The hottest History Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

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 History
  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.

What Interviews Should I Look For?

Computer Ads from the Past • 384 implied HN points • 11 Aug 25
🕹 Technology History
  1. The author is enjoying finding and sharing interesting interviews from old computer magazines. It's like digging for treasures from the past.
  2. The author is asking readers for suggestions on who they would like to see interviewed next. It’s a way to involve the audience in choosing future content.
  3. Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts in the comments. This helps create a community and shapes the direction of future posts.

What Socrates Teaches Us About Love, Politics, and Death

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1163 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy History
  1. Socrates teaches us about living deeply through inquiry and exploration. We often think we know enough, but there's always more to learn.
  2. Despite being poor and not a great speaker, Socrates became a key figure in philosophy. His life shows that wisdom and character matter more than wealth or appearance.
  3. Socrates' way of questioning others helps uncover true wisdom. He challenged people to think deeply about love, politics, and death, which are still relevant today.

Desiderata #13: links and commentary

The Intrinsic Perspective • 5621 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
📚 Literature History
  1. Energy drinks with taurine may extend lifespan, according to a recent study.
  2. Cormac McCarthy, a renowned novelist, has passed away, leaving a legacy in the literary world.
  3. The publishing world is buzzing with anticipation for the upcoming release of 'The World Behind the World' by Simon & Schuster.
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There are no moral laws out there

Optimally Irrational • 111 implied HN points • 28 Nov 25
📖 Philosophy History
  1. Moral realism is unlikely: there probably aren’t absolute moral laws that exist independently of us, since a naturalistic view gives no clear source or access to such outside moral truths.
  2. Major defenses of moral realism often just systematize our moral intuitions or assume values exist, leaning on appeals to consequences or preference rather than proving mind‑independent moral facts.
  3. Rejecting objective moral laws doesn’t imply moral anarchy: morality can be grounded naturalistically as evolved social rules and cooperative norms that guide behavior without needing metaphysical moral facts.

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 History
  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.

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

Brain Pizza • 66 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
📚 Literature History
  1. The central theme contrasts the modern state’s authority with the lone operator’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 unexpectedly—re‑reading a work can spark a revealing comparison that yields new insights.

All Immigrants Are Born on the Fourth of July

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5513 implied HN points • 04 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. American exceptionalism is real, unique, and tied to the country's history of freedom and individual freedom.
  2. Key historical figures like Washington, Lincoln, and MLK embodied American exceptionalism through their actions and beliefs.
  3. The American experience embraces freedom, innovation, and the pursuit of possibilities, shaping a sense of identity among immigrants and citizens.

A Big Week for Tunnels

The Chatner • 530 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture History
  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.

Doing "The Twist" with Chubby Checker

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 179 implied HN points • 14 May 24
🎶 Music History
  1. Dancing is for everyone, no matter your age or skill level. You can move to your favorite music in any way that feels good.
  2. Chubby Checker's song 'The Twist' became a huge hit twice, and it's a dance that anyone can do easily and with fun.
  3. Over time, people often lose their confidence to dance, but it's important to embrace joy and creativity, just like we did as kids.

Green Seduction

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 459 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Plants are amazing and can be found everywhere, even in unexpected places. They are essential for life and create environments where other creatures can thrive.
  2. Experiencing and enjoying plants can really connect us to nature, especially in cities. Whether it's in our backyards or parks, plants can bring us joy and comfort.
  3. It's important to keep the language around nature alive. Losing words related to plants and nature can dull our connection and understanding of the world around us.

Top Links 811 Dali and the dollar. Making the most of the “longevity dividend”. The fall of the Roman Republic and how a Baywatch star became a Berlin hero.

Chartbook • 400 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture History
  1. The phrase 'Avida Dollars' was used to mock Salvador Dali, but he took it as a compliment. It shows how creative minds can turn criticism into praise.
  2. German car exports to China are dropping, which is making things tough for Europe. This could have big effects on their economy and job market.
  3. The newsletter shares various insightful links, encouraging readers to explore different topics. This helps keep readers informed about various global issues.

Twenty Lessons On Tyranny

Thinking about... • 1136 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History
  1. Don't give up your freedom without a fight. Be careful not to simply obey authority before it even asks.
  2. Protect democratic institutions. They need our support, and we should stand up for them actively.
  3. Be wary of political extremes. Encourage multiple parties and vote to keep democracy alive.

John Logie Baird: Why So Many Plaques?

Londonist: Time Machine • 219 implied HN points • 26 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration History
  1. John Logie Baird, TV pioneer, has four plaques in Soho/Covent Garden commemorating his achievements in the television industry.
  2. The plaques on different buildings in the area celebrate various milestones in Baird's work, from first demonstrated television to his first broadcast.
  3. The existence of multiple plaques for John Logie Baird within a short walk raises the question of why there are so many commemorations to the same individual.

THE MIND OF SONNY ROLLINS

The Nelson George Mixtape • 452 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎶 Music History
  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.

Price controls cause chaos

Economic Forces • 18 implied HN points • 12 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History
  1. Capping prices removes the profit signal that normally redirects supply, so small cost differences can produce all-or-nothing shipments and sudden, unpredictable flips in who gets goods.
  2. The welfare damage from misallocating scarce goods is much larger than the textbook Harberger triangle; when goods go to the wrong places the total loss can be at least double and up to an order of magnitude larger.
  3. Price controls tend to provoke more intervention (like rationing or quotas) but those fixes are also fragile and compound chaos, producing queues, quality cuts, black markets, and unstable allocations.

MBP's Visual COBOL

Computer Ads from the Past • 512 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🕹 Technology History
  1. MBP, a software company, was one of the first in Europe and created the COBOL compiler in the 1960s. They made big steps in developing programming software right from the start.
  2. Visual COBOL was an improved version of their COBOL compiler released in the 1980s, featuring faster compilation and better screen management. It became popular for its efficiency and ease of use.
  3. The journey of MBP involved several ownership changes, eventually becoming part of major companies like Electronic Data Systems and Hewlett-Packard. This shows how influential MBP was in the tech world.

Animating by Candlelight

Animation Obsessive • 3318 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration History
  1. During the aftermath of the fall of the Soviet Union, animators faced challenges adapting to life under capitalism with reduced state funding and support.
  2. Some animators, like Yuri Norstein and Priit Pärn, expressed struggles and concerns about the impact of financial censorship in the capitalist system on their artistic work.
  3. Countries like Estonia benefited from renewed state support for artists, resulting in a thriving animation community that continues to produce award-winning films.

Transcript: Katherine Brodsky

Lean Out with Tara Henley • 432 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Guest Katherine Brodsky shares insights on speaking out against orthodoxies in the age of outrage.
  2. Brodsky's personal experience of being mobbed online led her to write her book, 'No Apologies'.
  3. Growing up in a household that talked about self-silencing under communism shaped Brodsky's perspective on censorship and free speech.

WILD, WILD WOMEN

Secretum Secretorum • 1212 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Women have unique qualities that make them strong and wild. Embracing those qualities can lead to empowerment.
  2. Celebrating women's individuality is important. Each woman's story adds to the rich diversity of experiences.
  3. Creativity and expression through art are key ways to showcase and appreciate women's strength.

'Gone With the Wind': The Explosive Lost Scenes

The Ankler • 884 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. At the Atlanta premiere of Gone With the Wind, there was a hidden civil war over how slavery should be depicted in the movie, leading to the exclusion of some intense scenes.
  2. Gone With the Wind, a highly successful film, faced criticism for its romanticized portrayal of slavery, which influenced perceptions of race relations worldwide.
  3. The legacy of Gone With the Wind is complex, with debates surrounding its portrayal of slavery, the impact on culture, and the role of key figures like Hattie McDaniel in the movie's history.

The Most English Man in the World

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 996 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture History
  1. The author humorously explores British culture and customs while visiting London for the first time. They joke about misunderstandings, like 'mushy peas' being a real food and the confusion around British geography.
  2. The author learns about Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, a prominent British politician, who is described as very traditional. They explain how he became a 'sir' through a special honor from a former prime minister.
  3. The article highlights the author's curiosity about British life and their playful approach to learning about a different culture through funny anecdotes and questions.

The books that moved me in 2023

The Shift With Sam Baker • 758 implied HN points • 09 Nov 23
📚 Literature History
  1. The article discusses the author's favorite books of the year, focusing on ones that left a lasting impact on them emotionally.
  2. The books mentioned cover a range of topics, from a unique perspective on history to candid memoirs, and thrilling fiction with humor and rage.
  3. The author reflects on the importance of books that evoke strong emotions and provoke new thoughts, highlighting the power of storytelling.

Top Links 766 No tariffs on vintage. The turbine crisis. Hayek's bastards and Blue Jerusalem.

Chartbook • 543 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History
  1. There are currently no tariffs on vintage items, making it easier to buy and sell them. This can benefit collectors and businesses alike.
  2. The turbine crisis is a significant issue, which may impact energy production and prices. It's important to stay informed about how this affects the economy.
  3. Hayek's ideas continue to provoke discussions, along with topics related to cities like Blue Jerusalem. Understanding these concepts can help in navigating modern economic debates.

The Sweatshirt V-Notch Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1146 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🪞 Fashion & Beauty History
  1. The V-notch on sweatshirts started out as a practical feature for absorbing sweat and allowing flexibility. It was created for football players to wear comfortably.
  2. Many sweatshirts today have the V-notch but it's mostly for style, not function. It's interesting how practical designs can become just a fashion statement over time.
  3. Learning about fabric manufacturing, like Loopwheeler's unique approach, helps us appreciate quality and the history behind our everyday clothing.

Shakespeare Schedule 2025

The Common Reader • 1275 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. There is a schedule for reading Shakespeare's plays throughout 2025. Each play will be discussed on a Sunday at 7 PM UK time over Zoom.
  2. The schedule includes various famous plays like 'Richard III', 'Midsummer Night’s Dream', and 'Macbeth'.
  3. Participants will receive a Zoom link the day before each meeting to join the discussion.

The Tachibana Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1025 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Buying used records can make music purchases more special. It allows for a personal connection to the places visited.
  2. The Tohru Aizawa Quartet created a rare jazz album in the 1970s, originally made as a business card. The album stands out because of its unique backstory and quality.
  3. Despite their main careers being outside music, the band delivered impressive compositions that show their talent. Their music can be enjoyed by listening online, even if you can't find the physical record.

Araminta Hall on living post-MeToo

The Shift With Sam Baker • 399 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Araminta Hall questions if the MeToo movement has lost momentum or needs a fresh perspective, sparking thought-provoking discussions.
  2. Growing up in a time of evolving views on women, the author reflects on the societal changes she has witnessed, highlighting the challenges and contradictions faced by women over the years.
  3. The post emphasizes the ongoing importance of discussions around gender equality and the complexities of navigating societal expectations.

The Civil War on the campaign trail

steveinskeep • 511 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History
  1. Presidential candidates discussed the cause of the Civil War, revealing the contested history and beliefs about slavery.
  2. Nikki Haley and Donald Trump's differing views on the cause of the war highlight the cultural and historical perspectives around slavery.
  3. The conversation around the Civil War and negotiation reflects broader cultural beliefs and perspectives on conflict resolution and compromise.

2025 Kvetching & Books

Kvetch • 69 implied HN points • 22 Dec 25
📚 Literature History
  1. There is an urgent appeal to support the family of Yaacov Levitan, who was killed in the Bondi Massacre. Donations are requested and come with tiered acknowledgements like shoutouts, hour-long calls, or custom writing for larger gifts.
  2. The year in review notes 29 pieces published in 2025, steady subscriber growth, and several Australia-focused essays that influenced public discourse. Subscriptions remain free.
  3. The reading list is wide-ranging across history, religion, WWII, Israel, fiction, and other topics, helped by faster audiobook listening. A long deep dive on New Zealand history is planned, though the writer feels conflicted about posting given recent tragic events.

Microlog Babytalk

Computer Ads from the Past • 384 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🕹 Technology History
  1. Microlog Babytalk was a multifunction board created for IBM and Texas Instruments computers in the early 1980s. It had capabilities like handling communications while the main computer worked on other tasks.
  2. The Babytalk board was priced at $895 and featured a built-in modem, print spooling, and could emulate various terminal protocols. It was designed to make data management easier for users.
  3. Microlog became a part of Terminal Unlimited, which faced bankruptcy in 1985. Despite its interesting features, there's little information about how well the Babytalk performed in the market.

The Trees (The Band) Edition

Why is this interesting? • 542 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
🎶 Music History
  1. Trees was a folk-rock band in the UK during the late 1960s and early 1970s that had a brief career and released two albums. They were known for their unique sound and a mix of traditional and modern influences.
  2. Their music is still appreciated today and they've gained a kind of cult following, alongside a box-set retrospective to celebrate their work.
  3. The band's second album cover, created by the famous design team Hipgnosis, is considered iconic and likely drew many listeners in, even if they were unfamiliar with the band.

Why Manchester should bid for the Olympics

Odds and Ends of History • 134 implied HN points • 17 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History
  1. Manchester should consider bidding for the Olympics because it could help improve transport links in the region, especially with Northern Powerhouse Rail.
  2. The current system for protecting historic buildings is not working well and needs to be changed to better preserve important structures.
  3. Engaging the community in these discussions is important, as it affects both local development and preservation.

Dionysus, Rewilding & The Invention Of Wine

Grey Goose Chronicles • 845 implied HN points • 15 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Dionysus, the god of wine, has interesting parallels with the domestication of grapes.
  2. The origins of wine production and grape domestication are complex with multiple theories and locations.
  3. Dionysus, though seen as a foreign deity, has deep roots in Greek culture and was a product of their development.

Does The Past Exist?

Castalia • 579 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
📖 Philosophy History
  1. Some people believe that the past doesn't matter as much because they think progress leads to better results today. They argue that everything improves over time, like athletes breaking records.
  2. However, the author argues that past achievements in areas like literature and chess have their own unique value and should not be dismissed. The past has lessons and beauty that are still relevant today.
  3. It's important to respect the past and recognize its significance. It shouldn't just be seen as a stepping stone for the present.

Reworlding art

Eucatastrophologist • 471 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration History
  1. Good art reveals reality hidden by our distractions and vanities.
  2. Teaching art should focus on harmony, integration, and revelation.
  3. Encourage creativity by emphasizing contemplation, embracing negativity, and not providing easy answers.

Is Chess A Waste Of Time?

Zwischenzug • 845 implied HN points • 04 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Chess can be seen as a serious pursuit or a wasted talent.
  2. Some individuals regret dedicating their life to chess, while others find it to be a form of art.
  3. Chess may offer a unique training in structured thinking, attracting scientists and proving fruitful for a shift in focus.