The hottest History Substack posts right now

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Top World Politics Topics

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 The artwork on these posters often included historical references, emotional imagery, and symbols to appeal to voters.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.

The Khanjar Dial Edition

Why is this interesting? • 784 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Collecting Geopolitics Fashion History
  1. Watches can be much more than just timepieces; they often have interesting histories and connections to culture. The Khanjar dial watches from Oman are a perfect example, blending royal recognition with unique design.
  2. Some watches, like the Khanjar models, are given as gifts and can become valuable over time. A watch gifted to a pilot once sold for £600,000 at auction, showcasing how special pieces can gain worth.
  3. Today, Khanjar dial watches are still given out with discreet engravings, making them rare collectibles. They appeal to watch lovers for their unique stories and connections to royal heritage.

HOISTED FROM THE ARCHIVES: Reviewing Alan Furst's Novel "Dark Star"

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 307 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
📚 Literature Fiction Reviews History Arts Culture
  1. Alan Furst's novel 'Dark Star' is praised as one of the best books about Europe in the 1930s. It captures the tense atmosphere of that time better than many historical accounts.
  2. The story revolves around a character named Andre Szara, who navigates the dangers of living under oppressive regimes while trying to survive and help others.
  3. The novel highlights the moral ambiguities of the era, where allies and enemies were often blurred, making readers think about the complexities of political choices.

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.
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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.

WILD, WILD WOMEN

Secretum Secretorum • 1212 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Fashion Literature History Photography
  1. Women have unique qualities that make them strong and wild. Embracing those qualities can lead to empowerment.
  2. Celebrating women's individuality is important. Each woman's story adds to the rich diversity of experiences.
  3. Creativity and expression through art are key ways to showcase and appreciate women's strength.

Exciting news from Scroll 5!

Vesuvius Challenge • 117 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
📚 Literature History Classics Philosophy Writing
  1. The P.Herc. 172 scroll from Oxford shows dense ink, which helps in identifying the text better than other scrolls. This makes it easier to detect letters and understand its content.
  2. Preliminary findings suggest that the scroll might be written by Philodemus, a famous philosopher. Some words found indicate it could be a complete work, not just a draft.
  3. This scroll has unique physical traits that might help decode other scrolls with unclear texts. As research continues, the hope is to develop better methods for reading ancient writings.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 38

Why is this interesting? • 361 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music History Photography Theater
  1. The C-17 Globemaster is a powerful military aircraft that's very maneuverable, like a sports car. It's known for its strength and versatility in transport missions.
  2. The Palais Garnier in Paris is a stunning opera house, and there are beautiful images showcasing its rich interior. It's a historic venue that attracts many visitors.
  3. The way we interpret classic literature, like 'The Great Gatsby', can change over time. A leading expert dives into how our understanding may have missed important themes.

Wicked King, Mozart: performance and posterity, Women detectives, Midwinter wood, Henry V, Venture Capital, Annihilation, Neverwhere, Enchanted Glass

The Common Reader • 602 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Music Art Performance History
  1. Wicked King is a well-written book that combines elements of horror and suspense. It has a unique and cult-classic feel, making it stand out in its genre.
  2. Reading about Mozart's life and work revealed that he improved his music by improvising during performances. This shows how creativity can blend with skill in art.
  3. Exploring different genres and topics, like women detectives and venture capital, can broaden your understanding of literature and culture.

What Trump's lawyer was really advocating

Robert Reich • 26140 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government History Policy Democracy Leadership
  1. Trump's lawyer argued for immunity from criminal trial through impeachment, resembling the 1933 Enabling Law in Germany.
  2. American democracy is stronger than Weimar Republic's but caution is needed to protect it.
  3. Author highlights the importance of upholding democratic norms, media truth-telling, and citizen participation for safeguarding democracy.

When Auschwitz Becomes a Theme Park

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 644 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Film Tourism History Memory Trauma
  1. Tourism at Holocaust sites like Auschwitz can feel wrong and disrespectful to many people. It's strange to combine such serious history with entertainment.
  2. The movie 'A Real Pain' explores the impact of the Holocaust on future generations and how it shapes their identities. It's a personal story about understanding family and history.
  3. There's a disconnect in Poland where some people feel distant or unwelcoming toward Jewish history and culture, which can lead to a cold atmosphere during visits. This ambivalence is troubling for many visitors.

a year in podcasts

ChinaTalk • 311 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🎙 Podcasts Media Culture History Technology Politics
  1. China's imperial examination system helped create stability but limited innovation. This has led to current challenges like economic stagnation and political succession issues.
  2. Recent discussions showed that trade alone doesn't change political systems. For instance, the Song dynasty had trade but remained autocratic.
  3. Policymakers need to make tough decisions instead of trying to balance too many interests. An example is the challenges faced by the Biden administration with the export controls on technology.

The Saturday Read: A furious year

The Saturday Read • 419 implied HN points • 05 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Conflict International relations Geopolitics History
  1. The Middle East is facing ongoing violence and conflict, especially after significant events like the Hamas attack on Israel. Many believe lasting peace will require changes in Iran.
  2. There is no single 'Catholic vote' in American politics; Catholics often have diverse views that don't fit neatly into either party. This means candidates should engage with Catholic voters carefully.
  3. Green Day's album 'American Idiot' had a powerful impact by encouraging youth to oppose George W. Bush. Its fun style helped spread a serious political message.

Pantheons, Panchronos

How the Hell • 129 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Religion History Mythology Literature Philosophy
  1. The Pantheon of the Past represents a nostalgic time when humans relied on the gods. It serves as a reminder of a simpler, carefree era.
  2. The Pantheon of the Present reflects a confusing time where humans struggle to define their identity and values without divine guidance.
  3. The Pantheon of the Future offers hope as it imagines a world alongside intelligent beings. It suggests that while the future may belong to new entities, the values we cherish could still live on.

Notes on Chapter 32

Life Since the Baby Boom • 691 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature History Art Family Relationships
  1. The characters have reached important milestones in their lives, like successful careers and personal achievements such as adoption. These moments show growth and fulfillment.
  2. The author acknowledges the loss of a friend who contributed to the writing process, highlighting the theme of family and community. This adds an emotional depth to the story.
  3. There is a hint at upcoming events, like the Microsoft antitrust trial, suggesting that the story will intertwine personal narratives with historical events. This keeps the reader engaged with both plot and context.

Short Reviews for October 2024

Papyrus Rampant • 119 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
📚 Literature Books Fiction History Reviews Public Health
  1. Mindtouch is a cozy sci-fi story about two alien dormmates who build a strong friendship. It focuses more on their character growth than on action.
  2. The Rolling Stones is a fun sci-fi adventure featuring family banter and problem-solving on a trip through the Solar System. The resourceful twins turn a fun vacation into a business venture.
  3. A Good Time to Be Born highlights how public health efforts helped reduce childhood mortality over the last century. It shows both the struggles and the successes in improving children's health.

Thinking Under Fascism

Dada Drummer Almanach • 505 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art History Media Philosophy Politics
  1. Thinking creatively during tough times can help us hold onto our reality. It's important to find a personal truth even when the world feels distorted.
  2. Art can be a powerful tool against oppressive forces, as shown by Chaplin's famous speech in 'The Great Dictator.' Speaking out against injustice can attract both support and backlash.
  3. History shows us that silencing voices of opposition is a strategy used by fascists. We must stay connected and support one another to resist these challenges in the present.

Northampton MP labels plan to move statues ‘cultural vandalism’

NN Journal • 298 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Art History Politics Community Heritage
  1. Moving the statues is seen as cultural vandalism by MP Lucy Rigby. She believes they should stay in the town center where people can learn about the important figures they represent.
  2. The West Northamptonshire Council is exploring options for using the Guildhall, which has made the statue relocation a topic of discussion. They plan to consult the public before making any decisions.
  3. Local residents feel strongly that the statues belong in their current location. Many consider the historic Guildhall an important part of the town's identity and heritage.

Regulators almost killed biotech before it began

Trevor Klee’s Newsletter • 970 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Biotechnology Regulation Innovation Pharmaceuticals History
  1. Genentech is seen as the start of the biotech field because it combined new technology with business and research. This company pioneered how biotech operates today.
  2. Regulations nearly stopped Genentech from forming, creating fears about safety and ethics in biotechnology. However, Genentech managed to navigate around these regulations and succeed.
  3. Unlike big companies, Genentech used private funding and worked in less regulated spaces. This allowed them to develop human insulin without the heavy regulatory burden faced by larger firms.

Can the philistine supremacy be stopped?

The Common Reader • 2232 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Arts Literature Education Social Issues History
  1. Schools are changing curriculums in ways that some believe exclude important classics, like Shakespeare and ancient texts. This might limit students' exposure to foundational literature.
  2. There is a push to replace traditional cultural experiences, like theater and museums, with more relatable activities for students. Critics argue that this could reduce opportunities for learning and growth.
  3. Knowledge from literature and history plays a big role in helping students from all backgrounds move up in society. It's important to ensure all students have access to enriching educational experiences.

Turing's Work on the Riemann Hypothesis

Cantor's Paradise • 379 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🔬 Science Mathematics Computing History Technology
  1. Alan Turing is famous for his work in computer science and cryptography, but he also made important contributions to number theory, specifically the Riemann hypothesis.
  2. The Riemann hypothesis centers on a mathematical function which helps in understanding the distribution of prime numbers, and it remains unproven after over 160 years.
  3. Turing created special computers to help calculate values related to the Riemann hypothesis, showing his deep interest in the question of prime numbers and mathematical truth.

How to understand the politics of Israel and Palestine?

Robert Reich • 16254 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Israel Palestine Conflict History Education
  1. Organizing for difficult subjects in universities is essential to foster open dialogue and avoid polarization.
  2. Collaborative teaching with diverse perspectives can create a more enriching and open-minded learning environment for students.
  3. Approaching the conflict between Israel and Palestine with a sense of tragedy can help students understand the complexity and motivations behind the narratives of both sides.

Shakespeare Schedule 2025

The Common Reader • 1275 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Theater Arts Education History
  1. There is a schedule for reading Shakespeare's plays throughout 2025. Each play will be discussed on a Sunday at 7 PM UK time over Zoom.
  2. The schedule includes various famous plays like 'Richard III', 'Midsummer Night’s Dream', and 'Macbeth'.
  3. Participants will receive a Zoom link the day before each meeting to join the discussion.

Killing A Bad Strategy Before It Kills you

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 4413 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
💼 Business Strategy Leadership Decision-making Management History
  1. 1. Grand strategy helps you achieve big goals with limited resources. Since everyone faces resource limits, using what you have smartly can lead to unexpected successes.
  2. 2. Foxes tend to predict better than hedgehogs because they use many ideas and adapt. Foxes keep an open mind, while hedgehogs stick to one big idea, even if it's wrong.
  3. 3. Planning is important, but sticking too rigidly to a plan can be a mistake. It's better to remain flexible and adjust to new opportunities as they arise.

VFYW: Legends Abound

The Weekly Dish • 26 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art History Travel Food Literature
  1. The VFYW contest features a variety of fun and creative themes, showcasing unique views from windows around the world. It's a great way to spark creativity and engage with a community of puzzle lovers.
  2. Participants share stories and memories tied to their window views, turning the contest into a shared experience. This personal touch adds depth to the entries and makes the contest more enjoyable.
  3. The guessing process for the locations can be challenging but also intriguing. Many people enjoy the detective work involved in figuring out the right answer by analyzing clues from the photos.

Substack Reads: The business of air miles, Bowie’s favorite books, and cold compost

read • 16116 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
💼 Business Travel Literature Science History Gardening
  1. Frequent-flier point programs were initially designed for occasional free flights, but evolved into turbo-charged schemes for travelers to earn points quickly.
  2. Weighing ingredients in cooking can make a big difference in recipes, especially in baked goods, where even small variations can impact the final texture and taste.
  3. During winter, composting slows down as decomposition rates decrease, signalling a time for compost piles to rest and wait for the warmer season for active decomposition.

RedNote, Uber Eats in Kinmen, Jimmy Carter's Taiwan Legacy, AI EO and More

ChinaTalk • 385 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations Public Policy Government Technology Policy History
  1. RedNote, a popular Chinese social media app, has become a new favorite for TikTok users in search of a platform that connects them with genuine interactions. People are enjoying sharing jokes and cultural experiences across borders.
  2. Jimmy Carter's approach to U.S.-China relations helped protect Taiwan's interests, allowing the U.S. to provide arms to Taiwan even after recognizing China. His actions laid the groundwork for Taiwan's future as a democratic society.
  3. Uber Eats is expanding its reach in Kinmen, Taiwan, but it faces unique challenges like local mischievous monkeys that like to swipe food from delivery drivers. This highlights the quirky side of food delivery in the region.

Drop #18. Looking for Fireflies in Times of Fascism

REINCANTAMENTO Drops • 59 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy Art History Politics Society
  1. Re-enchantment is about reconnecting with the world beyond just science and technology. It emphasizes the importance of myths and spirituality in giving life meaning.
  2. Marginalized groups often hold valuable knowledge that was lost over time, such as practices from witches or diverse cultures. This loss is linked to historical violence and control by dominant powers.
  3. To find hope in difficult times, we should embrace creativity and imagination. By viewing the world differently, we can envision new possibilities and a re-enchanted future.

What Do You Wish People Were More Curious About?

Culture Study • 2282 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Curiosity Human behavior Anthropology History Community
  1. People are curious about a wide range of topics, like the history of places or specific laws that are too complex to understand at first glance. Exploring these subjects can lead to deeper insights.
  2. There are everyday experiences that often go unnoticed, like the physical toll of standing or bending all day. Recognizing and discussing these can create empathy and understanding.
  3. Curiosity can expand our knowledge and improve our connections with others. By asking questions and seeking answers, we can gain a better understanding of the world around us.

The Ancient Greek Play That Hilariously Mocked Collectivism and Democracy

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 138 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Theater Comedy History Philosophy
  1. Aristophanes' play "The Assemblywomen" cleverly mocks democracy and the absurdities of life in Ancient Athens. It shows how sometimes people in power can be foolish and self-serving.
  2. The play presents a humorous twist where women take over the political scene, highlighting the chaos that can come from trying to enforce equality and collectivism.
  3. The humor exposes the flaws of democracy—where not everyone making decisions may have the best interests of society in mind, showing how majorities can be just as dangerous as tyrants.

The other man: Neanderthal findings test our power of imagination

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 686 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🔬 Science Genetics Anthropology Paleontology Evolution History
  1. Neanderthals were more diverse than previously thought, similar to modern humans. Recent DNA findings show that they had unique social behaviors and were genetically distinct from their neighbors.
  2. The ancient DNA era has rapidly changed our understanding of human prehistory. Discoveries from ancient genomes have revealed new insights into our ancestors and how they interacted with Neanderthals.
  3. A notable finding is the discovery of a Neanderthal named Thorin, who lived in isolation for thousands of years. This suggests that Neanderthals had unique ways of life that are very different from modern humans.

The Architecture of Civilization

Civic Renaissance with Alexandra Hudson • 199 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Civility Society History Civilization Ethics
  1. True civilization is not about fancy buildings or power. It's really about how we treat each other and respect every person's humanity.
  2. Saddam Hussein tried to show off his power by building beautiful palaces. However, his cruel actions and disregard for human life made his rule more barbaric than civilized.
  3. Being truly civilized means showing kindness to everyone, especially those who are vulnerable. It's about caring for others and valuing human dignity above all else.

The Hemi Edition

Why is this interesting? • 422 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Automotive Marketing Branding History Pop culture
  1. The Hemi engine has become a popular and recognized brand name, almost like its own celebrity in the car world. It's known for its strong performance and has fans calling for its return in various vehicles.
  2. Hemi's reputation stems from its long history and impressive performance, especially during the muscle car era of the 1960s. Its success in races helped cement its legendary status among car enthusiasts.
  3. Unlike many car brands, the Hemi name is well-known even outside of car culture, appearing in music and pop culture. This broader recognition is a rare achievement for an engine name.

Who Killed 'Fraidy Cat'?

Animation Obsessive • 9328 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Animation Film Art History Storytelling
  1. The story of 'Fraidy Cat' was about a cat named Oscar who was wrongly accused of swallowing a bird. The film went through many changes during its development and was influenced by Hitchcock's style.
  2. Piet Kroon, the director, faced a lot of studio politics and creative conflicts while trying to bring his vision for 'Fraidy Cat' to life, which included several writers being brought in to make changes.
  3. Despite the project receiving praise and momentum at Disney, it was ultimately shelved when the studio decided to close its Florida branch, which contributed to 'Fraidy Cat' never being completed.

The Tuesday Edition

Why is this interesting? • 422 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality History Rituals Traditions
  1. The seven-day week we use has been unchanged since at least 311 C.E., despite many calendar changes over the years.
  2. More than 625,000 days have passed without interrupting the sequence of days, showing consistency in how we mark time.
  3. Even with holidays that confuse us about what day it is, the schedule of the week keeps moving forward as normal.