The hottest History Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

'Ferrari' And Fascism

Daily Dreher • 864 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. The post discusses the movie 'Ferrari' and its portrayal of Enzo Ferrari's life crisis in 1957.
  2. The author praises the film for its clever utilization of Catholic sacramentalism.
  3. There is a mention of another person's reaction to the movie, showing different perspectives.

No Winter is Insuperable - A New Year's Message

Pekingnology • 113 implied HN points • 31 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics History
  1. Hard times can be overcome when people hold on to conviction, offer even a small light, and keep moving together.
  2. Ordinary citizens are the backbone of society and must take responsibility to seek truth, demand fairness, and push for reform.
  3. Patriotism should be constructive: love for the country includes praising progress and criticizing flaws so we can build a better future for the next generation.

4.2 Early Models of Electricity

Fields & Energy • 179 implied HN points • 19 Jun 24
🔬 Science History
  1. Electricity can be understood in two ways: as a fluid traveling through wires or as fields in the space around electric charges. This is still a big question in physics.
  2. Different cultures have unique approaches to explaining scientific concepts. For example, English physicists use hands-on models, while French scientists prefer abstract theories.
  3. Benjamin Franklin was key in shaping the idea that electricity is a single fluid. This foundational concept helps us still today in understanding electricity and electronics.
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Crime in the USA

Patterns in Humanity • 943 implied HN points • 30 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History
  1. Homicide rates in the USA have fluctuated over the last century, showing large variations instead of a consistent downward trend.
  2. The USA has a high homicide rate compared to other highly developed countries, with the rate being 6.4 times higher than the average of 24 other nations.
  3. The high incarceration rate in the USA is mainly driven by violent crimes, not mass incarceration of drug offenders, and is unmatched by other highly developed countries.

Not writing, but typing

Austin Kleon • 2677 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Using typewriters can make writing more fun and slower, helping you pay better attention to your words. They allow you to enjoy the writing process rather than rush through it.
  2. Typing out poems or favorite excerpts can be a great way to connect with the text. It feels like you're playing the words, which can deepen your understanding and appreciation.
  3. You can share your typed poems with friends in a fun way, similar to how restaurants use check pads. It’s a creative method of sharing and enjoying writing together.

Best of the Best: Year End Awards

Range Widely • 1002 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. The awards featured various categories like Best Quote for One's Own Obituary and Best Nobel/Olympic Family.
  2. Interesting fact shared about the empty space in atoms: if atom nucleus was the size of a tennis ball, the electron would be orbiting in New Jersey.
  3. Fascinating insights on different topics, from Saxon riddles to Nobel Prize connections, were shared in the post.

These are the good ol’ days

Austin Kleon • 2158 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Nostalgia can bring comfort and happiness, reminding us of good times from the past. But it can also distort how we see things now and make us forget about the present.
  2. While nostalgia can be a way to escape reality, a little bit of it can help us reconnect with ourselves and appreciate who we are now.
  3. We should cherish our current moments because they will turn into nostalgia one day. It's important to enjoy life and make memories while we still can.

Spread your tiny wings and fly away

Disaffected Newsletter • 1099 implied HN points • 02 Dec 23
🎶 Music History
  1. The female contralto voice is very special and beautiful, but it's quite rare. Many famous singers, like Karen Carpenter, have this unique vocal range.
  2. As artists grow older and revisit their earlier songs, they often bring new depth and emotion to their performances.
  3. Anne Murray's recent performance shows how time can enhance a song, making it more meaningful than when it was first released.

If You Didn't Comply During COVID You're a Psychopath

Break Free with Karen Hunt • 1454 implied HN points • 02 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness History
  1. Psychologists can label non-compliance during COVID as psychopathy, justifying 'fixing' individuals as they see fit.
  2. The power dynamics post-COVID have allowed for the manipulation and control of citizens, using psychology as a weapon.
  3. Psychiatry and psychology have a history of coercion, drugging, and inhumane treatments towards those deemed non-compliant or ill.

CLEOPATRAAAGHHHH

History, etc • 1454 implied HN points • 21 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Historical TV shows can easily spark controversy through race-based casting.
  2. Acting allows for pretence and make-believe, regardless of historical accuracy.
  3. Casting decisions in historical dramas may upset due to societal biases or political motives.

Does IQ alone explain Jewish success?

ideassleepfuriously • 864 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Jewish success cannot be solely explained by high IQ, other factors play a role.
  2. Differences in Jewish values, Protestant Work Ethic, personality traits, and in-group favoritism may contribute to success.
  3. Studies show that Jews exhibit unique socio-psychological traits that may enhance their achievements in various domains.

World roundup: January 8 2024

Foreign Exchanges • 864 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics History
  1. US forces led by Andrew Jackson won a key battle in 1815, boosting American morale
  2. Abdulaziz ibn Saud became king of Hejaz in 1926, eventually forming Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
  3. Israeli military is shifting to a more targeted campaign against Hamas in Gaza

Making Tiny Classics for Public TV

Animation Obsessive • 1793 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🎨 Art & Illustration History
  1. Tissa David and the Hubleys played a vital role in producing animated content for children's educational shows like Sesame Street. Their work helped make learning fun for kids using creative animation.
  2. Sesame Street and similar shows brought innovative teaching methods to children by using entertaining formats similar to TV commercials. This approach helped sell educational concepts to young audiences.
  3. Creating limited animation can still result in high-quality work. Tissa David highlighted that limited animation is a different style and can be done effectively to convey engaging stories.

Gwyneth Paltrow says she is looking forward to her "crone" years.

Changing The Channel • 1435 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Gwyneth Paltrow is embracing her 'crone' years, a time of wisdom and insight in the second half of life.
  2. The term 'Crone' historically refers to a wise older woman with experience and perspective.
  3. Society lacks a cultural appreciation for Wise Women like it does for Wise Men, and the archetype of the Crone needs to be rediscovered and celebrated.

This Is My Thesis

Surviving Tomorrow • 707 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy History
  1. The world is changing rapidly, and we are currently in a phase of decline.
  2. History shows a cyclical pattern of Rebellion, Destruction, and Renewal.
  3. Hostility towards prophets of change is common in times of societal decline.

Issue 08 – Bar Soap

Unbox Inbox • 852 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🍲 Food & Drink History
  1. Bar soap can be a fun and thoughtful gift for people who appreciate design and aesthetics.
  2. Bar soap packaging can offer creative ways to engage customers with typography and design.
  3. Bar soap comes in a wide range of shapes, colors, and scents, making it a versatile and creative product to explore.

Can the philistine supremacy be stopped?

The Common Reader • 2232 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Schools are changing curriculums in ways that some believe exclude important classics, like Shakespeare and ancient texts. This might limit students' exposure to foundational literature.
  2. There is a push to replace traditional cultural experiences, like theater and museums, with more relatable activities for students. Critics argue that this could reduce opportunities for learning and growth.
  3. Knowledge from literature and history plays a big role in helping students from all backgrounds move up in society. It's important to ensure all students have access to enriching educational experiences.

An Israel-Palestine Reading List

Glenn Loury • 793 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
📚 Literature History
  1. The reading list on Israel-Palestine conflict includes diverse perspectives and historical accounts from authors like Norman Finkelstein, Rashid Khalidi, and Benny Morris.
  2. The list delves into topics such as the historical roots of conflict, political dimensions, peace efforts, and the impact on Palestinian society.
  3. Authors like Avi Shlaim and Michael Oren provide insights into strategies, regional context, and key personalities during significant events like the Six-Day War.

100

Points And Figures • 852 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture History
  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.

Human Shields

Yasha Levine • 845 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics History
  1. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich proposes reducing Gaza population by 90% as a solution to conflict.
  2. Israeli settlements near Gaza were strategically placed as human shields for protection.
  3. The historical military roots of Nahal brigades led to the development of armed pioneer settler communities in Israel.

What Tom Lehrer Left Us

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 644 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Tom Lehrer was a fun and sharp satirical songwriter and mathematician known for his music from the 1950s.
  2. The influence of Lehrer’s music can be felt even today, despite many not growing up in musical families.
  3. Listening to Lehrer’s songs brings nostalgia and a unique blend of humor and intellect to the musical landscape.

Hidden Open Thread 393.5

Astral Codex Ten • 619 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture History
  1. The post is part of a series for paid subscribers, indicating exclusive content.
  2. It emphasizes the importance of community engagement through discussions and sharing.
  3. The thread allows for open conversation, suggesting a space for diverse opinions and experiences.

Issue 22: Why Europe doesn’t have a Tesla

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 18 implied HN points • 19 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Rigid employment rules in many European countries make firing very costly and discourage firms from taking big, risky bets. That reduces the chance of breakthrough companies emerging, though some countries manage to balance worker protections with flexibility.
  2. Vaccine science has advanced enormously — we can now see microbes at atomic detail and build vaccines in new ways — so we’re in a golden age of vaccine development. Future breakthroughs will depend on continued investment and support.
  3. Market-style reforms in communist countries usually failed because they didn’t create quick, broad winners and threatened inflation and instability. Without reforms that build fast coalitions of beneficiaries, changes were often watered down or reversed.

The Hollowness of Holocaust Remembrance

Bastiat's Window • 727 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics History
  1. Holocaust Remembrance can be a failure if it diverts attention from current dangers.
  2. Respectable movements like eugenics and equitism have led to atrocities when groups are seen as more important than individuals.
  3. The corrosion leading to genocide starts small, and equitism today is compared to the eugenics of the past.

Toys vs. Nazis

Animation Obsessive • 1614 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture History
  1. The film 'The Revolt of the Toys' was made in 1947 by Hermína Týrlová and became popular quickly after its release. It was a big deal for Týrlová, who had faced difficult times earlier under Nazi occupation.
  2. The story features toys that come to life and resist a Nazi officer who destroys their workshop. This theme was very relevant as it represented hope and resistance against fascism.
  3. Overall, the film was a celebration of overcoming great evil, with toys symbolizing courage and the spirit of children against oppressive forces.

What Do You Wish People Were More Curious About?

Culture Study • 2282 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. People are curious about a wide range of topics, like the history of places or specific laws that are too complex to understand at first glance. Exploring these subjects can lead to deeper insights.
  2. There are everyday experiences that often go unnoticed, like the physical toll of standing or bending all day. Recognizing and discussing these can create empathy and understanding.
  3. Curiosity can expand our knowledge and improve our connections with others. By asking questions and seeking answers, we can gain a better understanding of the world around us.

Punjab ਪੰਜਾਬ

Cosmographia • 1218 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. The name "Punjab" translates to 'The Land of Five Waters,' referring to specific rivers.
  2. Punjab was the site of one of the earliest urban societies, the Indus Valley Civilisation.
  3. Punjab has a rich history with significant cultural, artistic, and literary contributions.

From Many, One

Cosmographia • 738 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality History
  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.

Magnificent Roupell Street: From Swamp to Movie Set

Londonist: Time Machine • 599 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🏝 Travel History
  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.

The Problem with Indigeneity

Grey Goose Chronicles • 1356 implied HN points • 23 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. The term 'indigenous' lacks a clear definition and leads to complex legal issues worldwide.
  2. The creation of the indigenous category in politics was a historical construct that may have unintended consequences.
  3. Debates around 'indigeneity' raise challenging questions about identity, power dynamics, and historical patterns.

"Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)"

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 279 implied HN points • 11 May 24
🎶 Music History
  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.