The hottest History Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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A Note on the Changing Faces of (D)ARPA

FreakTakes • 13 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Military Tech R&D Computing Innovation History
  1. DARPA has gone through many changes over the years due to political and regulatory shifts, which have affected how it operates. Understanding the political climate is essential for grasping DARPA's past successes.
  2. The level of freedom for project managers (PMs) varies depending on whether project ideas come from office directors or the PMs themselves. This affects how projects are pursued and the creative input allowed.
  3. The expected timelines for projects and their military focus play a significant role in what gets funded. Sometimes projects are pushed for quick results, while other times there’s room for more exploratory research.

Occupation: Jean Cocteau

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 362 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Art History Literature
  1. Artistic creations, like album covers or movie stills, can evoke a desire to create a fantasy world in one's private space, resembling collages or shrines.
  2. The article delves into a film from 1943, 'L’Éternel retour', set in occupied France and explores its subtleties and layers of interpretation regarding blonde versus brunette characters.
  3. The concept of 'Bohemian' culture, drawing connections between the characters in the film and a broader sensibility that defines a certain spiritual aristocracy.
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Eyes Wide Open

The Better Letter • 196 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🎶 Music History Criticism Innovation Popularity Impact
  1. The Beatles' success was a result of luck and timing, as well as their innovation and willingness to take risks.
  2. Critics initially dismissed The Beatles' music, but later recognized their impact and influence on the music industry.
  3. The Beatles faced criticism and skepticism from critics throughout their career, but their music ultimately endured and influenced generations to come.

The Wood From Eden book recommendations page

Wood From Eden • 432 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
📚 Literature Anthropology History Psychology Philosophy
  1. It's valuable to explore book recommendations even if you can't read them all from cover to cover.
  2. Readers can share book and film recommendations on specific categories on the Wood From Eden book recommendations page.
  3. The principle behind the recommendations page is to create a space for like-minded readers to share and discover new, interesting books and films.

Phillis Wheatley: An American Genius

The Recovering Academic • 356 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Literature History Art & Illustration Faith & Spirituality Education
  1. Phillis Wheatley, an African genius, overcame immense challenges to become a renowned poet, showcasing resilience and talent in the face of adversity.
  2. Wheatley's poetry masterfully blends reason and emotion, demonstrating a deep understanding of Enlightenment principles while infusing her work with joy and beauty.
  3. Despite facing skepticism and struggles during her lifetime, Phillis Wheatley's legacy endures as a reminder of the enduring power of art and literature to illuminate the human experience.

Greek life is a beach

The Greek Analyst • 379 implied HN points • 14 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Activism Wine Startup History
  1. The 'Towel Movement' in Greece symbolizes grassroots activism and citizen action to reclaim public spaces, inspiring change across the country.
  2. Using innovative solutions like aerial monitoring drones can help address issues like illegal beach constructions, promoting transparency and accountability.
  3. The positive developments in Greek wine industry, investment ratings, and startup acquisitions reflect a growing trend towards economic growth and global recognition for Greek businesses.

A little 'paradise' beside Hell

Wrong Side of History • 370 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture History Film Literature
  1. Visiting Auschwitz can be a haunting and unforgettable experience, leaving a profound impact on individuals.
  2. The portrayal of evil and the Holocaust in history can be overwhelming and psychologically challenging.
  3. The movie _The Zone of Interest_ offers a different perspective on the Holocaust, focusing on the mundane lives of individuals involved in immense atrocities.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 32

Why is this interesting? • 120 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Restaurants Media History Social Trends Entertainment
  1. The Rainforest Cafe is still popular and has become a hit on social media despite being around for a long time.
  2. Two bank robbers in Pittsburgh attempted to hide from cameras using lemon juice, which didn't work out as planned.
  3. The launch of Pokemon Go caused a lot of paranoia in U.S. intelligence agencies, showing how digital games can have surprising effects on real-world concerns.

We're moving from Black History Month to Women's History Month and partying at the intersection

The Austen Connection • 373 implied HN points • 05 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture History Literature Education Art & Illustration Music
  1. Celebrating Black History Month and Women's History Month together is important
  2. There are many great Black authors and stories that are intersecting with the world of Jane Austen
  3. Exploring historic and contemporary works that celebrate Black history and women's history is enriching

A Pilgrimage to Ravenna

Cathedral Effect • 373 implied HN points • 21 May 23
🎭️ Culture Travel History Art
  1. The city of Ravenna is known for its church mosaics and has a rich historical significance.
  2. Ravenna was a crucial city in Western Europe during the Byzantine Empire under Emperor Justinian.
  3. The art in Ravenna's churches reflects a different portrayal of Christ compared to Western medieval art.

Lessons That Can't Be Learned

Origins of Our Time • 373 implied HN points • 03 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture History Literature Politics Society Ideology
  1. Historiography can be more than just a hazing ritual for graduate students, it's about the overall relationship between evidence and argument in historical research.
  2. Neoliberalism and conservatism have overlapping values and affiliations, challenging the idea of a rigid separation between the two ideologies.
  3. The book overlooks significant cultural and social issues like abortion and LGBTQ+ rights while focusing on economic and political aspects, revealing a limited perspective.

December 19, 2024

Letters from an American • 18 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History Political Philosophy
  1. During tough times, it's important to stay committed to a cause, even when things look bad. This was true for the American patriots during the Revolutionary War.
  2. The fight for independence was about more than just defeating the British; it was about creating a government that values everyone’s rights equally. This idea of equality was a driving force for the patriots.
  3. Small victories can boost morale and confidence. The success at Trenton showed that persistence pays off, leading to more support for the revolutionary cause.

Reality: A Lesson on Love from John Muir

Meaning || Matter • 19 implied HN points • 01 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Nature Literature Art Philosophy History
  1. John Muir believed that to truly love nature, you have to understand it deeply. It's not just about enjoying beautiful views, but learning about the details and the science behind them.
  2. Muir's connection to Yosemite went beyond a short visit; it was a lifelong love. He spent years studying and exploring, showing that genuine love for something requires commitment and care.
  3. Sharing your passion for nature with others can inspire them to appreciate it too. Muir used his writing to invite more people to see and love the natural world around them.

La Banana

Splattern • 39 implied HN points • 27 Jun 24
🏝 Travel Cultural Exchange History Food Sports
  1. In Zanzibar, locals often earn very low wages, with salaries around $100 a month for hotel workers. Some, like Helga, are trying to improve this by paying her employees more, but the business environment can be tough.
  2. There are many interesting discussions about history and culture in Zanzibar. One local shared a view that questions common historical narratives about slavery and British influence, which makes you think about what we really know.
  3. Zanzibar has a vibrant social scene where locals are athletic and active. The beaches are great for playing sports with the locals, and you can learn a lot from their energy and skills.

2.6 Isaac Newton

Fields & Energy • 199 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🔬 Science Physics Astronomy Mathematics History Education
  1. Isaac Newton built his laws of motion and gravitation on the earlier work of scientists like Galileo and Kepler. This helped him connect how things move on Earth with how planets move in space.
  2. Newton discovered that gravity acts in a certain way: the force gets weaker as you move further away from an object. He showed this through thinking about how an apple falls and how the moon orbits the Earth.
  3. To explain the gravitational pull of larger bodies, Newton used advanced math concepts, making his ideas more accurate. He proved that the gravity of a round object is the same as if all its mass was concentrated in one point at its center.

Top Links 385 China's vanishing statistics, Mexico's investment boom, why German carmakers don't want tariffs on Chinese EV & the Rangoon School

Chartbook • 329 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Activism History
  1. The post highlights various topics like China's vanishing statistics, Mexico's investment boom, why German carmakers dislike tariffs on Chinese EVs, and the Rangoon School.
  2. Adam Tooze's Chartbook Newsletter includes interesting links, readings, and images.
  3. The featured portrait is of General Aung San, a significant Burmese politician and independence leader who was tragically assassinated before he could see Myanmar gain independence from British rule.

From the Archives: Sarah Kane and the Death of Theatrical Modernism, by Adam Lehrer

Safety Propaganda • 216 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Drama Theater Literature History
  1. The theater industry has lost touch with originality and bold vision since Sarah Kane's time.
  2. Sarah Kane's work confronted the brutality of humanity and challenged audiences to reexamine their understanding of violence and love.
  3. Kane's plays retained a classical structure while introducing a radical form of storytelling, emphasizing the beauty in despair.

Photo of the Day

Photo of the Day • 216 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Photography History Comedy
  1. Bob Hope was a beloved entertainer known for his quick, irreverent humor
  2. Bob Hope bridged the gap between soldiers and civilians through his comedy during World War II
  3. Despite criticism in later years, Bob Hope's comedy provided comfort to Americans during challenging times

2.7 Summary and Conclusions

Fields & Energy • 159 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🔬 Science Physics History Philosophy Methodology Empiricism
  1. Scientists should consider multiple models to explain natural phenomena and not cling to a single theory. Even if an old idea isn't widely accepted anymore, it could still hold value.
  2. Inductive reasoning, based on observations, and deductive reasoning, based on theories, are both vital in scientific discovery. They work together to help us understand the world better.
  3. Our understanding of science evolves over time, with new ideas replacing or revisiting old ones. It's essential to stay open-minded and not assume today's beliefs are the ultimate truth.

Albania: Then and Now

Cosmographia • 359 implied HN points • 11 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Comparison History
  1. The post discusses contrasting Edward Lear's paintings of Albania with modern photography, offering insight into the changes over time.
  2. Art has the power to reveal aspects of a country's past and history, providing a unique perspective on cultural evolution.
  3. The post is intended for paid subscribers, indicating exclusive content related to Albania's visual representations.

The River Thames

Cosmographia • 359 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration History Culture Literature Photography
  1. The River Thames is the lifeblood of London, weaving together history, culture, and commerce, shaping London's identity for centuries.
  2. The Thames has been a strategic hub for trade, commerce, and human settlement for thousands of years, witnessing various historical events.
  3. The river has inspired countless artists, poets, and writers, with its ever-changing moods captured in works of art and literature, leaving a lasting impact on cultural cartography.

Five... Portraits of St. Paul's Cathedral

Londonist: Time Machine • 79 implied HN points • 05 May 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual art History
  1. The post features depictions of St. Paul's Cathedral from different centuries, including maps, essays, paintings, and wartime photography.
  2. One of the depictions is a Copperplate map of London from the 1550s, showing Old St. Paul's Cathedral before the Great Fire of 1666.
  3. Another depiction is a painting by Canaletto from around 1754, showcasing St. Paul's Cathedral in its historical setting.

Boston Calling

Splattern • 59 implied HN points • 28 May 24
🎭️ Culture Music Activism Festivals History Community
  1. At the Boston Calling music festival, the crowd made the speaker realize they had to trust in the people around them and let go of control. It felt good to be part of such a big gathering without any panic.
  2. Hozier used his platform to educate the audience about civil rights and the importance of protests throughout history. He reminded everyone that small acts of kindness can really make a difference in the world.
  3. Zane believes that you can promote love and peace simply by living your passion and doing what you love. You don't need to fight against anything; just showing your joy can inspire others.

The Wit's Guide to Coffee

Get Wit Quick • 353 implied HN points • 06 Jul 23
🍲 Food & Drink Coffee Quality History Culture
  1. Caffeine affects spiders differently than humans - like making spiders weave weird webs
  2. Too much coffee can trigger existential angst, as seen in coffee-themed comics and tweets
  3. Coffee is deeply ingrained in capitalist work culture, offering breaks and sometimes causing sleepiness