The hottest Biography Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top History Topics

READING: John Maynard Keynes on Isaac Newton

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality ā€¢ 338 implied HN points ā€¢ 03 Jan 26
šŸ’¾ History Biography
  1. He was a towering scientific genius who solved deep problems by long, intense intuition and mental concentration, then later put those insights into formal proofs and experiments.
  2. At the same time he was the "last of the magicians": privately devoted to alchemy, apocalyptic biblical study, and antiā€‘Trinitarian theology, much of which he kept hidden.
  3. His life ran in three phasesā€”an obsessive, solitary Cambridge period of discovery; a nervous breakdown that ended his creative peak; and a later London career as a celebrated but less productive public figure.

READING: Judith Shklar as Proto-Feminist in the 1950s

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality ā€¢ 123 implied HN points ā€¢ 03 Feb 26
šŸ’¾ History Biography
  1. In elite academic settings, informal social policingā€”like faculty wives' sewing circles and gossipā€”pressures women to prioritize husbands and children and enforces hierarchies through malice and envy.
  2. Some progressive mentors and male allies promoted fairness and merit, which opened professional doors, but visible success still invited invasive gossip and resentment.
  3. Personal choices, spousal influence, and institutional opportunities combined to steer women into academic careers while they tried to balance family and intellectual ambitions.

Swindling Geologist 2 (Pt 2 of 2)

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind ā€¢ 319 implied HN points ā€¢ 25 Jul 24
šŸ’¾ History Biography
  1. A swindler pretended to be a geologist to steal valuable books and fossils. He was caught and went to jail but continued his con artist ways after being released.
  2. The swindler used different names and identities to deceive people and even stole microscopes from a university. His actions led to long prison sentences, but he kept going back to his old ways afterward.
  3. The success of these con artists was partly due to the trust placed in them by local naturalists and scientists. They were often seen as experts, which made their scams easier to pull off.

"Were I a writer, and dead..."

Fiveā€™s Substack ā€¢ 219 implied HN points ā€¢ 08 Aug 24
šŸ“š Literature Biography
  1. The idea of the 'death of the author' suggests that the author's intentions shouldn't dictate how we understand their work. Instead, we should focus on the text itself and what it communicates.
  2. Experiencing literary theory can be overwhelming and exciting, especially for students. It often opens the door to new questions and perspectives that challenge previous understanding.
  3. Roland Barthes encourages readers to think about the little details in life. Even small aspects, like a mark on someone's shoe, can carry deeper meanings and connections.

My Top 10 Books From 2023

The Pomp Letter ā€¢ 3776 implied HN points ā€¢ 27 Dec 23
šŸ“š Literature Biography
  1. Reading is a valuable way to learn and gain fresh ideas across different topics.
  2. Books recommended by successful individuals can provide insights and lessons applicable to personal and professional growth.
  3. Investing time in reading can be rewarding and essential for personal development and career advancement.
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Kurt Cobain's Spiral Notebooks

Noted ā€¢ 5051 implied HN points ā€¢ 17 Apr 23
šŸŽØ Art & Illustration Biography
  1. Kurt Cobain left behind spiral notebooks with personal thoughts and writings.
  2. Jillian Hess's newsletter, Noted, was featured on Substack Reads and gained new subscribers.
  3. Readers can access more content by subscribing to Noted with a 7-day free trial.

America at 250: The Prophet of Air Power

Common Sense with Bari Weiss ā€¢ 398 implied HN points ā€¢ 17 Dec 25
šŸ’¾ History Biography
  1. He warned the U.S. was unprepared for future wars in the air and argued the countryā€™s industry couldnā€™t keep pace, saying that would leave America at a foreign powerā€™s mercy.
  2. In 1925 he was court-martialed and convicted of insubordination, a judgment that all but ended his military career even though he is now remembered as the father of the U.S. Air Force.
  3. His advocacy inspired an almost religious following, and his warnings feel prescient today as modern drone and air warfare revive the same questions about Americaā€™s readiness.

A Snapshot from the Fall of the Roman Republic: Cicero Wrote as Caesar Crossed the Rubicon

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality ā€¢ 199 implied HN points ā€¢ 12 Jan 26
šŸ’¾ History Biography
  1. A senior Roman politician was surprised by how quickly civil war erupted, showing that even insiders misread how fragile the political order had become.
  2. Many believed the Pompeyā€“senatorial coalition was still organized and energetic, so they expected it could hold off Caesar.
  3. People thought a negotiated cure was possible, but partisan passions and failures of coordination on both sides blocked compromise and let Caesar gain the advantage.

My heart almost stood still

Letters of Note ā€¢ 2220 implied HN points ā€¢ 02 Feb 24
šŸŽØ Art & Illustration Biography
  1. Helen Keller expressed gratitude to the New York Symphony Orchestra for the joy of 'hearing' Beethoven's Ninth Symphony through touch
  2. Keller described feeling vibrations and rhythms from different instruments, recognizing voices, and being enraptured by the music
  3. The letter showcases Keller's deep appreciation for music and the beauty and majesty she perceived through touch

Millay

David Friedmanā€™s Substack ā€¢ 179 implied HN points ā€¢ 19 Jan 26
šŸ“š Literature Biography
  1. Her poems often speak directly to lovers and are strikingly candid about desire, flirtation, and shifting loyalties.
  2. She argues that love matters deeply but is not enough to meet basic physical needs or save someone from suffering.
  3. She combines tight poetic forms and wit with intellectual themes, celebrating beauty in almost mathematical terms and defiantly refusing to yield to death.

Things Worth Remembering: How Warriors Prepare

Common Sense with Bari Weiss ā€¢ 2216 implied HN points ā€¢ 22 Jun 25
šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø U.S. Politics Biography
  1. Good leaders often prepare by learning from history. They read about past battles and military strategies to equip themselves for future challenges.
  2. George Washington was unsure of his abilities but accepted leadership, showing that self-study can help build confidence and skills.
  3. The U.S. Army values learning from past experiences, emphasizing that preparation can save lives in real situations.

ā€˜The Old Man and the Sea has the EMPTIEST sea in all of LITERATUREā€™

The Common Reader ā€¢ 1382 implied HN points ā€¢ 17 Jul 25
šŸ“š Literature Biography
  1. Gertrude Stein had strong opinions about literature, claiming that 'The Old Man and the Sea' had the emptiest sea in all of literature. This shows how personal and passionate literary critiques can be.
  2. Stein was originally a lifelong Republican but briefly wavered during college. She compared Roosevelt's politics to those of fascist leaders, reflecting her unique and critical view of government.
  3. The book on Stein provides a deep dive into her life, including her relationships and quirks, making it an engaging read for anyone interested in cultural history, regardless of their views on modernism.

Todd Rundgren as a songwriter and performer: The Creator Series #3

Rock 'n' Roll with Me ā€¢ 219 implied HN points ā€¢ 14 Jul 24
šŸŽ¶ Music Biography
  1. Todd Rundgren's early exposure to music shaped his career as a songwriter and performer. He found inspiration at a young age, often experimenting with different instruments and sounds.
  2. His journey through various bands, like The Nazz, showed his evolution as a musician and leader. He faced challenges in managing relationships within the band, especially when artistic differences arose.
  3. Rundgren's creative process includes a strong DIY attitude, blending his musical skills with innovation. He emphasized the importance of playing live and getting experiences over waiting for big opportunities.

Americans to Celebrate: The Prophet of the Atomic Age

Common Sense with Bari Weiss ā€¢ 338 implied HN points ā€¢ 24 Nov 25
šŸ’¾ History Biography
  1. John von Neumann was an extraordinarily brilliant Hungarian-born mathematician who invented game theory and helped shape Americaā€™s nuclear strategy.
  2. He warned that the technologies he helped create could threaten humanity and thought we were entering a rapidly maturing crisis.
  3. In the 1950s he predicted that military advances, early signs of global warming, and growing resource demands would make the coming decades dangerously unstable.

How Miles Davis Hired John Coltrane

The Honest Broker ā€¢ 8710 implied HN points ā€¢ 11 Mar 24
šŸŽ¶ Music Biography
  1. Miles Davis hired John Coltrane out of necessity, as his band needed a saxophonist for an upcoming tour.
  2. John Coltrane's musical talent and knowledge of Miles Davis's repertoire impressed during tryouts, leading to his eventual hiring.
  3. Their initial interactions were characterized by Miles Davis's aloofness and Coltrane's uncertainty, but despite difficulties, Coltrane eventually joined Davis's band.

How I learned to love literary criticism.

The Common Reader ā€¢ 3154 implied HN points ā€¢ 12 Dec 24
šŸ“š Literature Biography
  1. Literary criticism can be valuable for helping readers understand deeper meanings in texts. It can guide readers to appreciate literature beyond just their personal thoughts.
  2. Reading secondary literature can enrich your understanding of authors and their works. Many great critics highlight unnoticed details that make reading more enjoyable.
  3. Critics who focus on the structure and style of writing can improve our reading skills. They help us notice important aspects of a text that we might otherwise miss.

February 14, 2026

Letters from an American ā€¢ 32 implied HN points ā€¢ 15 Feb 26
šŸ’¾ History Biography
  1. On February 14, 1884 he lost both his wife and his mother within hours and marked the day with a heavy black X in his diary.
  2. Both deaths were tied to diseases caused by city filth and crowdingā€”like typhoid and infectionsā€”showing how poor sanitation and crowded tenements endangered people's lives.
  3. Devastated, he went to a Dakota ranch and remade himself as a rugged cowboy, gaining new political credibility. He then returned to politics, rose to the presidency, and pushed urban sanitation and labor reforms as part of the Progressive agenda.

The Miracle Man of Suez

Kvetch ā€¢ 43 implied HN points ā€¢ 07 Feb 26
šŸ’¾ History Biography
  1. A single leader's stubborn, relentless will can push an audacious engineering project past political and technical barriers.
  2. Monumental success required new machines, massive labor, and clever engineering, but it came at a terrible human cost and nearly bankrupted local authorities.
  3. Selling shares to thousands of small investors can raise huge sums and build public support. But relying on that and on personal confidence while downplaying engineering and financial risks can lead to ruin.

"Oliver Heaviside. An Appreciation : The Personal Equation : The Work of a Genius Elucidated"

Fields & Energy ā€¢ 279 implied HN points ā€¢ 10 Jun 24
šŸ”¬ Science Biography
  1. Oliver Heaviside was a genius who contributed greatly to electrical science but was often misunderstood and neglected during his life. His work wasn't acknowledged until long after he had passed away.
  2. Heaviside developed important theories on cable signaling and electromagnetic waves, introducing many key terms that are still used today. His insights helped improve how signals could be transmitted over long distances, which was crucial for communication.
  3. Despite his brilliance, Heaviside lived a reclusive life and struggled financially. He preferred to work alone and only began to receive recognition later in life, which made him a complex figure in the world of science.

The Dead Admonish Us

Unpopular Front ā€¢ 46 implied HN points ā€¢ 27 Jan 26
šŸ’¾ History Biography
  1. A relative joined an antiā€‘Nazi resistance, was arrested and deported to Auschwitz, and his death stands as a form of martyrdom that demands remembrance.
  2. The phrase "The Dead Admonish" connects political memorial traditions to the moral duty to remember and learn from the past.
  3. Returning to the city and visiting the Jewish cemetery on Yom Kippur felt uncanny, like walking among ghosts, and that loneliness echoed the idea that the Day of Atonement brings a profound solitude that can also feel intimately spiritual.

In search of America

Austin Kleon ā€¢ 2437 implied HN points ā€¢ 04 Jul 23
šŸ“š Literature Biography
  1. Steinbeck felt out of touch with America after living abroad and wanted to reconnect by traveling. He had a strong urge to explore and escape the feelings of aging.
  2. He named his camper truck 'Rocinante' after the horse of Don Quixote, highlighting his adventurous spirit. The unique name also sparked curiosity during his travels.
  3. The book captures the essence of wanderlust and the desire to discover one's own country, reflecting on how age doesnā€™t diminish the yearning for adventure.

Declaration of an Independent

MILLERā€™S BOOK REVIEW šŸ“š ā€¢ 963 implied HN points ā€¢ 14 Jan 24
šŸ“š Literature Biography
  1. Benjamin Franklin was a self-taught writer who used creative exercises to improve his style and vocabulary.
  2. Franklin's independence and determination are evident in his self-made man mentality and unique approach to life.
  3. His commitment to self-improvement, public service, and scientific innovation showcase his individualism and contribution to society.

Boswell as Lydia Davis?

The Common Reader ā€¢ 921 implied HN points ā€¢ 19 Jun 25
šŸ“š Literature Biography
  1. Goldsmith wanted to impress everyone at the table but kept getting interrupted, which made him feel frustrated. It's relatable to feel that way in a group setting.
  2. The writing captures strong emotions and social dynamics, making it feel more like a story than just a recounting of events. This shows how powerful storytelling can be in non-fiction.
  3. A small moment from history can offer deep insights into people's feelings and behaviors. Itā€™s interesting how this can resemble the style of modern writers like Lydia Davis.

Lessons from The Years of Lyndon Johnson by Robert Caro

Dwarkesh Patel ā€¢ 1592 implied HN points ā€¢ 03 May 23
šŸ“š Literature Biography
  1. To succeed, go beyond the norm and do everything necessary with intensity and attention to detail.
  2. Ambition can lead to unexpected alliances and outcomes as seen in the political career of Lyndon Johnson.
  3. Understanding and reading people is key in wielding power and influence, as exemplified by Johnson's ability to empathize and manipulate for his goals.

100

Points And Figures ā€¢ 852 implied HN points ā€¢ 22 Jun 25
šŸŽ­ļø Culture Biography
  1. Relentless optimism can lead to a long and happy life, as seen in the example of a World War II veteran. Staying positive helps you enjoy life more, even during tough times.
  2. The impact you make in life is often more important than personal accomplishments, like wealth. Being generous and giving to others leaves a lasting legacy.
  3. Learning from others can shape your own outlook on life. Surrounding yourself with positive people can inspire you to be better and find joy.

Rob Reiner: Between laughter and tears

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky ā€¢ 112 implied HN points ā€¢ 22 Dec 25
šŸŽ­ļø Culture Biography
  1. Great stories mix laughter and tears so they feel like real life, and giving audiences moments of humor provides needed release.
  2. Personal pain and family dynamics can be turned into creative work, and finding your own pathā€”especially in the shadow of a famous parentā€”is a hard but meaningful journey.
  3. A beloved film can become part of peopleā€™s lives across generations, inspiring names, tattoos, and new fans who keep its legacy alive.

best books of the year

ChinaTalk ā€¢ 563 implied HN points ā€¢ 17 Jul 25
šŸ“š Literature Biography
  1. Samizdat was a powerful tool for readers in the Soviet era, allowing them to access forbidden texts and creating a sense of community among those who shared them. It transformed how people read, turning reading into an act of rebellion.
  2. The life and teachings of Menachem M. Schneerson, a significant rabbi, show how personal connections and understanding can profoundly impact people's lives. His ability to listen and respond quickly to people's struggles made them feel valued and supported.
  3. Books about military history, like those on the Eastern Front during WWII, reveal the human experiences behind the strategies and battles. They highlight the vast sacrifices made and the often grim realities of war.

Book Review: 22 Cells In Nuremberg A Psychiatrist Examines the Nazi Criminals

Who is Robert Malone ā€¢ 12 implied HN points ā€¢ 23 Feb 26
šŸ’¾ History Biography
  1. Ordinary people with ambition, weak morals, and a willingness to exploit fear can commit mass crimes when conditions let them; atrocities donā€™t require monstrous psychopathy.
  2. Authoritarian politics work by stirring emotion, manufacturing enemies, and shutting down critical thought, and those tactics can appear in any democracy, especially during crises.
  3. Preventing authoritarianism depends on strong civic habits: broad voting access and participation, resisting divisive demagogues, robust institutions, and education that promotes critical thinking.

Enter the archive of a Steely Dan biographer

Expanding Dan ā€¢ 687 implied HN points ā€¢ 10 Jan 24
šŸŽ¶ Music Biography
  1. Brian Sweet faced obstacles but persevered to create the essential Steely Dan biography 'Reelin' in the Years'.
  2. Sweet's dedication led him to conduct numerous interviews with key figures in Steely Dan's world.
  3. Steve Dan's influence continues to grow, attracting newer generations to their music and legacy.

Miles Davis

Flow State ā€¢ 569 implied HN points ā€¢ 25 Jan 24
šŸŽ¶ Music Biography
  1. Miles Davis was an American trumpeter and composer known for his 'cool jazz' sound
  2. Davis incorporated funk, rock, and electronic styles into his music in the 70s
  3. One of Davis's notable albums, 'Agharta', captured a live performance in Japan

Iasos

Flow State ā€¢ 589 implied HN points ā€¢ 11 Jan 24
šŸŽ¶ Music Biography
  1. Iasos was a Greek-American new age music composer who had a significant impact on the genre.
  2. He released albums like 'Inter-Dimensional Music' and 'Essence of Spring' which are known for their unique sound.
  3. Iasos passed away at the age of 77 but his music continues to inspire many listeners.

Two books, one theme: the modern state versus the lone operator

Brain Pizza ā€¢ 66 implied HN points ā€¢ 23 Dec 25
šŸ“š Literature Biography
  1. The central theme contrasts the modern stateā€™s authority with the lone operatorā€™s agency.
  2. Pairing a classic thriller with a major political biography shows how fiction and history can illuminate the same political and moral questions.
  3. Such pairings can arise unexpectedlyā€”reā€‘reading a work can spark a revealing comparison that yields new insights.

THE MIND OF SONNY ROLLINS

The Nelson George Mixtape ā€¢ 452 implied HN points ā€¢ 02 Feb 24
šŸŽ¶ Music Biography
  1. Sonny Rollins was obsessed with study and rehearsal, enjoying practice more than performing for an audience.
  2. Sonny Rollins' music and philosophy were influenced by Buddhism, yoga, and the streets of New York.
  3. To learn more about Sonny Rollins, recommended readings include 'Saxophone Colossus' by Aidan Levy.

Xi Zhongxun: China Book of the Year

ChinaTalk ā€¢ 459 implied HN points ā€¢ 22 Jun 25
šŸŒ World Politics Biography
  1. Xi Zhongxun's life shows how suffering can lead to a strong commitment to a cause. For him, the struggles he faced made him passionate about communism and the Party.
  2. The book highlights that Xi Zhongxun was more complex than just a 'reformer.' He had conflicting views about individualism and Party demands, and his actions were sometimes driven by what the Party needed.
  3. Itā€™s important to recognize that labels like 'good' and 'bad' donā€™t always fit. Xi Zhongxun's story reminds us that everyone in the Party had moments of both virtue and wrongdoing.

Poor Charlieā€™s Almanack is out now

Stripe Press ā€¢ 569 implied HN points ā€¢ 05 Dec 23
šŸ“š Literature Biography
  1. Charlie Munger's wisdom is being celebrated and shared through a new edition of Poor Charlie's Almanack.
  2. Charlie Munger's impact extends beyond investments, to his family, values, and shared wisdom.
  3. The new edition of the book aims to be faithful to the original, inviting readers to explore various intellectual topics.

Daniel Walker Howe, in memoriam; The Monroe Doctrine; Sontag reconsidered

Unpopular Front ā€¢ 32 implied HN points ā€¢ 11 Jan 26
šŸŽ­ļø Culture Biography
  1. A reader-supported model is being pushed, with a modest subscription pitch and a recently released paperback promoted to help fund the work.
  2. Daniel Walker Howeā€™s death is noted, and his scholarship argues that the Age of Jacksonā€”a mix of authoritarian populism, patronage, and racially charged politicsā€”still casts a long shadow over American life.
  3. Recent media appearances and conversations are highlighted, including televised segments and interviews (like a discussion of Black Pill), with recordings and events available to watch online.

How Naomi Osaka found her voice

Power Plays ā€¢ 432 implied HN points ā€¢ 16 Jan 24
šŸŽ­ļø Culture Biography
  1. Naomi Osaka found her voice through social activism and empowerment during her tennis career.
  2. Author Ben Rothenberg's book about Naomi Osaka explores her journey through the lens of the tennis tour.
  3. Osaka's relationship with press conferences shifted over time, from engaging to distressing due to various factors.

Clayton, Missouri

In My Tribe ā€¢ 486 implied HN points ā€¢ 30 May 25
šŸŽ­ļø Culture Biography
  1. Sam Altman grew up in Clayton, Missouri, which is known for its strong educational system and smart students. The schools there were very competitive, and many students had high academic achievements.
  2. The author reflects on the importance of understanding different personalities in the startup world. Some talented individuals might be seen as difficult, but their unique contributions can be valuable.
  3. The history of Clayton and its changing demographics highlights issues like segregation. The neighborhood has transformed over the years, showing shifts in social dynamics and community identity.