The hottest History Substack posts right now

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This Mythological Moment

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 16 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Mythology Film Society History Spirituality
  1. The Popol Vuh tells a myth about how humans were created and destroyed by gods, highlighting that we've faced similar cycles of failure throughout history. This can be seen today as technology and our own actions may lead to our downfall.
  2. The fires in LA symbolize more than just a tragedy; they represent a decline in American culture and the dream factory of Hollywood, which has influenced U.S. power for years.
  3. An important theme from the Popol Vuh is about the dangers of our tools. Just like the wooden figures were destroyed by their own creations, today we risk harming ourselves through modern inventions and digital distractions.

Odds and Ends #42: An Elizabeth Line extension, some mad planning law nonsense, and the world's most pointless letter

Odds and Ends of History • 402 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
📰 News Politics History Culture Environment Education
  1. There's a big extension happening for the Elizabeth Line, which is good news for public transport in the area.
  2. Some planning laws are causing headaches between government bodies, which shows how complicated regulations can be.
  3. A new bat tunnel that cost £100 million exists, and it raises questions about how resources are used in environmental projects.

Feminisation has consequences: III

Not On Your Team, But Always Fair • 1041 implied HN points • 07 May 23
🎭️ Culture Gender Social Issues History Political Commentary Philosophy
  1. Feminisation in society leads to less solidarity, especially among women, with consequences for institutions.
  2. Increasing female participation in organizations can change emotional and social dynamics, not always for the better.
  3. Corrosive effects of feminisation can lead to social collapse or a shift towards more male-dominated solutions.

A short philosophical history

Philosophy bear • 114 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics History Narrative Transhumanism Altruism
  1. Morality has evolved over time, influenced by intelligence, language, and culture. It can be seen as both a helpful adaptation and something that just happens without benefit, like men's nipples.
  2. The main conflict in history is between human morality and natural selection. Sometimes they work together, but other times they clash, shaping our progress as a species.
  3. We may have the chance to take control of our future and overcome natural selection through technology and ethics. Once we do this, our moral values could become the guiding force for society.

Bakeryland

Wordloaf • 589 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🍲 Food & Drink Baking History Industry Propaganda
  1. The game 'Pillsbury Bakeryland' was created by Pillsbury in 1936 to teach kids about bread making and selling.
  2. The game features scripts that show how to sell bread in different settings like house-to-house, wholesale, and retail.
  3. The game was part of the baking industry's campaign to promote buying bread over baking it at home, reflecting changes in bread baking practices in America from 1929 to 1933.
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Freud and the Beatles

In My Tribe • 440 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Music Philosophy History Social Change Art
  1. Sigmund Freud had a huge impact on how we view ourselves, and even those who reject his ideas still carry some of his influence. It's hard to imagine our culture without him.
  2. The Beatles changed their music style after 1965 and became more complex, which helped them stay relevant. If they hadn't evolved, they might not have had the same lasting impact on music.
  3. The Beatles influenced popular culture in various ways, from hairstyles to attitudes towards drugs and spirituality. Their actions and style helped spread the hippie culture much wider than it would have gone on its own.

Welcome to the Memory Palace!

The Memory Palace • 279 implied HN points • 16 Apr 24
📖 Philosophy Memory Cognition Education History Methods
  1. Memory palaces are a cool way to remember things by placing images in a familiar space. This method has been used for a long time in cultures that relied on oral storytelling.
  2. Having a strong memory was once a sign of a smart and educated person. Even today, memory competitions highlight how useful these techniques can be for everyone, not just the elite.
  3. Despite technology helping us remember more, memory is still important. Memory palaces encourage us to think about what information we value and want to keep in our minds.

"And it was never enough"

Disaffected Newsletter • 1478 implied HN points • 09 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Film Mental health Literature Personal Stories History
  1. Trauma from childhood can make people feel like nothing they do is ever good enough. This feeling can linger throughout life, no matter the achievements.
  2. People often experience a deep sense of loneliness and self-doubt even when they are successful. It's common to feel like there's always something missing.
  3. Talking openly about mental health struggles can help others who feel the same way. Many people share these feelings but might not know how to express them.

Lost iPhone videos, actually random music, the secret history of crosswords

Both Are True • 83 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Music Literature Art Technology History
  1. Remembering lost iPhone videos can be a fun walk down memory lane, capturing moments from 2009 to 2012. It's like finding a treasure chest of forgotten memories.
  2. Discovering new music doesn't have to be hard; there are playlists that refresh daily to keep your tunes exciting. It's a great way to keep your listening experience fresh and interesting.
  3. Crosswords played a surprising role in American history, helping people during tough times. They aren't just games; they connect us and have meaning beyond just fun.

You live in a world that philosophy built

Trevor Klee’s Newsletter • 3283 implied HN points • 18 Mar 23
📖 Philosophy Science Society History Knowledge Ethics
  1. The Catholic Church venerated Aristotle and opposed Galileo because they trusted ancient philosophy over new scientific ideas.
  2. Living in a world where science evolves, we give more weight to current evidence than ancient texts or philosophers.
  3. Lessons from history remind us of the importance of valuing empirical evidence over established theories.

How Eric Clapton got "Bell Bottom Blues" and wooed away George Harrison's "Layla"

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 179 implied HN points • 22 May 24
🎶 Music Rock Artists Albums History Influence
  1. Eric Clapton wrote many songs for Pattie Boyd, who was originally married to George Harrison. His famous songs like 'Layla' and 'Bell Bottom Blues' were inspired by his love for her.
  2. The band Derek and the Dominos formed when Eric was struggling with his feelings for Pattie. They recorded an album that was initially not very successful but later became a classic.
  3. Pattie felt a lot of pressure being a muse for two rock stars. She eventually left George and married Eric, but their relationship had its challenges.

Climbing London's Least Historic Hill

Londonist: Time Machine • 319 implied HN points • 29 Mar 24
🏝 Travel Landmarks History Exploration Nature Architecture
  1. London's least historic hill, Stave Hill, was created in 1984 and stands as a modern mound in Rotherhithe, made from old docklands debris within a nature reserve.
  2. The area where Stave Hill now stands was previously occupied by Surrey Commercial Docks, known for handling timber imports, hence the hill's name reflecting the connection to staves used in barrels.
  3. Despite lacking a historical background, Stave Hill has a unique origin story rooted in the transformation of the industrial landscape of Rotherhithe from the 1970s.

The 1968 Edition

Why is this interesting? • 361 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Innovation Computing Design Space History
  1. In 1968, two important events changed how we see the world: the first photo of Earth from space and the first GUI demo. These moments helped people appreciate our planet's beauty and encouraged new ways of interacting with technology.
  2. Earthrise promoted environmental awareness, leading to events like the first Earth Day, while the GUI made computers more accessible for everyday use. Both advancements reshaped human perspective and knowledge.
  3. Technology has evolved, but many interfaces still use linear designs, which limit our ability to manage complex information. To improve, we might need to look toward using curves like nature does for better efficiency.

A Celebration (And Map!) Of London: The Biography

Londonist: Time Machine • 499 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration History Culture Literature Travel Books
  1. Peter Ackroyd's 'London: The Biography' is a captivating book that deeply explores London's history through themed chapters.
  2. Mapping the geobibliome of 'London: The Biography' reveals Ackroyd's thorough coverage of central London with fewer mentions of areas south of the river.
  3. Reading 'London: The Biography' can inspire a deeper connection with the city and spark a lifelong interest in its history and exploration.

3.4.3 Gauss’s Laws

Fields & Energy • 259 implied HN points • 17 Apr 24
🔬 Science Physics Mathematics Electromagnetism History
  1. Johann Carl Friedrich Gauss was a brilliant mathematician known for his early talent, like solving a tricky addition problem in second grade. He made significant contributions to math and physics, including the development of formulas to calculate important dates, like Easter.
  2. Gauss's Law describes how electric fields and charges relate to each other. For instance, electric field lines begin at positive charges and end at negative ones, while magnetic field lines always form loops.
  3. Gauss and Wilhelm Weber worked together to measure the Earth's magnetic field. They created detailed maps of magnetic intensity that are still referenced today, showing the long-lasting impact of Gauss's work in science.

Souvenirs that outlive us

Austin Kleon • 1978 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Art Creativity Poetry History Design
  1. Creating art is often messy and unpredictable. It's not always as straightforward as the end result might suggest.
  2. Inspiration can come from the most mundane things, like everyday objects. Even clothespins can spark creativity and lead to new artistic ideas.
  3. Blackout poetry doesn't have to come from traditional sources like books. Using unusual materials can make the process fun and unique.

ViaGrafix Computer Training Videos

Computer Ads from the Past • 128 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Software Video Training History Advertising
  1. ViaGrafix started in 1990 and grew quickly, offering fun work environments like basketball courts and day care for employees' kids.
  2. They were known for their computer training videos and had over 650 different courses, helping people learn software easily.
  3. In the 90s, their tutorials were popular and endorsed by Microsoft, making learning more convenient than using regular manuals.

3.2 Michael Faraday

Fields & Energy • 359 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🔬 Science Physics Electromagnetism History Innovation Experimentation
  1. Michael Faraday discovered that moving magnets can create electricity, a process called induction. This was a major breakthrough in understanding how electricity and magnetism work together.
  2. Faraday also introduced the idea of 'lines of force' to visualize magnetic fields. This concept helps us understand the direction and strength of magnetic effects.
  3. He believed scientific discoveries should come from direct observations of nature, not just complicated math. Faraday's practical experiments made him one of the great experimental physicists.

Setting up my new blogging engine

Overthinking Everything • 314 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Writing Literature Technology Aesthetics History
  1. Using a typewriter is a unique and physical writing experience. It feels different from typing on a computer or handwriting because you have to hit the keys hard to get the letters to show up.
  2. Setting up a typewriter can be complex but satisfying. You may need to fix things like the ribbon, which teaches you about how mechanical objects work.
  3. Writing on a typewriter can help you focus better. Unlike computers, which distract you with notifications, a typewriter keeps you engaged in the writing process.

Hallelujah, Leonard Cohen, and a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer's suicide

Subtle Digressions • 136 HN points • 08 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Music Literature Art History Philosophy
  1. Leonard Cohen's song 'Hallelujah' took him years of struggle and creativity to write. Despite being so personal and deep, it was initially overlooked and rejected by the music industry.
  2. John Kennedy Toole's novel 'A Confederacy of Dunces' faced major rejections before it was finally published and won a Pulitzer Prize, highlighting how valuable work can be ignored until a proper champion finds it.
  3. Success for artists can depend a lot on luck and timing. Sometimes, a great song or book needs just the right person to recognize its worth to achieve success.

A Deep Dive on a Vexing Question: Should It Be “World Champions” or “World’s Champions”?

Uni Watch • 511 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎾 Sports History Grammar Baseball Uniforms
  1. American sports culture tends to claim global status for its champions, even though it might be hyperbolic.
  2. The confusion between 'World' and 'World's' likely started with the early version of the baseball World Series called the 'World's Series.'
  3. The early use of 'World's' instead of 'World' in baseball's context carried over into common parlance for some time.

#147 Makers vs. machines

Design Lobster • 339 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🪑 Design Tech History Furniture Creativity Inspiration
  1. Designers are exploring the blend of machine-made and hand-crafted designs, questioning if designers should also code to bridge the gap between design and engineering.
  2. The concept of 'Design Engineers' is gaining popularity, where individuals contribute to design with wireframes, mockups, and front-end code, streamlining the development process.
  3. The 'Cesca' chair, inspired by a designer's bicycle ride home, embodies the merging of machine aspects with handcrafted elements, prompting a reflection on designs that combine both.

If I Can’t Dance to It, It’s Not My Revolution

Deep Fix • 943 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Politics Psychology Activism Podcasts History
  1. Be mindful of the news media consumption as it can lead to addictive and negative thinking patterns.
  2. Progressive politics can sometimes push individuals into a victim identity, causing feelings of depression and shame.
  3. Consider moving away from psychology-centered discourse and towards more inspiring, poetic, and collective movements in progressive politics.

I Didn't Teach the "I Have a Dream" Speech

The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper • 537 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🚌 Education Teaching History Equality Civil Rights Social Issues
  1. Dr. King's 'Letter from Birmingham Jail' is an important text to study, offering a different perspective than his 'I Have a Dream' speech.
  2. Dr. King's legacy and messages have been whitewashed; it's crucial to revisit his work with fresh eyes to truly understand his stance against racism.
  3. In light of current challenges like book bans and whitewashing of history, it becomes even more critical to engage with Dr. King's radical ideas to push for change.

Was the American Founding Revolutionary?

The Redneck Intellectual by C. Bradley Thompson • 530 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History Philosophy Culture Faith & Spirituality Literature
  1. The American Founding was a revolution blending old and new elements in society.
  2. The Founding Fathers upheld a 'spirit of liberty' from the colonial period in building a new kind of society.
  3. American society saw radical change after the Founding, with a shift to individual rights and dynamic living.

Weapons of War

backstory • 436 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Human Rights History Geopolitics
  1. Weapons can change hands in unexpected ways, often fueling conflicts between different tribes. For example, in Darfur, weapons once belonging to defeated forces became tools in local disputes over land.
  2. Modern conflicts can see the rise of brutal paramilitary groups that use advanced weaponry against civilians. Groups like the Rapid Support Force in Sudan highlight how everyday weapons can cause immense suffering.
  3. Despite the violence associated with weapons, there’s still hope for humanity and creativity. In the search for puppets, there's a desire to remember that people can create beauty even amidst chaos.

It's that "Time of the Season" to "Tell Her No," but uh-oh "She's Not There"!

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 199 implied HN points • 07 May 24
🎶 Music Rock History Culture Albums Artists
  1. The Zombies are a famous 1960s band known for their unique sound and hit songs like 'She's Not There' and 'Time of the Season.'
  2. Their successful music came from a mix of talent, early musical backgrounds, and the impressive environment at St. Albans School.
  3. After some ups and downs in their career, the band reformed and is still creating new music and touring, showing they still have the magic from their early days.

A Big Week for Tunnels

The Chatner • 530 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture History Art
  1. It's been a big week for news about tunnels.
  2. Tunnels spark our imagination and curiosity about what lies beneath.
  3. Legendary tunnels like the Euphrates Tunnel have captured our fascination for centuries.