The hottest History Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

Between Race Abolition and Racial Essentialism

Glenn Loury • 793 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Race is a social construct that some are trying to do away with, aiming towards a future of racelessness.
  2. We live in a society where race is a reality and needs to be addressed, finding a middle ground to identify with racial or ethnic communities without confining oneself to them.
  3. Creating opportunities for interaction across different racial groups is key to breaking down prejudices and building understanding.

An Introduction to UPA

Animation Obsessive • 4664 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration History
  1. UPA studio revolutionized animation in the 1940s and 1950s with modern art influences and unique storytelling.
  2. The UPA animation style focused on emotion over anatomy, leading to groundbreaking visuals and storytelling.
  3. UPA's work extended beyond well-known films like Mr. Magoo, encompassing TV commercials, series, and experimental shows.

Time held me green and dying

Secretum Secretorum • 580 implied HN points • 21 May 25
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Time changes everything, and it can make the past seem more beautiful than the present. We often remember past moments fondly, even if they weren't perfect.
  2. Memories can be clearer and more vibrant than reality. Sometimes, looking back helps us see the good things that were overshadowed at the time.
  3. We should appreciate the present more and not just rely on nostalgia to feel happy. Finding joy in today can help us avoid getting lost in the past.

Stiff Upper Lip? 😐😢😭

Non-Boring History • 432 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Crying has a rich history in Britain, challenging stereotypes about emotion.
  2. Historical figures like Margery Kempe show that public crying was not uncommon in the past.
  3. Exploring the history of public displays of emotions can lead to a deeper understanding of cultures and societies.

On Weird America

Novum Newsletter • 379 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Every few generations, people rediscover their country in new ways. The U.S. has gone through this several times, and many feel like strangers in their own land today.
  2. Art and journalism often help people understand their society better. Past movements like American Realism and New Journalism showcased the struggles and changes in America.
  3. Currently, we are entering a phase called 'Weird America.' This reflects a chaotic and disconnected society where media shows reveal the strange aspects of American life.
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Anthropomorphizing the Russell paradox

Infinitely More • 41 implied HN points • 05 Jan 26
📖 Philosophy History
  1. Cantor’s diagonal argument shows that for any set there are always more subsets than elements. You can see this intuitively by imagining people and their committees or fruits and their salads.
  2. Applying the same diagonal idea produces Russell’s paradox, which shows that allowing every property to define a set leads to a contradiction, so there can be no single universal set and set formation must be restricted.
  3. Modern axiomatic set theory (like ZFC) provides a robust foundation that achieves much of the logicist goal of grounding mathematics in logical principles, though there is still debate about whether every axiom is purely logical.

Can We Please Have Some Honesty About Trump’s Lockdowns?

COVID Reason • 1487 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History
  1. The document drafted by Trump's Department of Health and Human Services guided government at all levels in dealing with COVID-19 in 2020.
  2. The consequences of lockdowns implemented in response to COVID-19 were devastating, leading to various societal and economic issues.
  3. DeSantis challenges the narrative on Trump's response to COVID-19, advocating for individual liberty and responsibility over lockdowns as the new-normal response.

The Mission Burrito...

illyanna Maisonet's Newsletter • 452 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🍲 Food & Drink History
  1. The history of the Mission burrito and its connection to the creation of Chipotle by a person named Steve.
  2. Instructions on how to engage on social media platforms like leaving comments and clicking hearts under a video.
  3. Benefits of being a paid subscriber to the newsletter, including exclusive content and perks like recipes, videos, and a list of places to eat.

Top Links 765 Military R&D in America. Nigeria's investment plans. The "imperial meridian" and Nelson on the mosquito coast.

Chartbook • 515 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History
  1. The U.S. military invests heavily in research and development to stay advanced in technology and defense. This helps keep the country safe and operates effectively.
  2. Nigeria has exciting plans for investment that could impact its economy and future growth. It's important to watch how these investments develop.
  3. The history of the U.S. military-industrial complex shows how it was reduced in the 1990s, which is interesting for understanding current military funding and operations.

Cyc: history's forgotten AI project

Outsider Art • 220 HN points • 17 Apr 24
🕹 Technology History
  1. The Cyc project has been working on building a massive knowledge base since 1984 for human-like reasoning, spanning millions of entries and rules.
  2. Cyc's approach of using common-sense knowledge and a vast database contrasts with the trend of machine-learning-driven AI solutions dominating the field today.
  3. Despite being overshadowed by newer AI technologies, there is potential for Cyc to complement modern systems like large language models, showcasing a possible synergy between different AI approaches.

Seven Glass Beads

Outlandish Claims • 199 implied HN points • 26 Apr 24
📚 Literature History
  1. Herman Hesse's novel 'The Glass Bead Game' explores a world where different fields merge through a game played with glass beads, but ends in a tragic twist when the protagonist tries to share his wisdom and fails.
  2. The stories of trinitite, MENACE (Matchbox Educable Naughts And Crosses Engine), and the Valdice Monastery show how abstract ideas like nuclear weapons, early AI models, and forced labor intertwined with concrete consequences, shaping the 20th-century mindset on science and philosophy.
  3. The shift in mindset between Hermann Hesse's and Neal Stephenson's work reflects the evolution of the perception of abstract and concrete ideas over the 20th century, influenced by events like the Cold War, science advancements, and societal changes.

"Sunny" - The inspired song that has, in turn, inspired so many other artists

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 199 implied HN points • 26 Apr 24
🎶 Music History
  1. Bobby Hebb's song 'Sunny' became a huge hit in 1966 and has been covered by over 500 artists. Its unique sound influenced many songs across different genres.
  2. The inspiration for 'Sunny' came to Bobby after a personal tragedy and seeing a beautiful sunrise, showing how powerful creativity can arise from tough times.
  3. Bobby's career was deeply influenced by his musical family and key figures in music, highlighting the importance of support and mentorship in achieving success.

Smith of Heaven

Becoming Noble • 817 implied HN points • 19 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. The medieval Icelandic hymn 'Hear, Smith of the Heavens' reflects a blend of Christian and pagan elements, showing the process of inculturation.
  2. Catholic doctrine encourages the transformation of cultures without destroying them, aiming to purify and restore in Christ.
  3. Figures like Bishop Guðmundur Arason in Icelandic history embody the transition from pagan to Christian beliefs, showcasing the superiority of Christian spiritual power.

Suiting up, making the case, and guess who’s coming to dinner

The Pillar • 805 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality History
  1. Pope Francis is creating new cardinals in a consistory this weekend, and it's a tradition full of pomp and pageantry in Rome.
  2. Wearing fancy uniforms and titles like 'cardinal' signify belonging to a greater purpose and celebration of collective work.
  3. The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors is urging Church leaders to prioritize reforms for abuse survivors during upcoming events like the Synod of Bishops.

Links and Tingz (May '25)

Secretum Secretorum • 530 implied HN points • 29 May 25
📚 Literature History
  1. Poetry often reflects deep feelings about life and existence. It can make us think more about our thoughts and emotions.
  2. The history of marginalized groups, like the Cagots, shows how society can exclude and discriminate. Understanding these stories helps us learn about empathy and acceptance.
  3. Time can feel powerful and transforming, blending our experiences. Thinking about time can change how we perceive ourselves and our surroundings.

Morphology and History

The Oswald Spengler Project • 339 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🚌 Education History
  1. History presents unique challenges as it lacks a universal framework like the natural sciences.
  2. Schopenhauer argues that historical events are too diverse to fit into generic categories or types, making a true science of history difficult.
  3. One approach could be to focus on studying specific types of historical phenomena rather than trying to encompass all of history.

Feverish enthusiasm, no pleasing some people, and being Batman

The Pillar • 786 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality History
  1. The editor took a vacation and had to deal with being sick, but found a silver lining in being away from work and off his phone.
  2. Pope Francis is making a significant trip to Mongolia and there's an interesting article about Catholicism in the country.
  3. There is an impactful story about sexual assault charges being dropped against Theodore McCarrick due to mental incompetence.

A Visual Tour of Karel Zeman

Animation Obsessive • 1435 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Karel Zeman was a talented Czech filmmaker known for his unique style in animation and special effects. He used innovative techniques that mixed live action with animation.
  2. He was passionate about the technical aspects of filmmaking and often experimented to create his own artistic identity. This made his films stand out during his peak years.
  3. Zeman was part of a group of influential animators in Czechoslovakia, but he developed a distinct approach that included combining different forms of animation and special effects.

Europa Regina

Cosmographia • 579 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration History
  1. Europe is said to be named after Europa, a Phoenician Princess from Greek mythology who was seduced by Zeus in the form of a bull.
  2. Europa bore Zeus three sons who played significant roles in mythology, such as Minos, King of Crete, Rhadamanthus, and Sarpedon who fought in the Trojan War.
  3. The story of Europa and Zeus showcases a classic mythological tale of love, seduction, and divine descent, contributing to the rich tapestry of Greek mythology.

Street Smart Support

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 119 implied HN points • 03 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Supporting the newsletter helps keep it going and allows the writer to share interesting topics about nature and history.
  2. Sharing previous newsletters with friends can spark fun conversations and encourage outdoor adventures together.
  3. There are different subscription options available for those who want to support the newsletter further and receive regular updates.

Top Links 797 Upgrading America's military-industrial complex. The Rise and Fall of China’s ‘Fentanyl King’ & the "hole left by the Christian dark ages" ;)

Chartbook • 386 implied HN points • 12 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History
  1. America's military-industrial complex is getting more advanced. This means they are improving their technology and systems for military use.
  2. China's 'Fentanyl King' story highlights the rise and fall of influential individuals in the drug trade. It shows how powerful figures can impact society.
  3. The mention of the 'hole left by the Christian dark ages' suggests there were significant losses in knowledge or culture during that time. It's a reminder of how history can shape our present.

Unmarked Graveyard: Hart Island Stories

well, actually • 452 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Hart Island in New York City is America's largest public cemetery with over a million buried there, including various individuals with unique stories.
  2. The island lacks headstones or plaques, and many individuals buried there remain anonymous with explanations for their burial hard to find.
  3. Hart Island is now open to the public with tours available, and efforts are underway to document the island's history and identify those buried there.

A Library of Books That Really Changed Minds

Reactionary Feminist • 22 implied HN points • 24 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Readers who change their minds draw on a wide range of books — fiction, philosophy, history, science, and religious works — not just contemporary bestsellers. These diverse genres offer different ways to challenge assumptions and reshape worldview.
  2. Many of the books that shifted people’s views are critiques of modern progressive ideas, managerial elites, or prevailing secular dogmas. They often question ‘woke’ orthodoxy, identity politics, and the cultural power of experts.
  3. The books that most often change minds are long, rigorous, and committed to truth rather than tribal comfort. Serious recommendations and sustained, argument-driven writing help bring readers to new perspectives.

The Travel Lunatic: A Floating Village, a Bad Embassy, and My Literally Being Eaten Alive!

Brent and Michael are Going Places • 766 implied HN points • 24 Jun 23
🏝 Travel History
  1. The author shares adventures and insights from traveling in Cambodia, including visiting a floating village and dealing with embassy challenges.
  2. A story about a floating village showcases the impact of tourism on local communities and the importance of education in changing lives.
  3. The author recounts a powerful book recommendation highlighting the brutal Khmer Rouge period in Cambodia.

Top Steely Dan posts of 2023

Expanding Dan • 491 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
🎶 Music History
  1. Listen to the long-awaited 'Second Arrangement' cassette by Steely Dan.
  2. Learn about the engineer who recorded over 'Second Arrangement.'
  3. Understand the rivalry and mutual respect between the Eagles and Steely Dan.

Daniel Walker Howe, in memoriam; The Monroe Doctrine; Sontag reconsidered

Unpopular Front • 32 implied HN points • 11 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture History
  1. A reader-supported model is being pushed, with a modest subscription pitch and a recently released paperback promoted to help fund the work.
  2. Daniel Walker Howe’s death is noted, and his scholarship argues that the Age of Jackson—a mix of authoritarian populism, patronage, and racially charged politics—still casts a long shadow over American life.
  3. Recent media appearances and conversations are highlighted, including televised segments and interviews (like a discussion of Black Pill), with recordings and events available to watch online.

This is not the best we can do

¡Do Not Panic! • 707 implied HN points • 25 Oct 23
📖 Philosophy History
  1. The need for big transformative ideas and focus on useful knowledge to propel humanity forward
  2. Call to rekindle the spirit of the Enlightenment and focus on meaningful change rather than trivial research
  3. Belief in the possibility of a better future, challenging the current systems and structures for a more equitable world

Who is Aja?

Expanding Dan • 628 implied HN points • 16 Nov 23
🎶 Music History
  1. Aja is the enigmatic namesake of Steely Dan's 1977 album.
  2. New information has surfaced about Aja, shedding light on the woman who inspired the album's title.
  3. A reader shared personal insights, including connections to Donald Fagen and the inspiration behind the album.

Why do London's Victorian Roads Feel a Bit... Off?

Londonist: Time Machine • 159 implied HN points • 10 May 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Victorian roads in London can feel 'off' because they were built with little regard for existing neighborhoods, often displacing poor residents to create straight through-routes.
  2. 19th-century streets in London were named after monarchs and were designed to flatten slums, resulting in the eradication of historic street plans and poorer communities.
  3. The Victorian approach to road-building in London prioritized efficiency and traffic flow, leading to the destruction of organic streetscapes that had developed over centuries.

The life cycle of a taboo

Wrong Side of History • 408 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Taboos can feel permanent, but they often start from new ideas or changes in society. It's interesting how what seems normal can shift over time.
  2. Different cultures create their own taboos for specific reasons, like protecting resources or avoiding risks. For example, Hindus have rules about cows, while Jews avoid pigs.
  3. As societies change, people often find themselves in trouble for breaking old taboos. What was once acceptable can become frowned upon or even illegal.

Southern Bridge and Fort Sumter

Jeff Giesea • 179 implied HN points • 21 May 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Nighttime walks can evoke a mix of real-life experiences and imaginative thoughts. It's a great time to reflect on history while enjoying the beauty around you.
  2. The connection between past events, like the Civil War, and present political feelings can be profound. It often leads to questions about our current society and history.
  3. Interactions with people during walks can vary, but kindness often shines through. Engaging with others can add a positive touch to the experience.

Clayton, Missouri

In My Tribe • 486 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Sam Altman grew up in Clayton, Missouri, which is known for its strong educational system and smart students. The schools there were very competitive, and many students had high academic achievements.
  2. The author reflects on the importance of understanding different personalities in the startup world. Some talented individuals might be seen as difficult, but their unique contributions can be valuable.
  3. The history of Clayton and its changing demographics highlights issues like segregation. The neighborhood has transformed over the years, showing shifts in social dynamics and community identity.

Five... Pieces of London's Hitchcockian History

Londonist: Time Machine • 139 implied HN points • 19 May 24
🏝 Travel History
  1. London has various locations related to Hitchcock's life and work, such as Leytonstone where he was born and Hackney where he started his career in the film industry.
  2. Visiting Leytonstone allows for a Hitchcock-themed experience, with places like the Hitchcock Hotel and mosaics at Leytonstone tube station paying homage to the director.
  3. Islington Studios in Hackney is where Hitchcock began as an assistant director and later directed his first thriller, showcasing his early career in the film industry.

DNA goes to the Dogs

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 519 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Woolly dogs were kept by the Coast Salish people for their fur, which was used to make warm blankets. Unfortunately, these dogs went extinct in the late 1800s, leaving only one pelt known today.
  2. Recent research used genetic studies and the historical context of Mutton, a woolly dog, to learn about its unique traits and the care it received from Indigenous people. This shows how important these dogs were to their culture.
  3. The extinction of woolly dogs is connected to historical racism and policies that targeted Indigenous practices. Understanding this context is just as important as studying the genetics of the dogs.