The hottest History Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics
Origins of Our Time 314 implied HN points 04 Apr 23
  1. Wassily Leontief invented input-output economics, using double-entry matrices to analyze economic sectors.
  2. Leontief's work could be used in various economic systems and his techniques faced opposition from business interests.
  3. Leontief's papers from 2016 gained more interest due to relevance in industrial policy and investment planning.
Tripsitter 139 implied HN points 20 Feb 24
  1. Penis Envy mushrooms are known for their exceptional potency, with concentrations of psilocybin and psilocin as high as 2.90%, making them significantly stronger than the average magic mushroom.
  2. The distinctive trait of Penis Envy mushrooms is their phallic shape, resembling a circumcised penis, which sets them apart from other strains.
  3. The fervent interest in creating new hybrid forms of the Penis Envy mushroom stems from their impressive potency, unique appearance, and high market appeal among spore vendors.
Something to Consider 39 implied HN points 17 Jun 24
  1. Gustav Mahler's music feels unique because it's complex and doesn't fit into traditional categories of melody and harmony. His pieces blend several melodies together in a way that feels seamless.
  2. He composed music without being tied to the piano, using multiple staves instead. This means he imagined his music without testing it out, much like coding without running the program until it's done.
  3. Despite not having a large amount of music, Mahler's works are filled with deep emotions and beauty. His few compositions leave a lasting impact that few others can match.
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Trying to Understand the World 8 implied HN points 08 Jan 25
  1. Modern Western culture tends to focus on short-term gains and immediate results, making it hard to think about the long term. This has led to misunderstandings of world events and a lack of solid planning.
  2. The belief that everything is about power can create a negative outlook on the future. This mindset makes people feel helpless and less willing to take action for improvement.
  3. Examples from geopolitics, like the struggles in South Africa and the rise of political Islam, show how long-term strategies are essential for success. The inability to grasp this often leads to confusion in the West about global dynamics.
escape the algorithm 279 implied HN points 01 Nov 23
  1. Neighborhoods hold memories beyond just businesses; they shape our potential futures and sense of self.
  2. Reflecting on the past and what could have been helps us appreciate the present and understand the concept of love.
  3. Creating digital projects like 'love letters to places i'll never meet' can bring back memories and evoke emotions tied to lost spaces.
The Charlotte Ledger 157 implied HN points 03 Feb 24
  1. Harry Golden used humor to advocate for civil rights and social justice in Charlotte during the 1950s and '60s.
  2. Golden's satirical essays in 'Carolina Israelite' addressed societal inequalities and injustices in a humorous way, gaining him fame and recognition.
  3. Golden's approach of using satire to highlight issues like segregation and discrimination made him a well-known champion of the oppressed, with a wide readership and impact.
Atlas of Wonders and Monsters 559 implied HN points 12 Oct 23
  1. The Holy Land is a culturally and historically rich region that holds significance for multiple religions.
  2. The Holy Land carries great narrative weight due to its role in shaping Western mythology.
  3. The modern-day conflicts in the Holy Land have a complex and implausible backstory that draws attention from around the world.
Neurobiology Notes 176 implied HN points 16 Jan 24
  1. Despite preservation with the goal of future revival not being proposed for most of human history, in 1962, Evan Cooper and Robert Ettinger independently introduced the concept of cryonics.
  2. Factors influencing the delay in proposing preservation with future revival include a need for optimism in technological progress, willingness to take risks, and advances in preservation technology.
  3. Other possible reasons for the delayed start include societal restrictions, advancements in information theory, and the idea that preservation does not need to be perfect to be pursued.
Chartbook 286 implied HN points 05 Mar 24
  1. The post shares top links about Congress affecting the defense-industrial boom, China's green hydrogen efforts, Keynes' views on time politics, and a looming disaster in Congo.
  2. Adam Tooze's Chartbook Newsletter provides great links and content related to various global topics.
  3. The post features an image by Hiroshi Hamaya, a renowned Japanese documentary photographer from the 20th century.
The Living Philosophy 176 implied HN points 15 Jan 24
  1. There are accusations of Carl Jung being antisemitic due to his entanglements with Nazi Germany, but he also had Jewish friends and later explored Jewish mystical philosophy like Kabballah.
  2. Jung's involvement with organizations that had Nazi affiliations, such as promoting 'Mein Kampf' as required reading for psychotherapists, raised questions about his leanings.
  3. Some of Jung's comments, like comparing Jewish people to 'weak like women' or having a 'lower potential psyche,' have been viewed as potentially antisemitic, but context suggests a nuanced evaluation is needed.
Johto Times 99 implied HN points 28 Mar 24
  1. The PokéTour 1999 was a big Pokémon event in Australia where fans could get their own Mew and try out the Pokémon Trading Card Game for the first time. It was super exciting for all the kids who attended.
  2. Attendees received special goodies, like exclusive Pokémon cards and cool merchandise, but many didn't realize how valuable those cards would become later.
  3. With the upcoming discontinuation of online services for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U, fans should be aware that some Pokémon games might lose their online features soon.
Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter 13 implied HN points 20 Dec 24
  1. Allan Ginsberg was a key figure in connecting many artists and activists, shaping a large creative community. His influence is felt in the way people express themselves today.
  2. There are concerns about whether current ways of thinking and feeling are leading us to greater awareness or just more control over our lives. This tension is important to explore.
  3. The author reflects on personal losses and how they connect to larger themes of transformation in society, hinting at both destruction and potential renewal.
Castalia 299 implied HN points 13 Sep 23
  1. Liberalism is seen by some as losing energy and direction. There are calls for change, but people are unsure what will come next.
  2. Generation X reflects on their cultural identity and feelings of betrayal regarding the societal changes after the idealism of the 1960s. They struggle with the disillusionment of unmet hopes.
  3. Writers like Don DeLillo express concerns about how modern life has altered identities, making people feel more disconnected, while still hoping to capture the essence of shared human experiences.
Londonist: Time Machine 299 implied HN points 16 Aug 23
  1. London's West End streets have interesting origin stories that explain their names like Charing Cross and Soho.
  2. Some streets in London, like the Strand, have intriguing naming conventions that differ from common usage, such as 'the Strand' being officially labeled as 'Strand' on street signs.
  3. For more detailed insights on the history of London's West End streets, subscribing to 'Londonist: Time Machine' offers access to a wealth of information with a 7-day free trial.
Matt Ehret's Insights 157 implied HN points 27 Jan 24
  1. Live lecture on January 28 at 2pm Eastern Time with Gordon McCormick about Anglo-American intelligence in the Middle East and the 1979 Iranian revolution
  2. Presentation will focus on the historical influence of Anglo-American intelligence in Iran
  3. Event organized by the Rising Tide Foundation and requires paid subscription to access
Heterodox STEM 370 implied HN points 07 Jan 24
  1. Grievance training in American schools is presenting a one-sided and divisive narrative about land appropriation and cultural genocide.
  2. Teachers are asserting that U.S. lands were stolen from Native Americans, pushing for reparations or land return without room for questioning.
  3. The article argues against collective guilt narratives, emphasizing the importance of individual accountability and due process.
Bastiat's Window 294 implied HN points 14 Mar 23
  1. The essay reflects on past cultural and technological firsts, highlighting how amazement over innovations shifts over time.
  2. Personal anecdotes from different decades show the evolution of technology, from fax machines to personal computers to internet access.
  3. The narrative showcases how advancements in communication, like email and video calls, have transformed interactions and access to information over the years.
Life and Letters 59 implied HN points 13 May 24
  1. Infanticide was a common practice in many historical societies when families couldn't care for all their children. It often happened without legal punishment, especially against unwanted infants.
  2. Although Christianity introduced strong taboos against infanticide, it might not have completely stopped the practice. Evidence suggests that infanticide, particularly sex-selective infanticide, still occurred in Europe despite its legal prohibition.
  3. Infanticide impacts literature by influencing themes of abandonment and family dynamics. Many classic stories use these themes to convey deeper truths about society and the struggles people faced.
Age of Invention, by Anton Howes 736 implied HN points 23 Jun 23
  1. Transport infrastructure plays a key role in boosting economic growth by providing access to energy and markets.
  2. Historically, the primary focus of early transport infrastructure like canals and railways was to transport goods, especially coal and grain.
  3. While passenger transportation is beneficial for connecting cities and improving labor market efficiency, access to energy and markets are more crucial for economic growth.
Tripsitter 159 implied HN points 23 Jan 24
  1. Psilocybe tampanensis, also known as Philosopher's Stones, was one of the first magic truffles species cultivated, kickstarting the truffle market in the Netherlands.
  2. Magic truffles, while named for resemblance to true truffles, are not for reproduction but help species survive harsh conditions like drought.
  3. The story of Psilocybe tampanensis involves a fascinating history including accidental legalization due to Dutch laws, a tragic murder of the discoverer Steven Pollock, and a revival of the species by Stephen Peele.
Diane Francis 779 implied HN points 01 Dec 22
  1. Ukraine struggled a lot during World War II and played a huge role in fighting against Hitler, but this is often ignored by Russia. This history shows how strong and resilient Ukrainians are.
  2. Despite being outnumbered, Ukraine has shown strong strategic abilities in defending against Russia. Their quick adaptations helped them gain the support of NATO and other allies.
  3. Even with tough conditions, Ukrainians remain determined and united, wanting to achieve victory. Their focus is on rebuilding and joining the European Union, showing their hope for the future.
The Shift With Sam Baker 239 implied HN points 17 Nov 23
  1. Tracy Chapman recently became the first black artist to win a CMA Award for Fast Car.
  2. Various thought-provoking topics were touched upon, like compost's hidden treasures and the challenges writers face in making a living.
  3. The post highlights a range of interesting articles, from a profile of Lauren Sánchez to Robbie Williams advocating for taking 'manopause' seriously.
Splattern 79 implied HN points 16 Apr 24
  1. The Old Rossland Cascade Highway used to be the only route from Rossland to Vancouver until 1962, but it's not very popular today.
  2. Rossland, known as 'the golden city', started as a mining town where gold literally shook off trucks on Main Street.
  3. A local named Rob shared interesting history about the area, adding to the adventure exploring its past.
The Land Desk 157 implied HN points 24 Jan 24
  1. Historical ski areas in southwest Colorado faced challenges in development and funding.
  2. Ski areas like Kendall Mountain in Silverton have interesting stories of past attempts and eventual success.
  3. There were many local ski hills in southwest Colorado, but in the early 1980s regulations started impacting operations.
Fisted by Foucault 421 implied HN points 02 Dec 23
  1. The USA benefits from its geographical location, resources, and Monroe Doctrine in maintaining power in the Americas.
  2. US easing of Venezuela oil sanctions indicates strategic economic concerns and reliance on oil market dynamics.
  3. Tensions between Venezuela and Guyana over oil reserves highlight geopolitical complexities and potential regional conflicts.
Fisted by Foucault 313 implied HN points 03 Feb 24
  1. Democracy promotion efforts by the US have faced setbacks in various countries like Yugoslavia, Egypt, Libya, and Syria, leading to negative outcomes.
  2. Asia's strategic significance in the US-China competition is leading to a focus on democracy promotion in the region as a competitive advantage for the US.
  3. The evolution of music criticism, the effects of ideological capture on platforms like Pitchfork, and the changing landscape of American accents show the complexity of cultural influences over time.
C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. 12 implied HN points 18 Dec 24
  1. Ancient civilizations, like those that built the pyramids, were made by Black Africans, not aliens or lost technologies. The idea that they needed slaves to build these wonders is a false narrative.
  2. Throughout history, powerful empires, like Rome, often erased or altered histories to control narratives and maintain their power. This has led to misunderstandings about ancient technologies and cultures.
  3. Nuclear testing and environmental destruction have played big roles in climate change and could potentially trigger future ice ages. Humanity often learns through harsh consequences from past actions.
The Recovering Academic 277 implied HN points 15 Aug 23
  1. Huckleberry picking was a significant source of income for the author's family, teaching valuable lessons about hard work and creativity.
  2. The huckleberry harvesting tradition passed down through generations, showcasing a deep connection to nature and family bonding.
  3. The dangers and risks of huckleberry picking, including encounters with bears and hornets, highlighted the importance of respect for the wild and reliance on wits over weapons.
Why is this interesting? 422 implied HN points 13 Mar 24
  1. Michael Mann is known for his meticulous attention to detail in filmmaking, like the extensive training for the cast in 'Heat'.
  2. The 1957 crash in Guidizzolo, known as the 'Kiss of Death', ended the Mille Miglia race and symbolizes audacity and the recklessness of youth.
  3. The photo of Linda Christian kissing Marquis Alfonso de Portago before the fatal crash is seen as a haunting symbol, with Christian's seemingly detached gaze hinting at a premonition.