The hottest History Substack posts right now

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In Real Life

Becoming Noble • 697 implied HN points • 05 May 23
🎭️ Culture Art Politics History Philosophy Literature
  1. Sam Hyde's 'Candyman' persona and demand to fight Hasan Piker are seen as groundbreaking performance art that renews a focus on action art.
  2. The Right is seen as the true artistic avant-garde, breaking away from the constraints of a declining society and embracing physical and spiritual energies.
  3. The revival of art is seen as essential in a late-stage civilization, where action art, with its raw energy and authenticity, is proposed as a powerful medium for expression.

Thanksgiving: The Propaganda Holiday

JoeWrote • 67 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History Education Social Issues Civic engagement Indigenous rights
  1. Thanksgiving is often taught as a friendly feast between settlers and Native Americans, but the reality was much harsher, involving broken treaties and violence. It's important to understand the real history behind it.
  2. The holiday has been used as a form of propaganda to promote a false sense of unity and national identity in America, while ignoring the harms done to Indigenous peoples.
  3. Recognizing the true history of Thanksgiving can help us confront the myths propagated in our education system and work towards a more honest understanding of America's past.

The Spy Travel Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1085 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🏝 Travel History Guides Authors Influence
  1. The U.S. government had a significant influence on the creation of modern American travel guides through literal spies like Eugene Fodor and Temple Fielding.
  2. Eugene Fodor, a successful guidebook publisher, was an officer for the CIA's predecessor during WWII and continued to use spies as writers for his company.
  3. The travel industry has evolved from its CIA roots to offer guides catering to various interests and lifestyles, providing valuable insights into different cultures beyond borders.

Conspicuous Consumption

Something to Consider • 39 implied HN points • 28 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Consumption Status Leisure Economics History
  1. People often consume things not just for their value, but to show off and maintain social status. This is called conspicuous consumption.
  2. Sometimes, conspicuous consumption can lead to positive changes in society by encouraging people to work more, especially when new and interesting goods are available.
  3. Shifting our focus from comparing social status to comparing consumption might lead to better relationships and institutions.
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Black Swans

Black Music and Black Muses • 687 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🎶 Music Artists History Influence Performance Lyrics
  1. Nina Simone's art was a blend of vulnerability and vengeance in her singing.
  2. Nina Simone's career and music reflected a battle between her desire to be a concert pianist and her role as a diva.
  3. Nina Simone's honesty and self-awareness about her path question the idea of success, sacrifice, and the road not taken.

VFYW: Gay Icons And Graffiti Galore

The Weekly Dish • 29 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art History Architecture LGBTQ+ Literature Local news
  1. Graffiti and street art can be fascinating and lead to surprising discoveries about a place. Sometimes, a simple tag can help identify a city's location.
  2. Family history can reveal interesting stories and connections to places, making history feel more personal and engaging. Learning about our ancestors can create a sense of belonging.
  3. Architecture plays a key role in how we perceive a city. Unique buildings can evoke curiosity and spark discussions about design, history, and the blend of old and new.

Kitchen Project #113: The Art of Meringue ft. The Plinth Pavlova

Kitchen Projects • 687 implied HN points • 10 Sep 23
🍲 Food & Drink Desserts History Cooking techniques
  1. Desserts can be visually stunning and fun, adding a whimsical touch to the dining experience.
  2. Meringue sculptures are a popular trend, known for their intricate designs and pipe-able nature.
  3. Historically, dessert has evolved from high-cost, elaborate treats for the wealthy to creative and edible art forms for everyone to enjoy.

The Classic Solution to Demoralization

ancientlifecoach • 373 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture History Philosophy Education
  1. True competence requires morale - like how Napoleon kept himself motivated with Plutarch's 'Life of Caesar'.
  2. History should inspire action in the present - it's not just about presenting facts but about bringing out the best in us.
  3. Avoid industrial-scale demoralization by studying great figures we're trained to ignore and ensuring that future generations are 'moralized' in the ancient way.

German scientific paternalism

More is Different • 7 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🔬 Science History Philosophy Education Research Technology
  1. German science saw a golden age from 1880 to 1930, promoting rigorous standards and collaboration in research. This created a structured environment where many talented scientists could thrive.
  2. The German academic system was hierarchical and paternalistic, emphasizing careful mentorship but also pressuring scientists to publish frequently, leading to a focus on quantity over quality in some cases.
  3. Balancing high scientific standards with the ability to embrace new ideas is challenging. A rigid system can slow progress, while a more relaxed system might let in too many fleeting trends.

From J-10 to J-XD - History

TP’s Substack • 27 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Aerospace Military Engineering Innovation History
  1. China's fighter jet development has evolved significantly from earlier models, with newer jets like the J-10 and J-20 showing vast improvements in technology and performance.
  2. The transition from 4th to 5th generation fighter jets has been important for the PLAAF, highlighting advancements in stealth, electronics, and weaponry.
  3. Looking ahead, the next generation of fighters, like the J-XD, will likely rely on AI and integrate with drones for enhanced combat capabilities.

New Episode! #24 - Samo Burja - How to Prevent Civilizational Collapse

Win-Win • 79 implied HN points • 21 Jun 24
🎙 Podcasts Geopolitics History Leadership Bureaucracy Governance
  1. Bureaucratic growth can weaken institutions and slow down decision-making. It's important to streamline and maintain efficiency in governance.
  2. Understanding the difference between tacit (unspoken) and explicit (clearly defined) knowledge is crucial for effective organization and leadership.
  3. Different systems of governance, like democracy and monarchy, have their own strengths and weaknesses that can impact how societies function.

3.0 The Birth of Electromagnetism

Fields & Energy • 279 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🔬 Science Physics Electromagnetism History Measurement Innovation
  1. Coulomb created the torsion balance, a tool that helped him measure tiny forces between electrically charged objects. This was a big step in understanding electricity and magnetism.
  2. His findings showed that electric forces follow a similar pattern to gravitational forces, which Newton discovered. This means both types of forces can be explained using related mathematical laws.
  3. Coulomb's work laid the foundation for modern electromagnetism, even though he faced challenges during the French Revolution. His contributions are still recognized today, as the unit of electric charge is named after him.

RTF Lecture Invitation: Guanzi- Introduction to 3000 Years of Chinese Economic Thought (Feb 4 at 2pm ET)

Through A Glass Darkly • 334 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Education History Philosophy World Politics Economics
  1. The Rising Tide Foundation lectures aim to showcase Chinese cultural dynamics and economic history to address misconceptions and lies about China and Russia.
  2. They emphasize the importance of gaining true insight into different cultures to develop critical thinking skills and combat misinformation.
  3. The upcoming lecture on '3000 Years of Chinese Economic Thought' will explore the origin and meaning of economics from a traditionally Chinese point of view.

The Curse of the Dispensation

America in Crisis • 99 implied HN points • 04 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History Politics Economy Society Foreign Policy
  1. Democrats shifted focus from the working class in favor of other constituencies like women and college students after a 1968 defeat
  2. The decline of Democratic dominance in 1968 was attributed to poor foreign policy choices like excessive military spending during peacetime
  3. Over time, holding onto a dominant party status can lead to complacency and eventual downfall, as seen in the transitions from the Roosevelt to Reagan dispensations

Welcome to Rock 'n' Roll with Me

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 179 implied HN points • 15 Apr 24
🎶 Music Rock History Culture Genres Artists
  1. The goal is to celebrate and preserve classic rock music from the 60s and 70s, since it often gets overlooked on radio today.
  2. Ellen wants to share songs that make her and others want to dance, and she will focus mainly on rock but might include other genres too.
  3. She encourages comments and song requests, making it a fun community space for music lovers, while keeping copyright rules in mind.

WORM MOON 2023

The Lunar Dispatch • 648 implied HN points • 08 Mar 23
🔬 Science Physics Quantum Computing History Ethics Technology
  1. Progress in creating theoretical spacetime tunnels like wormholes has been slow.
  2. Albert Einstein, known for his scientific achievements and humanitarianism, had a complex private side.
  3. With the advent of quantum computers, concerns arise about privacy and the need for mutual forgiveness in the face of revealed dark sides.

2.6.3 The Misinterpretation of Newton

Fields & Energy • 299 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🔬 Science Physics Mathematics History Philosophy Theories
  1. Newton did not explain why gravity exists. He focused on describing what gravity does instead of offering guesses about its cause.
  2. Many scientists after Newton misinterpreted his ideas, leading to a belief that gravity was an essential quality of matter, even though Newton disagreed with such views.
  3. Over time, Newton's concepts became viewed as abstract ideas rather than being connected to real evidence from the physical world.

The soul of a house

Disaffected Newsletter • 1019 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Art Architecture Literature History Personal narratives
  1. Houses have a character or 'soul' that reflects the good or bad experiences that happen within them. Some houses feel welcoming while others seem cold or forbidding.
  2. Moving frequently and facing hardships can leave emotional scars, making the idea of a true home feel elusive. Finding a place that feels secure and safe can be a crucial part of childhood.
  3. Houses can evoke strong memories and dreams, even after many years. They remain important in our lives, often representing our desires for stability and belonging.

Economic Ornithology

Bird History • 379 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🔬 Science Ornithology Conservation Agriculture Research History
  1. Before pesticides, birds were valued by farmers for their role in controlling bugs on crops, and economic ornithologists calculated the precise worth of each bird in dollars.
  2. The Bureau of Biological Survey was established to study the economic impact of birds on agriculture, shifting focus to quantify the benefits and drawbacks of various bird species on crops.
  3. Studies conducted by economic ornithologists resulted in a widespread belief in the economic significance of birds in pest control, but the field eventually lost credibility as pesticides and modern agricultural practices took over.

Why Immigrants Don't Need to Vote to Matter

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 1176 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Government History Elections Citizenship
  1. The number of House seats and electors each state gets is based on total population, not just the voting population.
  2. Undocumented immigrants can indirectly impact elections by altering voting districts.
  3. Historical compromises like the Three-Fifths Compromise show how population count affects political power.

Links to Consider, 11/6/2024

In My Tribe • 258 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Parenting Technology Conflict History Art
  1. Artificial intelligence can help humans communicate better with computers, but using it to interact with fake people may not achieve much. We still need to be careful in how we approach these technologies.
  2. Conflicts usually have deeper issues behind them, such as need for respect or control. Understanding this can help resolve disputes more effectively.
  3. Being a 'good enough' parent is more about feeling confident and calm. It's okay to have a relaxed view of parenting rather than striving for perfection.

BEWARE OF RAGING MUD FIRES

Cintra Wilson Feels Your Pain • 628 implied HN points • 12 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture History Society Art
  1. Houseboat communities have a unique history with roots in wartime shipyards and post-war improvisation.
  2. The houseboat residents faced challenges with legal regulations and community gentrification.
  3. The houseboat residents maintained a rebellious and unorthodox lifestyle, resisting conformity and embracing individuality.

Chalino, King of the Drug Ballad

CrashOut by Ioan Grillo • 628 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Music Crime History
  1. Chalino Sánchez emigrated to Los Angeles to pursue his music career but remained loyal to his roots in Sinaloa.
  2. Chalino revolutionized the narco corrido genre, paving the way for its popularity and influencing future artists.
  3. Chalino's life and music legacy continue to inspire, with his impact seen through murals, imitators, and his family's continued defense of his reputation.

Capitalism creates inequality: Stone age edition

Klement on Investing • 4 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
💼 Business Economics Inequality Capitalism Finance History
  1. Wealth inequality has existed since ancient times, even as far back as the Stone Age. Early societies had low inequality, but it started to rise around 6,000 years ago.
  2. The invention of farming led to people settling down, which allowed them to store wealth in crops and livestock. This changed how wealth was accumulated and shared among people.
  3. Over time, technology and the growth of states allowed some individuals to amass even more wealth, leading to high levels of inequality that are still seen in many developed countries today.

From Rubber Soul to Revolver

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 622 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🎶 Music History Revolution Legacy Genres
  1. The author reflects on their childhood fascination with the Beatles and their decision to stop listening to their music after 1965 due to a fear of the band's evolution.
  2. The author delves into a deep analysis of the Beatles' albums, particularly highlighting the transition from 'Rubber Soul' to 'Revolver' and the complexity of the songs.
  3. There's a discussion on the cultural and societal impact of music in the 1960s, especially how artists like the Beatles and Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys brought avant-garde experimentation into mainstream commercial culture.

Pizza Ebraica

Susanality • 609 implied HN points • 13 Oct 23
🍲 Food & Drink Recipes Cuisine Baking History Culture
  1. The recipe for Pizza Ebraica is a unique and delicious treat from Rome's Jewish Ghetto, rich in history and tradition.
  2. Leah Koenig's book, Portico, dives into the diverse and evolving cuisine of Rome's Jewish community, showcasing the vibrant culinary heritage of the area.
  3. Roman Jewish food offers a blend of traditional dishes and modern twists, highlighting a unique aspect of Jewish cuisine that is different from the more familiar Ashkenazi foods.

Les Belles Dames Sans Merci

SBJournal • 353 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Memoir Feminism Sexuality History Literature
  1. Facing challenges in printing and distributing a feminist erotic magazine in the 80s due to societal norms and discrimination.
  2. Encountering obstacles in business operations and facing prejudice due to the nature of the content.
  3. Navigating the complexities of feminist politics, censorship, and personal relationships within the context of sexual liberation movements.

Ely Cathedral and the beauty of progress.

The Common Reader • 1098 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Architecture History Progress Beauty
  1. Ely Cathedral showcases the evolution of architectural progress from Romanesque to Gothic styles.
  2. The transition from Romanesque to Gothic architecture highlights the significant engineering improvements that allowed for artistic advancements.
  3. The beauty and grandeur of Gothic architecture in Ely Cathedral represent a high point in Western architectural history.

The only outcome

Disaffected Newsletter • 1059 implied HN points • 24 May 23
🎭️ Culture Society History Philosophy Psychology Politics
  1. The current state of society in the West was bound to happen due to cultural paths taken over the last 70 years. We can't ignore that we are responsible for our situation today.
  2. There is a deep-rooted narcissism among people who lack understanding of true freedom and history, which has been shaped by a controlling government.
  3. For real change to occur, society might need to confront some painful truths and experiences, possibly through a crisis, so that people can take responsibility for their lives.