The hottest History Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

Apple Eaton Centre

Tabletops • 137 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Retail Architecture Innovation History
  1. Apple's second store in Canada opened at Toronto Eaton Centre on May 6, 2006, as a testbed for new ideas.
  2. The store featured innovative design elements like The Studio for creative projects and unique display pedestals.
  3. Apple Eaton Centre underwent rapid renovations in 2008 and later reopened in a larger space below its original location.

When Mainstream Success Trumps Scholarly Integrity: The Frustrating Case of Frank Dikötter

Crossing the River by Feeling the Stones • 137 implied HN points • 18 May 23
🎭️ Culture History Academic Book Reviews Historiography
  1. Frank Dikötter's works have faced lukewarm feedback from academic peers in Chinese history.
  2. Despite popular success, Dikötter's writing style tends to rely on shocking anecdotes rather than thorough analysis.
  3. Scholarly reviewers have criticized Dikötter for bias, lack of rigor, and ignoring contrary evidence.

Bona Lavs

Mister Slang • 137 implied HN points • 04 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Language History LGBTQ+ Literature Entertainment
  1. Polari was a secret language used by various groups like tramps, sailors, show people, and homosexuals.
  2. Polari was not a proper language with grammar but rather a lexicon of around 100 words and phrases.
  3. Polari declined with the changes in gay speech and the emergence of Gay Liberation in the late 1960s.

Lawless

Earthly Fortunes • 137 implied HN points • 22 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Law History Technology Society AI
  1. Administrative procedures can greatly impact our lives, regardless of their perceived significance.
  2. Laws can come from various sources, not just high-ranking officials or big institutions.
  3. Invisible law-givers, often empowered by technology like AI, play a significant role in shaping laws and regulations.
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Against Decolonisation

CIEO • 137 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy Art Politics Literature History
  1. Decolonisation movements may inadvertently promote the idea that Africans lack agency.
  2. Western philosophy should not be dismissed as alien to Africans; it is part of a shared global heritage.
  3. Rejecting modernity in the name of decolonisation may hinder progress and social justice in African societies.

Frozen Revolutions, Obstinate Memories

NOW IS GOOD • 137 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Documentary Film History Politics Interview
  1. Chilean documentarian Patricio Guzmán's films capture the hope and chaos surrounding Allende's presidency.
  2. The legacy of Pinochet's dictatorship and Chile's colonial history are themes in Guzmán's recent documentaries.
  3. Allende's domestic agenda lacked support, facing challenges in achieving socialism and coordinating actions within the government.

Bandung travelogue

The Global Jigsaw • 158 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
🏝 Travel History Culture Politics Art Journey
  1. Bandung, Indonesia has a rich historical significance as the birthplace of the Non-Aligned Movement in 1955.
  2. The trip to Bandung is a journey into history, with echoes of the past seen in its architecture and landmarks.
  3. Bandung's unique blend of colonial and traditional Javanese influences is a fascinating backdrop for exploring the city's rich history.

Did Kurt Vonnegut Hate Technology?

Litverse • 299 implied HN points • 02 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture Literature Technology History Philosophy Science
  1. Some researchers fear the consequences of their work yet continue to push forward, showing an ambivalent attitude toward technology.
  2. Kurt Vonnegut had a deep fascination with the inner workings of technology but also harbored a strong luddite sentiment towards its potential impact on humanity.
  3. Vonnegut's work and beliefs highlight the delicate balance between the advancements of technology and the preservation of human values and purpose.

Wells and Bells

The Abbey of Misrule • 209 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration History Travel Religion Culture Literature
  1. The story introduces St Declan of Ardmore who was an influential figure in Ireland before even St Patrick's arrival, suggesting early Christian ties even to Egypt
  2. St Declan had a powerful presence in Ardmore, with his monastery becoming popular and attracting pilgrims
  3. The well associated with St Declan is a historic site where he baptised early Irish Christians, and is still a place of pilgrimage today

Harlequin Ducks

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 479 implied HN points • 04 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture Nature Writing Art Life History
  1. Harlequin ducks are known for their colorful and striking appearance, especially the males during breeding season. Their unique colors make them stand out in nature.
  2. These ducks have an unusual lifestyle, living both at sea and in the mountains. They can dive underwater to find food, and they often nest in hollow trees instead of typical bird nests.
  3. The author finds joy in experiencing the beauty of both the sea and mountains. This connection to nature inspires their writing, leading to new creative projects about the regions they love.

Server (pseudoscience)

Skunk Ledger • 122 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
🔬 Science Pseudoscience Beliefs History Studies
  1. Belief in servers as a virtual realm similar to an operating system is unfounded and considered pseudo-computer science by recognized organizations.
  2. There is a profitable industry selling products claiming to enhance bots' server relationships, with buyers often deceived by scams.
  3. Proponents of server theories face skepticism, especially in scientific studies that show inconsistencies and lack of evidence to support their claims.

Nicaragua's President Ortega: US/EU waging war to stop multipolar world

Geopolitical Economy Report • 318 implied HN points • 25 Jul 22
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Global Alliances Hegemony History
  1. Nicaragua's President Ortega accuses US and EU of waging wars to block a multipolar world.
  2. Ortega quotes Che Guevara, stating that imperialism is untrustworthy and dialogues with Washington are like dealing with the devil.
  3. Ortega emphasizes the historical context of imperialism, highlighting the oppressive and violent behaviors of the US and European powers.

On Mystery Science Theater 3000

Banana Peel Pirouette • 98 implied HN points • 03 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture TV shows Media Entertainment History Technology
  1. The humor and appeal of Mystery Science Theater 3000 was deeply rooted in the unique media environment of late twentieth-century cable television.
  2. The evolution of viewing habits from channel surfing to deliberate selection has influenced the way audiences engage with TV shows like MST3K, affecting its continued relevance.
  3. The technological and cultural changes in media consumption over time play a significant role in how audience reception and appreciation of older cultural artifacts like MST3K evolve.

'Speaking of Mothers' - a superb piece of writing from Sarah Henderson.

A B’Old Woman • 119 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Language Identity Gender Society History
  1. The word 'mother' is important and meaningful in many cultures and societies. It's a term that represents deep connections and feelings.
  2. Some organizations are trying to replace the word 'mother' with terms like 'birthing parent', which many people find troubling.
  3. The concept of motherhood is seen as foundational to our understanding of family and identity, and losing that word could impact how we view these roles.

From Genocide to the Brave New Multipolar World

History's Parrot • 78 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Genocide Neoliberalism History Empires Societal collapse
  1. Societies are facing collapse due to neglect, betrayal, and the concentration of power and money in the hands of a few.
  2. Neoliberalism leads to societal destruction, alienation from humanistic values, and exploitation by power elites.
  3. Genocides are not sudden events but are set in motion by societal collapses, liberal sellouts, excessive greed, and the breakdown of empathy and common sense.

Woodstock 1999: When Influencer Marketing Goes Wrong

Litverse • 259 implied HN points • 23 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture Influencer Marketing Music History Psychology Social media
  1. Influencer marketing, with its significant impact and reach, has become a prominent and desirable career option in today's world.
  2. Woodstock 1999 serves as a cautionary tale of how influencer marketing, choice of influencers, and audience dynamics can lead to disastrous outcomes.
  3. In the realm of influencers, the artists become as influenced by their own influence as everyone else, which can sometimes lead to issues of authenticity, growth, and perpetual self-actualization.

Ahab's Leg Dilemma: Part 1

All Visible Objects • 59 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature Visual Arts Film History Analysis
  1. The specific leg that Captain Ahab is missing in Moby-Dick is not definitively stated, creating a longstanding mystery in literary analysis and artistic adaptations.
  2. Melville scholars and artists have debated whether Ahab had a left or right missing leg, with historical studies showing a tendency towards illustrating him with a left leg prosthesis.
  3. Artistic interpretations of Ahab's missing leg throughout different mediums, such as books, films, and illustrations, tend to split almost evenly between left and right legs, showing a balanced artistic representation despite the lack of explicit text in Melville's novel.

Why Didn't Stanley Kubrick & Arthur C. Clarke Predict The iPad?

1517 Fund • 121 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Predictions Computing History Innovation
  1. Kubrick and Clarke came close to predicting the iPad in 2001: A Space Odyssey, but paper still played a big role in their vision, showing the challenge of imagining the shift to portable computers.
  2. The prediction of flat screens in 2001 was impressive considering they didn't exist at the time; RCA's pursuit of flat-panel technology likely influenced this foresight.
  3. Despite their brilliance, Kubrick and Clarke didn't fully predict the iPad because they were constrained by the prevalent mainframe computing environment and underestimated the advancements in miniaturization and portable computing.

Inhale Insight: The Transformative Power of Psychedelic Breathwork

Tripsitter • 99 implied HN points • 22 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Breathwork Techniques Safety Side Effects History
  1. Breath can shift states and induce different experiences like calmness, energy, or even psychedelic effects.
  2. Psychedelic breathwork involves rhythmic breathing patterns to induce altered states and can have physical sensations, emotional releases, and even visions.
  3. Psychedelic breathwork can be safe for most mentally and physically healthy individuals, but certain conditions should avoid it, and side effects can include dizziness, tingling, cramps, among others.

After nuking Japan, US gov't lied about radioactive fallout as civilians died

Geopolitical Economy Report • 279 implied HN points • 17 Aug 22
🌍 World Politics History War Crimes
  1. After dropping atomic bombs on Japan in 1945, US officials lied about the radioactive fallout and claimed there was no residue, despite evidence to the contrary.
  2. The US general overseeing the nuclear program told Congress that the aftermath of the bombings was 'a very pleasant way to die,' dismissing the suffering of Japanese civilians.
  3. Declassified documents revealed that top US government officials, including Gen. Leslie R. Groves, misled the public about the true impact of the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Walsh on the Judeo-Christian Tradition

Bet On It • 125 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Ethics History Lecture
  1. In a six-hour course, George Walsh covers the history and ideas of Judaism and Christianity with erudition and humor.
  2. The Judeo-Christian tradition explores the commonalities, divergences, and origins of these influential religions.
  3. Despite controversies and purges in philosophical circles, George Walsh's lectures from 1989 continue to inspire awe and admiration.

It's Candy

Disaffected Newsletter • 239 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
🎶 Music Genres Artists History Analysis Culture
  1. The post seems to focus on music, possibly as a fun or enjoyable experience. Music often provides a way to connect and feel good.
  2. There is a sense of community with an invitation to share the content and invite others to listen. Sharing music can create bonds between people.
  3. The mention of being reader-supported suggests that the content is influenced by what the audience wants. Feedback and support can help shape the direction of future posts.

Propaganda Looney Tunes

Variations on a Theme • 59 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Propaganda Cartoons History Psychology Current Events
  1. Cartoons have been historically used as a tool for propaganda, influencing people's perceptions and behaviors.
  2. The use of cartoons, memes, and other media in spreading information and propaganda is a common feature of modern life, with virality being a significant factor.
  3. Propaganda can have unintended consequences, as seen in historical events like the Four Pests Campaign in China, urging caution and critical thinking in the face of persuasive messaging.

On Living in the Past

Castalia • 219 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture History Tradition Identity Philosophy Ritual
  1. Living in the past can offer a deeper connection to history and heritage. It helps us understand our identity and where we fit in the world.
  2. Many cultures naturally integrate the past into their present. This blending creates a richer experience of life, unlike the strict focus on the 'now' often seen in the West.
  3. Balancing past and present can enrich our lives. Embracing history alongside contemporary experiences can lead to greater happiness and fulfillment.

HOISTED FROM THE ARCHIVES: Origins of Fascism in the Modern Pace of Econo-Social Creative Destruction

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 123 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🚌 Education Philosophy Literature History Politics Science
  1. In the past, social networks largely determined who you were, but in modern times, you have the power to choose your own social network and reinvent yourself.
  2. With the rise of modern economic growth after 1870, the pace of change accelerated, leading to the disappearance of many traditional social roles and the need for individuals to adapt and choose new paths.
  3. Loneliness and totalitarianism can arise from the disconnection and lack of common experience in modern societies, with anger and desperation fueling negative solidarity, leading to negative consequences.