The hottest History Substack posts right now

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Small Spaces

The Map is Mostly Water • 547 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture History Technology Cities Cultural Diversity Innovation
  1. Culture and new ideas can often originate and flourish in smaller spaces rather than just big cities or metropolises.
  2. Success in creating innovation and technology may not always come from larger cities; smaller, more remote locations can foster creativity and growth.
  3. Remote places can produce rare and valuable cultural specimens, and it's important to be mindful of the advantages of small spaces in fostering innovation and culture.

A Day to remember

A Lawyer Writes • 569 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Today would have been Sir Robin Day's 100th birthday.
  2. Sir Robin Day was a pioneer in using forensic skills for TV current affairs.
  3. Sir Robin Day's impact on broadcasting is lasting and significant.
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Of Piscivory and Political Capital

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 359 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Nature Art History Philosophy
  1. Cormorants have been unfairly hated throughout history, often seen as symbols of greed and gluttony by famous authors. Those views were likely from people's own faults rather than the birds' behavior.
  2. The cormorants are skilled fish-eaters and have even been trained for fishing in some cultures, showing their unique relationship with humans.
  3. People's negative opinions about cormorants appear to be changing, as awareness and sympathy for these birds grow, suggesting a shift in how we view wildlife.

3.1 The Discovery of Electromagnetism

Fields & Energy • 239 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🔬 Science Physics Mathematics Electromagnetism History Experimentation
  1. Hans Christian Örsted proved that electricity and magnetism are connected by running a current near a compass, making them part of the same field called electromagnetism.
  2. André-Marie Ampère built on Örsted's work, showing that moving electric currents can attract or repel each other just like magnets do.
  3. Many scientists assumed forces acted at a distance, but Michael Faraday later suggested that closer particles must interact to create these forces.

A Lost Son Comes Home

The Recovering Academic • 395 implied HN points • 26 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Ancestry Heritage Family Memories History
  1. Researching family roots can provide a sense of connection and identity in times of major life transitions.
  2. Exploring ancestral places can offer insights into family history and traditions, creating a deeper understanding of one's origins.
  3. Family graves and homes hold important emotional significance, serving as anchors to the past and providing a sense of belonging.

January 1, 2025

Letters from an American • 20 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy History Economy Technology
  1. Twenty-five years ago, programmers worked hard to fix the Y2K bug, preventing potential chaos as the year changed to 2000. Their successful efforts showed the importance of preparation and problem-solving.
  2. Despite fears of disaster, social panic, and even scams around the new millennium, everything went smoothly because people prepared in advance. The success made many forget there was ever a real threat.
  3. As we move into a new year, one of the big questions is whether people appreciate the government's hard work in managing challenges, especially when it benefits them, like lowering drug costs for seniors.

Becoming A Geogeek

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 459 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
🔬 Science Geology Education Nature Environment History
  1. Taking a geology class can change your perspective on the world. It helps you see the connections in nature and understand different landscapes.
  2. Field trips in geology are about more than just learning; they are about observing and appreciating the natural world closely.
  3. Whether living in a city or a rural area, geology influences where you go and how you experience your environment.

Roma Caput Mundi

Angela Nagle's Newsletter • 294 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Art History Culture
  1. The populist zeitgeist is skeptical of luxury, art, and culture due to perceived corruption in sources of power and patronage.
  2. The Renaissance in Rome produced great art and culture, reflecting the city's historical status as Caput Mundi, the head of the world.
  3. The aesthetic spirit in art and culture may reemerge when the current skeptical attitude shifts.

Radicalised Bureaucracies

Paroxysms • 898 implied HN points • 03 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Society Language History Ethics Identity
  1. There has been a resurgence of interest in the Professional Managerial Class (PMC) and their impact on society, especially in relation to economic foundations and cultural dignity.
  2. The PMC is seen as converting economic issues into moral or cultural problems, focusing on symbolic recognition rather than material redistribution.
  3. The rise of radical bureaucracies within institutions has shifted towards a language of Critical Social Justice, emphasizing ethical values like equity and inclusion over technocratic principles.

The Noble Truth of the Model Minority

Bet On It • 543 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Society Politics History Race Discrimination
  1. The concept of the model minority myth oversimplifies complex issues of race, class, and discrimination, potentially leading to misunderstandings and neglect of obstacles faced by minority groups
  2. The model minority myth can be a divisive tool, used to either maintain white supremacy or challenge it by showcasing counterexamples
  3. Critics argue that the model minority myth, despite being labeled a 'myth', may hold elements of truth as a socially harmful revelation rather than a complete falsehood

Sunday Strip: The Democracy That Never Was.

Who is Robert Malone • 48 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Legislation Government History Current Events
  1. The term 'democracy' is not mentioned in important U.S. founding documents. The Founding Fathers preferred a representative democracy to avoid the problem of majority rule.
  2. A new AI tool called Grok will help summarize complex laws to make them easier for people to understand. This could help more people engage with what their government is doing.
  3. Historical tensions around gun control were significant leading up to the American Revolution. Restrictions on weaponry fueled a desire for independence from British rule.

The Age of Noise

Cybernetic Forests • 239 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual art Archives Humanity History Creativity
  1. The information age has transitioned into the age of noise, where data overload and automated systems shape our digital landscape.
  2. Artificial intelligence, while powerful, operates on abstractions of past data and predictions, emphasizing the need for human oversight and consciousness in decision-making.
  3. As artists and creators, it's essential to uphold meaning and context in the face of technological advancements, facilitating a collective understanding of our history and culture.

What Are People For?

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy Literature Art Society History
  1. People often feel disconnected from nature and each other, and it's important to think about how to reconnect with our roots and the Earth. Discovering what it means to belong can help us find our way back home.
  2. There's a big debate about whether humanity's drive to dominate nature is good or bad. Some believe this struggle is part of our evolution and drives creativity and progress, while others warn it leads to destruction.
  3. Understanding the current political landscape is crucial, as many people may not grasp what's happening. Recent changes show a potential breakdown of democratic norms, and it’s important to think about the implications for the future.

2.6.1 Newton’s Methods

Fields & Energy • 299 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🔬 Science Physics Philosophy Mathematics History Methodology
  1. Newton believed that geometry should be connected to real-world observations, rather than just logical deductions from axioms. He saw math as a tool to understand the physical world.
  2. He emphasized that we should always seek the simplest explanation for natural phenomena, following the principle of parsimony. If a simpler explanation fits the facts, it should be preferred.
  3. Newton argued that conclusions drawn from experiments should be regarded as generally true, even if new evidence could change our understanding later on. This highlights the importance of adapting our views as we gather more information.

A Note on the Changing Faces of (D)ARPA

The Good Science Project • 22 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Research Military Innovation Bureaucracy History Regulation
  1. DARPA has undergone significant changes over the years due to increased oversight and bureaucratic rules, impacting how projects are managed and funded. Initially more flexible, DARPA now operates under stricter regulations that slow down decision-making.
  2. The role of leadership has evolved where major visions for projects often come from office directors rather than project managers. This shift affects how projects are pursued and who gets to drive new ideas.
  3. Timelines for project payoffs and the focus on military needs greatly influence which projects get started and how they develop. Changes in political climates or military demands can quicken or slow down the pace of innovation at DARPA.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 37

Why is this interesting? • 120 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture History Art Media Entertainment Society
  1. Some popes in history had children, which is not something many people know. It's interesting to explore how this affects the image of the papacy.
  2. Research shows that playing Tetris might help prevent PTSD. This means a simple game could actually have a big impact on mental health.
  3. Mapping Middle Earth is a fun way to look at the geography of 'The Lord of the Rings.' It can help fans understand the story better.

Words of Place

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 239 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Language History Geography Literature Society
  1. Seattle has a unique vocabulary that reflects its history and culture. Learning these words helps people connect with the city more deeply.
  2. Many terms in Seattle's lexicon come from local geography and community, like 'The Mountain' for Mt. Rainier or 'Skid Road' from the logging industry.
  3. The relationship between language and place is important. Understanding local terms can enrich our appreciation of the environment and the people around us.

The Spirit of the Empire and the Manufacturing of Tyrant-Slaves

Tessa Fights Robots • 24 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Heritage Identity Arts History Religion
  1. We are not slaves, but instead are loved and supported by our ancestors. It’s important to remember that we’re meant for joy, not just pain.
  2. The pain from our ancestors can lead people to suppress their true selves. Many parents, trying to protect their children, unintentionally continue this cycle by promoting fear of pursuing dreams.
  3. True freedom starts from within. We must choose not to engage with negative patterns in our lives and embrace our natural state of being free and joyful.

Southern Farm Story

Non-Boring History • 275 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🏝 Travel Culture History Food & Drink Photography Event
  1. The post shares a story about a Southern farm in the middle of Atlanta, written by Annette Laing.
  2. There's an important announcement of a Zoom chat event scheduled for March 2, 2024, for paid subscribers to connect with Annette Laing.
  3. The post emphasizes the opportunity for Nonnies (subscribers) to have exclusive discussions and insights into Annette Laing's series.

The Saddle Stitch Edition

Why is this interesting? • 904 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Craft Luxury History
  1. Saddle stitching with two needles creates strong and elegant seams on thick leather like saddles, emphasizing craftsmanship and durability.
  2. The saddle stitch process is a symbol of true luxury, centered on effort, rarity, and longevity, contrasting with mass-produced items.
  3. Hermès still values traditional saddle stitching in their leatherwork for its quality, despite openness to technological advancements if they can improve quality.

Photo of the Day

Photo of the Day • 275 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Civil War Conspiracy Theories Government History
  1. Ulysses S. Grant emphasized the importance of universal public education for both Black and White children as vital for a republic's survival.
  2. Grant believed in the necessity of intelligence among citizens to maintain a republic, cautioning against ignorance, superstition, and ambition overtaking patriotism.
  3. Historians warn that with internet-driven conspiracy theories and cult fetishes influencing government, society is on the verge of a perilous situation.

How David Perell found and hired The Cultural Tutor

Deplatformable Newsletter • 275 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Literature History Philosophy Education
  1. Consider reading older books instead of just the latest bestsellers to have a unique perspective and stand out as a writer.
  2. The content we consume shapes our ideas over time, so choose diverse sources to cultivate diverse thoughts.
  3. Being intentional about exploring historical or ancient texts can help in developing a distinctive voice as a writer and thinking differently.

Alice Evans on Acemoglu, et al

In My Tribe • 273 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Institutions Economics History Society Politics Beliefs
  1. Inclusive institutions are key for long-term economic success. This means that countries need both strong governments and engaged communities.
  2. Culture plays a big role in shaping institutions, and they're closely linked. This connection shows that neither controls the other; they influence each other.
  3. Censorship and ideological battles are significant issues today. Different groups try to control ideas and media, which can impact freedom and reform.

The feel-good hits from the musical "Hair"

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 139 implied HN points • 25 Apr 24
🎶 Music Rock Pop History Culture
  1. The musical 'Hair' highlights the energy and spirit of the 1960s counterculture, capturing the protests and hopes of young people at that time.
  2. Its songs, including classics like 'Aquarius' and 'Good Morning Starshine', became big hits and were performed by popular artists, showing the musical's wide appeal.
  3. 'Hair' also sparked conversations about societal issues, like nudity and censorship, reflecting its message against the norms of the establishment.

Introduction: 'To Govern The Globe'

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 105 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Empires History Geopolitics Military Strategy
  1. World orders are more stable than empires. They are shaped by economics, culture, and global interactions, and they can last much longer than the empires that create them.
  2. The West has a history of expansion and exploitation. This history affects how current global dynamics play out, especially between nations.
  3. Understanding these world orders helps us see where we are headed next. We need to look at past strategies and how they impact today's politics and society.

#148: Too much music

Maybe Baby • 1552 implied HN points • 21 May 23
🎭️ Culture Music Art Literature History Philosophy
  1. Using music to create a mood is common in modern culture, from public spaces to social media.
  2. The use of headphones and music may lead to isolating ourselves from shared sounds and communal experiences.
  3. Considering the value of naturally occurring sounds and silence in our lives is important, even amidst our fascination with music.

Oppenheimer shows scientists' humanity

Science Forever • 557 implied HN points • 30 Jul 23
🔬 Science History Drama Ethics
  1. Oppenheimer's inner turmoil over leading Los Alamos and trying to stop nuclear weapons is a key aspect of the movie.
  2. Scientists have difficulty keeping scientific findings to themselves due to egos and the belief that knowledge belongs to the world.
  3. Edward Teller is portrayed as the most evil scientist for his role in developing the hydrogen bomb and his ties to the military industrial complex.