The hottest History Substack posts right now

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Programming Patriotism

Litverse • 199 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
📚 Literature Patriotism Politics Society Values History
  1. George Orwell viewed patriotism as a survival strategy during times of crisis, emphasizing the unity it can create.
  2. Orwell focused on optimizing humanity through patriotism, seeing it as a programming language for society's functionality.
  3. Orwell's experiences as a cop and insights into leadership in 'Animal Farm' reflect his beliefs that centralized systems dehumanize individuals and create inefficiencies.

⬜ The meaning of a moka pot

One Thing • 158 implied HN points • 23 Nov 23
🍲 Food & Drink Coffee Design Culture History
  1. Moka pot is a classic kitchen item with a design for good coffee but may not always produce amazing coffee.
  2. The moka pot's appeal lies in its ability to transcend trends and societal distinctions, making it a versatile and enduring coffee maker for many.
  3. Upgrading to fancier versions of the moka pot may not always guarantee better coffee quality, as the simplicity and functionality of the original design can hold its own against modern iterations.

'Brotherhood of the Wolf,' revisited with Indignity's Tom Scocca

Read Max • 395 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Film History Entertainment Society Art
  1. The movie 'Brotherhood of the Wolf' is a wild mix of genres like kung fu, horror, period drama, and conspiracy thriller set in 18th-century France.
  2. The film captures a turn-of-the-millennium 'Bootleg Cinema' vibe with its commitment to each genre element and its unique visual style.
  3. The narrative of the movie cleverly navigates historical and philosophical themes, presenting surprising twists and unique characters like Monica Bellucci's role and the Vatican conspiracy.
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Bernie & G.: a life in photos, before Stonewall

well, actually • 196 implied HN points • 22 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture LGBTQ+ Photography History Documentation
  1. The photo album documents a gay couple's life before Stonewall, showcasing rich moments of love and connection.
  2. Queer life in mid-20th century US was marked by oppression, but also contained joy, community, and individuality in private spaces.
  3. The album sheds light on Bernie and G.'s world, showing their private celebrations, travels, and relationships with friends and family.

He So Horny

Mister Slang • 196 implied HN points • 31 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Language History Literature Anatomy Slang
  1. Cuckoldry in history is related to natural history and terms like 'horny' stem from old German farming practices.
  2. The concept of 'wearing horns' generated a vocabulary around cuckoldry and male infidelity.
  3. Slang terms for male reproductive organs and impotence reveal societal attitudes about virility and masculinity.

Young Lords and Their Traces

Regress Studies • 196 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature Global Development Art History Culture
  1. The novel 'On The Marble Cliffs' by Ernst Jünger is highly praised and considered a favorite read of the year with its allegorical brilliance and intense narrative.
  2. Artist Theaster Gates focuses on salvaging precious items in a paradoxical approach blending black radicalism with conservative preservation.
  3. Two essays discuss the concepts of modernization theory in global development and the challenges faced by nations transitioning to a service-based economy, particularly in comparison to China.

A Requiem for Techno-Optimism

Banana Peel Pirouette • 138 implied HN points • 13 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Music History Technology Literature
  1. The song '1995' by Molly Nilsson, initially thought to be about nostalgia, turned out to be an ode to Windows 95, showcasing how technology can evoke nostalgic feelings.
  2. The release of Windows 95 marked a significant shift in computing accessibility, making home computing more user-friendly and marking a pivotal moment in the technological revolution.
  3. The 1990s era of techno-optimism, characterized by the rise of consumer technology like Windows 95 and the early internet, reflected an atmosphere of overall optimism and excitement for the possibilities of the digital future.

Cage Fight: Musk vs. OpenAI

Surfing the Future • 79 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🕹 Technology AI Ethics Innovation History Politics
  1. Elon Musk filed a lawsuit against OpenAI for allegedly prioritizing AI for profit over humanity's benefit, highlighting concerns about AGI's threats.
  2. The concept of cliodynamics examines the recurring patterns of extreme inequality and elite infighting throughout history, reflecting on current societal tensions.
  3. The Musk vs. OpenAI conflict raises questions about the influence of wealth and power in society, hinting at deeper societal currents and potential consequences.

What Is Beauty?

Life and Letters • 59 implied HN points • 01 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Aesthetics Art Literature Biology Sexuality History
  1. Sexual attraction plays a big role in art and beauty. It has been important in history but seems less central in today's discussions about aesthetics.
  2. Richard Prum's theory explains that beauty in the animal world, like a peacock's tail, comes from sexual selection rather than just survival needs. Animals choose mates based on beauty, which shapes what traits get passed down.
  3. Culture and biology are deeply connected when it comes to beauty and desire. This idea can be seen in literature from ancient times, where beautiful characters are often depicted as more desirable than strong ones.

1791 Mozart's Last Year. H. C. Robbins Landon

The Common Reader • 318 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🎶 Music Classical Composers History
  1. Mozart was incredibly productive in his final year, composing a wide range of major works despite his young age and limited time.
  2. Vienna in 1791 was considered a musical paradise with wealthy households having their own orchestras, providing ample opportunities for composers like Mozart to thrive.
  3. Nobles and patrons played a crucial role in supporting composers like Haydn, Beethoven, and Mozart during this era of plenty in the music world.

Pre-Nostalgia in the Late Pre-AI Era

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 610 implied HN points • 30 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Art Emotions Technology History Literature
  1. Technological advancements, especially in AI, are about to bring major changes to the world.
  2. Pre-nostalgia is a complex feeling that combines joy and sadness about the anticipation of an ending.
  3. The uncertainty of whether the future will bring utopia, doom, or business as usual creates a mix of emotions, but embracing the changes is seen as necessary.

Coming Soon! Science & Scientism

Fields & Energy • 139 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
🔬 Science Philosophy History Cultures Research Education
  1. The discussion will explore the differences between science and scientism, which refers to an excessive reliance on scientific methods or claims.
  2. Francis Bacon is a key historical figure in the development of modern science, particularly with his influence on the Royal Society.
  3. A livestream event featuring experts will dive deeper into these topics, highlighting the philosophical aspects of science.

Phone booths

The Leftovers • 139 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture History Literature Music Art & Illustration Humor
  1. Phone booths in the UK were used for advertising sexual services with flyers, with interesting transformations over time, highlighting cultural shifts.
  2. Superheroes like Superman and British vigilante fantasies have unique associations with phone booths, showcasing creative interpretations of iconic imagery.
  3. The song "Standing Outside a Broken Phone Booth with Money in My Hand" captures themes of confusion, existential observation, and beauty, resonating with the complexities of life.

The Germanic Thunderweapon Part I: Mjollnir’s True Power

Norse Mythology & Germanic Lore • 119 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Mythology Literature History Culture Religion
  1. Mjollnir from Norse mythology might not be as heavy as commonly believed, and doesn't require a strength-girdle to wield.
  2. There is no requirement of worthiness to lift Mjollnir, and it can be used by characters other than Thor.
  3. Iron gloves are mentioned in only one story, hinting they might not be necessary for using Mjollnir, despite Snorri's assertion.

A Requiem for Techno-Optimism

Banana Peel Pirouette • 118 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Music Technology History Art & Illustration Fashion & Beauty
  1. The 1990s techno-optimism was a period when many assumed that history was moving towards an intensified democratic capitalist future.
  2. Vaporwave music and aesthetics reflect a sense of nostalgia for a future that never arrived due to disillusionment with consumerism, pollution, and unmet technological promises.
  3. Vaporwave's emergence from the internet allowed it to create its own visual style, untouched by traditional music scenes, portraying a retro-futuristic world obsolesced by modern technology.

Why Policy?

From the New World • 172 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Government Media Technology History
  1. The evolution of human behavior involves self-deception as an adaptive strategy, which influences decision-making.
  2. Understanding the impact of legislation on industries is crucial, as many tech companies may lack awareness of its effects.
  3. The defense of basic freedoms and the need for effective policy-making is essential to navigate changing social and technological landscapes.

A Shameful History, Part 3

The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper • 179 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History Racism Education Social justice
  1. Teaching accurate and unvarnished history, including the dark and painful parts, is crucial for understanding and preventing the repetition of past atrocities.
  2. Lynchings were not isolated acts but bold, public events that affected whole communities and reinforced systemic racism.
  3. By learning about and acknowledging the history of lynching, we equip ourselves to recognize and address present dangers, ensuring a better future for all.

Revisited: Weep for the Half-Life Warboys

Theofuturism • 23 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy Religion Society Media History
  1. People often fight for ideas without understanding the real reasons behind the conflict. It's easier to keep them angry and moving than to let them think deeply.
  2. Young people, or 'Warboys', sacrifice a lot for leaders who promise them salvation but often end up feeling abandoned and broken. They give their all but receive little in return.
  3. Society tends to ignore the struggles of these young fighters, pushing them aside rather than empathizing with their pain. It's important to recognize their humanity and help them find a meaningful way to live.

Hormesis

Becoming Noble • 179 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture History Literature Philosophy
  1. In order for a civilization to thrive, there must be a strong connection between the environment, the people, and the individual, leading to the creation of exceptional individuals who can shape the culture and environment.
  2. Living in a harsh environment can breed strength, discipline, and resilience, as seen in the example of the Avar people who thrived in the challenging Caucasus mountains.
  3. The Avars, through their culture and upbringing, developed a community of warriors who could endure suffering and hardship, using their pain as a tool for personal growth and societal strength.

Strange Lives

Life and Letters • 59 implied HN points • 26 Mar 24
📚 Literature History Biography Marriage Philosophy Renaissance
  1. Marriage in the past often involved complicated discussions about money and family, just like today. The way partners handle these issues can lead to tensions.
  2. People in earlier times were concerned about remarriage and family dynamics, especially due to high mortality rates. They thought about how relationships would impact their children in the future.
  3. Age played a significant role in marriage decisions. For example, marrying young was less common by the Elizabethan period, showing changing views on when to start a family.

Private thread: Can the humanities save cities and companies money?

The Recovering Academic • 178 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Humanities Art Religion Philosophy History
  1. One way to address water shortages in the American Southwest is through interdisciplinary approaches, such as investing in research, conservation initiatives, and public education rather than just focusing on increasing water supply.
  2. The aesthetic preferences and perceptions of beauty, particularly influenced by imported European ideals, play a significant role in creating water problems in regions like Arizona, highlighting the potential impact of humanities like art and literature in reshaping these views.
  3. Considering humanities expertise, including art, religion, philosophy, and history, could potentially offer valuable solutions to economic challenges faced by cities and companies beyond just water shortages.

The Myth of Cain and Abel

Banana Peel Pirouette • 178 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
📚 Literature Mythology History Social Commentary Evolution Narrative analysis
  1. The Cain and Abel story can be interpreted as representing the agricultural revolution and its societal impacts.
  2. The narrative reflects the conflict between nomadic pastoral and sedentary farming societies, highlighting the transformative role of agriculture.
  3. Through the characters of Cain and Abel, the story also delves into the historical consequences of agriculture, including slavery, inequality, and the exploitation of labor.

The Fat Whores of London

The Heart Attack Diet • 139 implied HN points • 25 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture History Society Health
  1. There were fat people throughout history, such as during the Victorian era, but statistics on obesity were not widely kept.
  2. Images of fat Victorians and the availability of food during the time suggest that calories were abundant for those who could afford them.
  3. An Italian doctor in London in 1897 created BMI scores for prostitutes, aiming to link obesity with immorality, revealing societal views and practices of that time.

Learning From Butch History

Paging Dr. Lesbian • 176 implied HN points • 06 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture LGBTQ+ History Community Identity Social movements
  1. Butch lesbians have been misunderstood and not fully recognized for their contributions to society.
  2. Butch Lineages is a DIY research group in the UK focused on connecting butches to their history and each other.
  3. Being part of Butch Lineages provides a sense of community, acceptance, and a space for diverse butches to share and learn from each other.

Men in 1973 vs Men in 2023

diabolical • 176 implied HN points • 30 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Gender Society Film Social movements History
  1. Meme about men in 1973 vs men in 2023 highlights changing perceptions of masculinity over time.
  2. Appearance can be deceiving when it comes to masculinity; deeper discussions are needed on men's issues in today's society.
  3. Cultural tensions around freedom and masculinity depicted in the film 'Easy Rider' still resonate today.