The hottest History Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

Vote for the June 2025 + Post Topic

Computer Ads from the Past • 256 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Advertising Marketing History Media Consumer
  1. The past ads are getting a second chance to be voted on. This allows subscribers to revisit old favorites and choose which should be featured.
  2. A voting poll will run for just three days. It's a quick opportunity for fans to share their opinions on the topics.
  3. There's a trial offer for new subscribers to access posts for free for a week. This can help more people discover and enjoy the content.

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 Military Investment Policy History International
  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.

Richard Dawkins and the British genius

Wrong Side of History • 769 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Religion Philosophy Literature Science History
  1. Richard Dawkins is a leading figure in making complex scientific ideas understandable to everyone. His work, especially 'The Selfish Gene,' has changed how people think about evolution and behavior.
  2. Dawkins has a strong belief in science as a way to better understand the world, often expressing skepticism towards religion. He sees a conflict between scientific thinking and certain ideologies, especially those he believes contradict basic biological truths.
  3. His views about religion, particularly Islam, have made him a controversial figure. While he values open inquiry and skepticism, critics say he can be harsh and dismissive, showing how discussions about belief can be very divisive.

Online archaeology

The Rectangle • 113 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture History Memory Neighborhoods Identity Archaeology
  1. The experience of moving to a new area can help deepen one’s connection to a community. It's not just about visiting places, but really immersing yourself in the daily life and character of the neighborhood.
  2. Every place has its stories, and the internet can help uncover the hidden histories of local businesses or people. Finding these stories online can create a unique connection to your surroundings and the people who lived there.
  3. Once a business is gone, its physical presence fades, but its legacy can live on through online records. The internet can preserve these memories, allowing people to feel connected to the past even when they can't experience it firsthand.

A Few Stories From France That Are Capturing My Attention This Week

Paris Unlocked Newsletter • 159 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture History Travel Art Society Tourism
  1. Researchers are studying bones in the Paris Catacombs to learn more about the lives of the people buried there. This is important because many of their identities were lost when their remains were moved.
  2. The Catacombs were created in the 18th century due to a hygiene crisis from overcrowded cemeteries. It was a big project to manage the remains of six million people.
  3. The underground space in Paris allowed for the safe storage of these bones, preventing further health issues related to the city's cemeteries.
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Morris Chang and the Origins of TSMC

Construction Physics • 46767 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Semiconductors Innovation Manufacturing Entrepreneurship History
  1. Morris Chang founded TSMC in 1985, turning it into a key player in the semiconductor industry. He saw the need for a company that could manufacture chips for others, which allowed many new companies to emerge.
  2. Chang's journey was not smooth; he faced many challenges and failures before achieving success with TSMC. Much of his early career included tough breaks, but he persevered and created something significant.
  3. TSMC's unique business model changed how semiconductor companies operated by providing manufacturing services without competing directly with clients. This innovation helped TSMC grow quickly and become vital for tech giants like Apple and Intel.

Indigenous land acknowledgements often ignore history

Critical Mass • 26 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Indigenous rights History Social justice Cultural Studies Public Discourse
  1. Indigenous land acknowledgements can sometimes be simplistic and miss the complexity of history. It's important to recognize that history is not always straightforward, and we should be careful not to create myths.
  2. Some acknowledgements make strong claims about Indigenous ownership that might not be fully accurate. It's necessary to look at historical context and evidence before making those statements.
  3. We need to talk honestly about history and science related to land ownership and Indigenous rights. Celebrating cultures should not come at the cost of historical accuracy.

RKUL: Time Well Spent 05/16/2025

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 194 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Anthropology Religion History Literature Education
  1. Spending your time wisely is important, especially with so many distractions like the internet and your phone. Focus on activities that enrich your mind instead.
  2. Books about anthropology and culture can provide valuable insights into how societies evolve and adapt. There are many fascinating works out there that challenge common misconceptions.
  3. Understanding the historical context of cultures helps us comprehend modern societies. Books that explore ancient history can offer important lessons about our current cultural dynamics.

Reading, Writing, and Racism: The Three R’s of Philly Public Schools

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1270 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🚌 Education Curriculum Pedagogy History Social Issues Public Policy
  1. Philadelphia's public schools have a history curriculum that encourages students to think critically about oppression. This may simplify complex historical events into a clear 'oppressed versus oppressor' narrative.
  2. One part of the curriculum asks students to consider what it takes to overthrow oppression, but it doesn't explore all the details from the historical period it covers.
  3. Teachers have some freedom to choose whether or not to follow this curriculum, but the existence of such a framework raises concerns about how history is being taught in schools.

Welcoming (Not So) Old Friends

Knicks Film School • 1051 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Basketball Athletes Teams Franchises History
  1. Julius Randle's journey with the Knicks has been full of ups and downs, but he played a huge role in turning the team's fortunes around. He went from being seen as an afterthought to an All-Star player.
  2. Despite his impressive stats and contribution to the team, Randle might not receive the love he deserves from fans. Many see him as a complex figure, and his departure has sparked mixed feelings among supporters.
  3. Randle's legacy in New York will be shaped by how the team continues to perform after his exit. His impact was significant, making him one of the most important Knicks, but fans will see how they remember him as time passes.

VFYW: Repelling The Nazis

The Weekly Dish • 46 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Art History Literature Travel Education
  1. The importance of community in self-discovery is highlighted. Engaging with others helps us learn more about ourselves.
  2. Shared experiences, like moving or exploring new places, create connections. These moments can bring joy and inspiration.
  3. Humor and creativity shine through challenges. Finding funny stories or lighthearted moments can make tough situations feel better.

How to Achieve Immortality

The Honest Broker • 24901 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art Literature History Philosophy Society
  1. In the past, people achieved immortality through great deeds that served others, but today, many seek it through extreme measures like blood transfusions and body freezing. This shift shows a focus on self rather than community.
  2. Art can offer a different type of immortality than technology can. Famous works can keep someone's memory alive far longer than any tech billionaire can, even if they chase superficial forms of eternal youth.
  3. The modern obsession with quick fame through social media contrasts with the lasting impact of art and good deeds. While many focus on fleeting popularity, true legacy comes from cultural contributions that endure over time.

The Trees (The Band) Edition

Why is this interesting? • 542 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
🎶 Music Rock Folk History Influence
  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.

Great scientists follow intuition and beauty, not rationality

The Intrinsic Perspective • 33817 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🔬 Science Physics Mathematics Philosophy History Psychology
  1. Great scientists often rely on their gut feelings and a sense of beauty rather than just cold hard logic. This mix of intuition leads to important discoveries.
  2. Famous scientists aren't just rational thinkers; they have quirky beliefs and passions that drive their creativity. This uniqueness helps them come up with groundbreaking ideas.
  3. There's a complex balance between formal science and the imaginative, intuitive side. Embracing both can push the boundaries of what we understand about the universe.

As petals fall on moss

Silentium • 299 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Philosophy Music History
  1. Silence can be a powerful invitation for reflection and peace. It allows us to connect more deeply with our surroundings.
  2. Paying attention to small details, like falling petals, can help us appreciate the beauty in everyday life.
  3. Taking moments of stillness is important for mental well-being. It helps us recharge and find clarity in our thoughts.

The Parable of Anna Akhmatova

The Honest Broker • 30154 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Literature History Philosophy Politics
  1. The power of art can overcome even the strongest dictators. Artists like Anna Akhmatova show that creativity can stand firm against oppression.
  2. Success in today's world is often measured by money and popularity, but true creative expression is about more than just those metrics.
  3. Even when artists face harsh censorship, their work can survive and resonate over time, leading to eventual recognition and respect.

Clayton, Missouri

In My Tribe • 486 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🎭️ Culture Identity History Education Society Biography
  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.

A Manifesto in Defense of Courtship

The Honest Broker • 25333 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Relationships History Literature Philosophy Tradition
  1. Courtship has been important for a long time in helping couples come together. It gives a structured way to build a relationship over time.
  2. Following the rules of courtship helps both people become better and more attractive. It builds respect and courtesy, really laying a good foundation for a future together.
  3. In today's fast-paced dating world, finding love can be harder despite all the dating apps. Slowing down and embracing courtship might help create more meaningful connections.

Please let me wonder

Why is this interesting? • 120 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🎶 Music Artists Albums History Genres Culture
  1. Brian Wilson has passed away, which is a significant loss for music fans. His contribution to music was profound and will be remembered.
  2. Many people recognize 'Pet Sounds' as a top album, but there's also appreciation for 'The Beach Boys Today.' It marks a shift in their music style.
  3. The Beach Boys' evolution from surf songs to deeper themes showcases their creativity and growth as artists over time.

Important conclusions from the Oregon Coast

PASSAGES • 899 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Nature Camping Exploration History
  1. Fort Stevens State Park is a great spot for camping and exploring nature. It's packed with fun activities like hiking, biking, and fishing.
  2. The park has a lot of history, with old military bunkers that you can explore. It's a reminder of the past and the peace we enjoy today.
  3. Riding bikes along the beach and seeing the famous shipwreck is a unique experience. It’s a beautiful way to connect with nature and enjoy the view.

18 Paying Pitch Calls and a Chance to Write About Chilly Movies

The Sub Club Newsletter • 317 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Writing Movies History Media Parenting
  1. There are 18 different pitch calls available this week for writers looking to get paid. It's a great chance for anyone to get their stories published.
  2. Writers should focus on making their stories feel timely and relevant. Adding a current angle to historical topics can help attract interest.
  3. There's a free workshop available to learn how to write effective pitches. It can help improve your chances of getting published by teaching you what editors want.

40 Years On

The Fry Corner • 50058 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Computing History Innovation Software
  1. Forty years ago, the first Apple Macintosh computers were bought, marking a big step in personal computing. It was a time when computers were new and exciting.
  2. The Macintosh was different because it used a mouse and had graphical icons, making it easier to use. This was a huge change compared to earlier computers.
  3. Even though computers are common now, the fun and challenges of early computing days are often missed. Back then, figuring things out felt more like an adventure.

Things Worth Remembering: The Freedom to Be Different

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 848 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Identity History Religion Philosophy Human Rights
  1. Being different is an important part of identity, especially for Jewish people who often face challenges for their uniqueness. Simple acts of difference, like cultural practices, shape lives significantly.
  2. Simon Rawidowicz emphasized the importance of 'the freedom to be different' as crucial for preserving other freedoms. He believed that being able to be oneself is necessary for all other rights.
  3. He felt that Franklin D. Roosevelt's list of freedoms was missing this Fifth Freedom, which is vital to ensure that people can live authentically and with dignity.

Totoro Before Totoro

Animation Obsessive • 16952 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Animation Film Art Media History
  1. In the late 1970s, Hayao Miyazaki began his career by working on the film 'Panda! Go, Panda!' which greatly influenced his future works.
  2. The film focused on everyday life, showing a young girl and her magical encounters, aiming to highlight the charm in simple moments.
  3. Many key staff members from 'Panda!' went on to shape Studio Ghibli, showing its lasting impact on animation and storytelling.

The Early Christian Strategy

Astral Codex Ten • 31866 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Morality Game Theory History Philosophy
  1. The TIT-FOR-TAT strategy in a game theory setting shows that being cooperative at first and then matching others' actions leads to the best outcomes. This strategy teaches us that kindness can be more effective than constant distrust.
  2. Early Christians practiced extreme kindness, even to their enemies, which created strong community bonds and trust. Their approach involved helping everyone, demonstrating that selfless love can attract support even in tough times.
  3. While many groups struggle to maintain such selfless strategies over time, history shows that momentous change can occur when people commit to a COOPERATE-BOT mindset, suggesting that genuine kindness might be more powerful than we often believe.

Links and Tingz (May '25)

Secretum Secretorum • 530 implied HN points • 29 May 25
📚 Literature Poetry History Art Music Philosophy
  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.

Whose land is it anyway?

Wrong Side of History • 451 implied HN points • 02 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Identity History Reconciliation Colonialism
  1. Land ownership has a long and complex history, often involving conquest and struggle, rather than peace and cooperation. Many cultures have displaced others throughout history to take control of land.
  2. Modern discussions around land acknowledgments often focus on recognizing the historical injustices faced by indigenous peoples. These acknowledgments serve as reminders of the painful past and promote the need for reconciliation.
  3. There's a unique sense of guilt in some European settler nations about their history with indigenous peoples, which can sometimes feel overwhelming. This guilt, however, also highlights a desire for understanding and healing in the present.

Why did clothing become boring?

Res Obscura • 5754 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Fashion History Art Society Expression
  1. Clothing became more boring because it shifted from being handmade and unique to mass-produced and cheap. This change made individual items less valuable and less personal.
  2. The Industrial Revolution played a big role in making clothes more affordable, allowing people to own many outfits but reducing the distinctiveness of each piece.
  3. As social norms changed and people gained more freedom, they found other ways to express themselves that didn't rely on clothing, leading to a simpler style in fashion.

The Animation Trove That Keeps Growing

Animation Obsessive • 10494 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Animation Film Art History Media
  1. The Zagreb School of Animation has restored many classic cartoons from the 50s, 60s, and 70s, making them available in high quality on YouTube. These cartoons are unique for their adult themes and artistic styles, breaking away from traditional children's animation.
  2. The success of the animated film _Nezha 2_ has set new box office records in China, surpassing $1 billion in just ten days. Its unprecedented popularity showcases a growing trend in animated films capturing massive audiences and financial success.
  3. Animation production in places like Yugoslavia and China reflects a strong spirit of creativity and boundary-pushing, with artists working together and exploring unconventional ideas, even in challenging circumstances.

Every Three Hours Is A Chance To Make A New World: Notes from the Oklo Reactor

Welcome to Garbagetown • 575 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🔬 Science Nuclear Technology Education Environment History Research
  1. Learning something new can spark excitement and a desire to share that knowledge with others. It's fun to dive into unexpected topics that capture our interest.
  2. Exploring the intersection of science and storytelling can reveal the beauty and power of both. Stories can make complex scientific ideas more relatable and engaging.
  3. Taking a break from politics and focusing on other subjects can be refreshing. There's a vast world of knowledge and wonder beyond political discussions.

What You Can Learn from Just Seven Pages by Hannah Arendt

The Honest Broker • 30719 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Humanism Technology Society Ethics History
  1. Hannah Arendt talks about how some people are so disconnected from reality that they want to escape earth. This shows a worrying trend in society's focus on technology over human connection.
  2. She warns that as we lean more on technology, we risk creating a world where machines control our lives. This could lead us to become helpless and slaves to our own inventions.
  3. Arendt believes that the more we focus on artificial things, the more we lose touch with meaningful, real-life experiences. This could make freedom feel empty and lead to a sense of loneliness in society.

An Excellent Means of Electioneering

Looking Through the Past • 178 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Campaigns Voting History Advertising Political culture
  1. Political posters have played a crucial role in campaigning since the 19th century. They were used to quickly catch voters' attention and communicate key messages.
  2. The artwork on these posters often included historical references, emotional imagery, and symbols to appeal to voters. This made them both informative and visually striking.
  3. As technology improved, the design of campaign posters evolved, leading to more colorful and complex images. This innovation mirrored the way political messages became more sophisticated over time.

The Divine Engineer of Ancient Sichuan

Chris Arnade Walks the World • 826 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture History Religion Tradition Philosophy Society
  1. Chengdu is a city that mixes modern life with traditions. Tourists can find panda-themed items everywhere and the city shows a blend of old and new.
  2. Li Bing is a significant figure in Chinese history for his engineering skills. He developed an ancient irrigation system that helped people manage floods and improve farming.
  3. Chinese heroes are often celebrated for serving the people rather than just fighting battles. Figures like Li Bing show how public service and engineering are valued in their culture.

Glory days

Disaffected Newsletter • 1998 implied HN points • 15 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Society History Politics Identity Memory
  1. Some older people are still stuck in the past, thinking their youth and ideas from the 1960s still represent today's reality.
  2. Many friends love to share nostalgic stories about their past activism, but they sometimes seem more about reliving glory than promoting understanding.
  3. People who change their political views often feel pushed away by their former friends, showing that kindness fades when faced with disagreement.

Links for February

By Reason Alone • 101 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
📚 Literature Book Reviews Philosophy Classics Contemporary History
  1. PhD programs are not taking as long to finish as people think. Many students are completing their degrees faster than before.
  2. Curiosity is an important trait for learning and exploration. It helps us understand complex topics and makes us better listeners.
  3. Reading widely, especially foundational texts like the Bible or works by important figures like Shakespeare, can greatly enhance our understanding of literature and culture.

Sly Stone: Funk Revolutionary

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 445 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🎶 Music Influence Culture History Innovation
  1. Sly Stone was a unique artist who combined innovation with commercial success. He and his band, Sly and the Family Stone, were able to create popular music while also changing the cultural landscape.
  2. Their songs, like 'Everyday People' and 'Dance to the Music', were not just catchy; they were important messages promoting unity and breaking down racial barriers.
  3. Sly Stone's influence extended far beyond his time, inspiring many musicians from different genres and generations.

Do Artists Suffer?

The Honest Broker • 9009 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art Politics Psychology History Creativity
  1. Suffering is often seen as part of being an artist, but research shows it might not be true for creativity. Instead, suffering may boost ambition, especially in leaders.
  2. History shows that many successful leaders and creatives had difficult childhoods, like losing parents. This loss may actually spark creativity rather than hinder it.
  3. The idea that suffering drives creativity is backed by studies showing a link between personal loss and artistic achievement throughout history.

The Cold War History of Export Controls

ChinaTalk • 415 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Geopolitics Technology History Trade
  1. Export controls on technology have a long history, dating back to the Cold War, and they show how countries try to limit each other's advancements.
  2. The effectiveness of these controls depends heavily on cooperation between countries; without a united approach, it's hard to enforce such regulations.
  3. Tracking where technology goes after it's exported is crucial. If countries can't monitor this, it makes it easy for others to use loopholes and bypass the rules.

The White Zombie Edition

Why is this interesting? • 663 implied HN points • 20 May 25
🎶 Music Rock Metal Influence Culture History
  1. 'More Human Than Human' by White Zombie mixed industrial metal with themes of horror, influencing music and art for years. It's catchy yet unique, easy to remember but also strange.
  2. The song came out at a crucial time in music history, blending grunge's decline and nu-metal's rise, catching the attention of MTV and mainstream media.
  3. Even with its odd sound, 'More Human Than Human' reached number 7 on the Billboard charts, showing that being different can lead to commercial success.

Modern Magnificenza

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 133 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Art Architecture Philosophy History Society
  1. Our society is very focused on logical thinking, but we also need creativity and emotional understanding. It's important to balance both sides of our brains to have a fulfilling life.
  2. We are experiencing big shifts in power and wealth today, similar to what happened before the Renaissance. Wealthy individuals can lead to positive changes by funding beautiful, meaningful projects in their communities.
  3. Working on meaningful and beautiful projects can provide not just personal satisfaction but also benefit the community. This approach can help those feeling lost in today's fast-paced, tech-driven world.