The hottest History Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics
Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality 99 implied HN points 01 Dec 24
  1. George W. Bush mentioned biblical figures Gog and Magog while discussing the Middle East with Jacques Chirac. This shows how some leaders might connect their political actions with religious beliefs.
  2. The interpretations of biblical texts like Ezekiel can vary widely. Some scholars see historical events in these texts, while others look for modern connections.
  3. The United States' support for Israel can be influenced by religious views, unlike the more geopolitical perspective often taken in Europe.
Rings of Saturn 29 implied HN points 16 Jan 25
  1. The game 'Actua Golf' has some secret cheat codes that can change the game experience, like showing the names of the game creators.
  2. There was a plan for a follow-up disc with more golf courses for 'Actua Golf', but it never officially released.
  3. In 'Virtual Golf', players can use scrambled player names as passwords to unlock professional tournaments, making it more accessible for everyone.
Men Yell at Me 244 implied HN points 26 Jan 25
  1. It's important to think about how much information we actually need to navigate our lives. Too much information can be overwhelming.
  2. There are moments in history that feel significant, and they often change the course of events. Recognizing these moments can help us understand our world better.
  3. Engagement with political figures and movements can shape society. It's crucial to be aware of who we support and the impact they have.
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Cosmographia 738 implied HN points 23 Jan 24
  1. The concept of monotheism, the belief in one supreme deity, is a relatively recent development in human history, with many cultures historically believing in multiple gods and spirits.
  2. Monotheism marked a significant shift in theological traditions, particularly when the Israelites proclaimed the existence of only one God, breaking away from millennia of polytheistic beliefs.
  3. The idea of 'From Many, One' reflects the evolution from diverse beliefs in multiple gods to the concept of a singular, all-powerful deity, which has shaped major religious doctrines and scriptures.
Londonist: Time Machine 599 implied HN points 21 Feb 24
  1. Roupell Street in London, known for its colorful doorways, vintage cars, and unique roofline, is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year.
  2. Despite its picturesque appearance, Roupell Street is steeped in history with nearly two centuries of existence.
  3. By subscribing to Londonist: Time Machine, readers can explore more about the fascinating past of Roupell Street and access full post archives with a 7-day free trial.
Rock 'n' Roll with Me 279 implied HN points 11 May 24
  1. The song "Just Dropped In" was originally meant to warn kids about the dangers of LSD, showing the weird experiences of an acid trip. Over time, it became associated with fun and comedy, especially with the character of the Dude in 'The Big Lebowski.'
  2. Mickey Newbury, the songwriter, had a unique background as an Air Force veteran turned hippie cowboy. Despite his influence on many famous artists, he never achieved mainstream success like others did.
  3. Kenny Rogers led the First Edition, which blended styles like rock and country. Although they had hits, they struggled to define their identity as a band, leading to their eventual breakup.
Alberto Cairo's The Art of Insight 279 implied HN points 10 May 24
  1. Reducing complexity in data visualization can lead to oversimplifying important human stories. It's essential to remember that simplification can erase important details that affect people's lives.
  2. The history of data visualization is linked to darker aspects of society, like slavery and eugenics. Recognizing this helps us understand the impact of our tools and the stories we choose to tell.
  3. Visualization can be a powerful tool to reveal new insights when used correctly. By learning from the past, we can aim to avoid repeating mistakes and address inequalities.
DrawTogether with WendyMac 1336 implied HN points 24 Sep 23
  1. The color wheel is the foundation of color mixing, composed of primary, secondary, and tertiary colors.
  2. Understanding the history of color theory helps to appreciate the significance of the color wheel.
  3. Primary colors (red, yellow, blue), secondary colors (orange, violet, green), and complementary colors play key roles in color mixing and relationships.
kamilkazani 1336 implied HN points 28 Jun 23
  1. The word 'revolution' has evolved in meaning over time from circular to linear change in politics.
  2. Originally, a revolution referred to a return to the original state of affairs with changes in personnel.
  3. The French Revolution played a significant role in changing the meaning of the word 'revolution' to signify permanent and irreversible change.
Foreign Exchanges 746 implied HN points 18 Jan 24
  1. A new study reveals that Greenland has lost more ice than previously thought, making the remaining ice sheet more vulnerable to melting.
  2. The Jordanian government accuses the Israeli military of damaging field hospitals in Gaza, prompting concerns about ongoing attacks on medical facilities.
  3. Historical events from January 17 include the decisive Russian victory at the Battle of Sarikamish, the execution of Patrice Lumumba in 1961, and the start of Operation Desert Storm in 1991.
Seven Senses 559 implied HN points 24 Feb 24
  1. The weather has a deep connection to our lives. It affects our moods, conversations, and even economies.
  2. Humans have long tried to predict and control the weather, but it remains unpredictable and sometimes chaotic.
  3. Despite its unpredictability, the weather can inspire creativity and beauty, leading to unique expressions in art and daily life.
donaldjeffries 1297 implied HN points 04 Jul 23
  1. Independence Day should invoke patriotism and remembrance of the sacrifices made by the Founding Fathers.
  2. There is a lack of historical programming in mainstream media that accurately portrays the Founding Fathers and the American Revolution.
  3. The principles and values of the Founding Fathers, such as freedom of speech and consent of the governed, are being disregarded in modern America.
ASeq Newsletter 21 implied HN points 24 Jan 25
  1. Nanopore sequencing has a rich history, starting back in 1998 with important patents that set the stage for modern techniques. It’s a fascinating story of innovation and scientific progress.
  2. Lingvitae, founded by Preben Lexow, aimed to develop nanopore sequencing but faced funding challenges, affecting its ability to grow. This shows how essential money is for scientific advancements.
  3. Stratos Genomics had a better funding situation and was able to pursue similar nanopore sequencing ideas, demonstrating different paths for startup success in the biotech field.
CB 1278 implied HN points 25 Jun 23
  1. Science advances through conjecture and criticism, with good explanations being hard to vary while accounting for what they explain.
  2. The philosophy of technology embraces problems as solvable and progress as both possible and desirable.
  3. Knowledge can be defined by its ability to transform the physical world, prompting better theories and further development.
The Commonplace 1277 implied HN points 22 Sep 23
  1. The Roman Empire has a lasting impact on modern Western civilization and there are parallels to our current situation.
  2. Always be learning from history, science, or philosophy with the resources available today.
  3. Focus on true self-care, genuine work, and the importance of education for personal growth.
Holodoxa 239 implied HN points 19 May 24
  1. Modern Europeans have a complex genetic history with contributions from different ancient populations like hunter-gatherers and Neolithic farmers.
  2. Advancements in genomics have drastically reduced the cost of sequencing genomes, leading to significant progress in understanding human genetic history.
  3. Migration has been a significant factor in shaping the genetic and cultural landscape of Europe over thousands of years, and it continues to play a crucial role in our future.
Five’s Substack 219 implied HN points 25 May 24
  1. American folk music explores deep feelings of homesickness and the desire to wander. These emotions are the driving themes in many famous songs.
  2. Gillian Welch's work reflects on the contradictions in life and music, connecting the past with present experiences without offering easy answers.
  3. Welch's song 'I Dream a Highway' captures a feeling of endless searching and longing. It questions what it means to be truly home and how we cope with our losses.
Londonist: Time Machine 339 implied HN points 17 Apr 24
  1. The post explores London's historic sewers, an underground network rarely seen by the public, despite its importance in daily life and discussions about wastewater issues.
  2. The author shares personal experiences and history about their trips into the London sewers, providing a unique perspective on a usually overlooked topic.
  3. Readers can access more of the author's content and explore the full post archives with a 7-day free trial subscription to Londonist: Time Machine.
Wordloaf 746 implied HN points 10 Jan 24
  1. Amy Halloran is taking over the Wordloaf newsletter for a few months while the original author works on a book
  2. Amy is knowledgeable about bread, baking, and grain, making her a great fit for the newsletter
  3. Regular features like the Monday Mix and Friday Bread Basket will be on hiatus during this period
Fields & Energy 199 implied HN points 31 May 24
  1. To understand electricity and magnetism, start with accessible introductory books. These give a good overview but aren't deeply technical.
  2. For more in-depth study, look into undergraduate textbooks. They cover more complex topics and are aimed at those ready to dig deeper into the science.
  3. Supplementary texts and guides can be very useful. They often explain difficult concepts clearly and may include helpful resources like online solutions and podcasts.
Technohumanism 79 implied HN points 23 Jul 24
  1. A 14th-century book called a girdle book was designed to be carried and read easily, even though it was heavy and unusual for its time. This shows how humans have always needed practical ways to enjoy reading.
  2. The book was made for spiritual reading, likely by a monk, showing how closely books were tied to religious practices back then. Even without fancy pictures, it was meant for deep study.
  3. Despite its age, this old book’s design is still effective and user-friendly today. It illustrates how good ideas in design can last for centuries.
The Greek Analyst 239 implied HN points 17 May 24
  1. Greece is a popular destination for foreigners, attracting expats, retirees, digital nomads, and more, who share their experiences in the country
  2. Major areas of interest for foreigners in Greece include Athens, Greek islands, and villages, each offering unique experiences
  3. Foreigners in Greece appreciate the sunny weather, outdoor activities, friendliness of locals, and delicious food, but also highlight issues like language barrier, bureaucracy, and pollution
Londonist: Time Machine 199 implied HN points 31 May 24
  1. Savoy Court in London is not the only place where you must drive on the right; there are other examples like bus stations, car parks, and public roads with reversed layouts.
  2. The Savoy Court's unique right-hand drive rule was established in 1902, but similar scenarios can be found elsewhere, challenging its exclusivity.
  3. Examples exist of public roads with unconventional driving directions, such as the Tottenham Hale gyratory system and minor roads like the one in Twickenham.
Richard Hanania's Newsletter 4657 implied HN points 10 May 23
  1. Consider opportunity costs when deciding to read a book cover-to-cover versus shorter pieces like articles.
  2. Categories for books worth reading fully: history books, books of historical interest, and works by brilliant storytellers on important topics.
  3. Be cautious of valuing ancient writings for wisdom over modern insights; focus on gaining wisdom from a diverse range of sources, including contemporary writers.
Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind 399 implied HN points 28 Mar 24
  1. The Stone Bridge, built in the 1930s, is a beautiful example of WPA architecture that blends with the natural landscape. It's made from local sandstone and has striking arches that enhance its charm.
  2. Licorice ferns are unique plants that grow on trees and bridges, adding to the natural beauty around us. They were also used by Indigenous peoples for their sweet flavor and medicinal properties.
  3. In the Pacific Northwest, many plants thrive in the moist climate, often found decorating trees and structures. This shows how nature can adapt and flourish in urban settings.
Kneeling Bus 176 implied HN points 01 Nov 24
  1. Redbox kiosks were once popular but are now abandoned after the company's bankruptcy, marking a shift in media consumption. These kiosks symbolize a moment in time from when DVDs were still relevant.
  2. In today's disposable culture, we often ignore waste and discarded items, but abandoned Redbox kiosks visibly remind us of past failures and what we leave behind.
  3. Empty shopping spaces like dead malls and abandoned kiosks reflect a kind of 'creative destruction' in our environment. They serve as reminders of previous use and potential for future change.