population genetics, interesting times can lead to significant advancements and significant shifts in understanding.
  2. The concept of intelligence as influenced by single 'IQ genes' has been refuted in favor of the understanding that intelligence involves thousands of genes with small effects.
  3. Historical inaccuracies regarding the ancestry of European Jews, the dynamics of human evolution out of Africa, and the role of natural selection in human evolution have been corrected with new scientific discoveries and insights.

Beyond the Pale: Irish cultural uniqueness past Rome's reach

463 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
💾 History Europe Genetics
  1. Irish cultural uniqueness is deeply rooted in their historical resistance to aligning with Roman norms, particularly in the realm of religion and organization.
  2. The genetic analysis shows that the Irish share close genetic ties with the British populations, highlighting their shared ancestry and debunking the notion of a significant genetic difference between them.
  3. The distinctiveness of Irish culture, including practices like polygyny, and their gradual integration of Christianity at their own pace, sets them apart in the European context.

Hans, are we…. the admixed ones?

446 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🔬 Science Genetics Population Ancestry History
  1. There is a lack of definitive research on the genetic history of Germany compared to other European countries like Britain or Estonia.
  2. Germany's past with race science, notable figures like Hans Günther, and the overshadowing of the Nazi era, has impacted the nation's exploration of human population genetics.
  3. Historical migrations, such as those of Corded Ware populations, have contributed significantly to the genetic makeup of Northern Europe, with influences from Neolithic farming populations.

When Slavs Rush in: the Fall of the Latin Balkans

417 implied HN points • 23 Dec 23
💾 History
  1. The Balkans were predominantly Latin-speaking during the Roman Empire's rule, with a significant influence from Illyrian Emperors.
  2. The fall of Latin Balkan civilization led to the rise of the Slavs, who absorbed the former Roman inhabitants.
  3. The barbarian Slavs, known for their primitive lifestyle, played a significant role in the transition from the ancient to the medieval world in the Balkans.

Shaka Zulu: The Last of the God-Kings

566 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
💾 History Leadership Ethnography Colonialism
  1. Humanity's transition from foragers to farmers and the formation of mass societies is a recent development in our long history.
  2. Most humans today descend from the group that migrated out of Africa in the last 60,000 years and transitioned from foraging to farming.
  3. The story of Shaka Zulu exemplifies the violent and inevitable transition of humanity from foragers to warlike farmers, leading to the formation of mass societies.

Genghis Khan: they don’t make stars like they used to

429 implied HN points • 27 Nov 23
💾 History Genetics
  1. In 2003, research revealed that a significant number of men worldwide are direct descendants of Genghis Khan, showing how a single lineage can rapidly expand across generations.
  2. The genetic legacy of powerful individuals like Genghis Khan can have a lasting impact on populations through prolific breeding and intermarriages.
  3. Studies on Y-chromosomal lineages, like those associated with Genghis Khan, indicate social selection through behaviors like conquest and harem-building driving the sudden expansion of specific genetic lineages.

Current status: it’s complicated

789 implied HN points • 27 May 23
🔬 Science Evolution Genetics
  1. Human evolutionary science has shifted from complex models to explain the intricacies of our origins.
  2. Advances in genetics, DNA analysis, and paleoanthropology have revolutionized our understanding of human evolution.
  3. The concept of a single, simple origin of modern humans from Africa has evolved into a more complex and rich tapestry of multiple populations and dynamics.

The two Indo-European revolutions and Germania’s rise

274 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
💾 History Ancient Civilizations Genetics Archaeology
  1. The rise and fall of different cultures in pre-Roman Germany was influenced by successive trends in artifacts and genetics, highlighting a transition from Bronze Age patriarchies to new ruling elites.
  2. The Beaker revolution in Central Europe saw the replacement of Corded Ware male lineages dominated by R1a with a rise in the R1b haplogroup, indicating a shift in ruling elite and population dynamics.
  3. The Beaker people's expansion from western Germany led to genetic subsuming of previous populations in Britain and Ireland, contributing to the formation of proto-Germanic tribes in antiquity.

Our explosive past: on cataclysms and demographics

623 implied HN points • 06 Jul 23
🔬 Science Genomics Evolution
  1. 74,000 years ago, a volcano eruption at Lake Toba in Indonesia had significant global impact.
  2. Genetic studies show interbreeding between Neanderthals, Denisovans, and modern humans.
  3. Modern non-Africans share common ancestry from a small isolated group that expanded out of Africa around 40-45,000 years ago.

Time Well Spent - 2/2/2024

205 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
📚 Literature Books Authors Themes Data Discussion
  1. Parents can now screen embryos for conditions using whole genome sequencing during IVF.
  2. Interest rates in the US are at a peak, which could signal a future recession.
  3. Reading books on finance and economics can provide insights into past financial crises and market behavior.

RKUL: Time Well Spent 03/03/2024

171 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🔬 Science Evolutionary biology Genetics Anthropology Ancient History Podcasts
  1. Parents can now screen embryos during IVF using whole genome sequencing to check for hundreds of conditions, keeping families safe.
  2. The presence of maternal grandmothers has been linked to higher survivorship among grandchildren, showing the evolutionary importance of menopause.
  3. Research on ancient DNA and AI may offer valuable insights into human history, potentially surpassing the impact of ancient DNA studies.

You’re so Turk and you don’t even know it

446 implied HN points • 24 Jun 23
💾 History Empires Influence Civilizations Culture
  1. The Turks had a unique approach to conquest, assimilating the cultures of those they conquered instead of destroying them.
  2. Turkic influence spanned over 1,500 years across vast territories, impacting cultures from Europe to China.
  3. Turks played a significant role in shaping Eurasian culture, spread Islam, and extended civilization rather than causing decline.