The hottest History Substack posts right now

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All Part of Science's Rich Tapestry

Counting Atoms • 58 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🔬 Science History Biography Physics Politics Innovation
  1. The book 'The Making of the Atomic Bomb' by Richard Rhodes provides a comprehensive history of the Manhattan Project and includes a lot of vivid scientific details.
  2. Leo Szilard plays a central role in the story, from inspiring the idea of nuclear chain reactions to trying to prevent the use of atomic bombs.
  3. The book can be overwhelming due to the multitude of people and organizations involved, but it offers a rich tapestry of science and history.

Woolly Dogs of Hood Canal

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 159 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Art Tradition Naturalism Photography History
  1. Woolly dogs were special to the Skokomish people and were important symbols of loyalty and family. They had unique features, like tails that curl up.
  2. These dogs became extinct by the late 1800s, but the last known woolly dog, named Mutton, was collected for study and is now part of the Smithsonian's collection.
  3. Researchers are currently studying Mutton's genetics to learn more about these fascinating dogs and their history.

The Benefits of Walking Your Cynic

Outlandish Claims • 19 implied HN points • 31 May 24
🚌 Education Philosophy History Travel Literature Science
  1. Standardized education can be damaging, labeling individuals based on narrow criteria and stifling unique strengths.
  2. Achieving financial independence can enable one to pursue personal passions and explore the world at one's own pace, like 'Walking Stewart'.
  3. The philosophy of interconnectedness, kindness, and self-love espoused by 'Walking Stewart' emphasizes the importance of empathy and positivity.

"The progress of man's welfare"

Hypertext • 99 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics Social Policy Government Policy History
  1. Milton Friedman advocated for 'progressive negative taxation' as a way to address poverty and ensure welfare progress. The idea was rooted in a guaranteed minimum income based on nutritional needs.
  2. Friedman's negative income tax proposal faced challenges and opposition, particularly in implementation and acceptance among policymakers. It aimed to bridge left-wing and right-wing perspectives on poverty alleviation.
  3. The concept of negative income tax, though not fully realized in policy, showcased the ideological uniqueness of grounding economic theories in practical welfare solutions. It sought to balance efficiency, individual freedom, and incentives in addressing poverty.

Of Caravaggio & Clouet

Euro Desk Paris • 79 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Paintings Artists History Analysis Gallery
  1. Caravaggio and Clouet used crayons and pastels for sketches that sometimes surpassed their paintings in popularity.
  2. Rouen, France, with historical paintings, like Caravaggio's, offers insights into power struggles and historical context.
  3. Caravaggio's painting 'Christ at the column' showcases a tormented, realistic portrayal, setting the tone for Baroque art.
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Peter and the Basilisk

Banana Peel Pirouette • 118 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
📖 Philosophy History Religion Technology Climate Politics
  1. Western cultures have a deep-rooted belief in prophecy, with expectations of history culminating in certain ways.
  2. Marx's economic theories remain relevant, but his prophetic visions of global communism are more an issue of faith than science.
  3. The clash between tech utopianism and eco-pessimism highlights how different ideologies shape views of the future, from Singularity to climate crisis.

The Cleavage and Technologization of Knowing

Banana Peel Pirouette • 118 implied HN points • 09 Aug 23
🚌 Education Philosophy Literature History Science Technology
  1. Specialization of labor and the rise of a literate elite led to a cleavage of knowledge across societies, with information monopolies and limited access to learning.
  2. The printing press and now the internet have transformed how we handle information, shifting towards automated thinking but potentially limiting deep understanding and critical thinking.
  3. Progress in human intelligence and virtue through technology has been a long debate, as greater access to information doesn't necessarily equate to greater wisdom or reason.

Overdrawn at the Memory Bank

Banana Peel Pirouette • 118 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Film Technology Society History Science
  1. The movie 'Overdrawn at the Memory Bank' showcases a blend of ambition and incomprehension in its attempt to imagine a futuristic world, highlighting a theme of technological advancement outpacing individual understanding.
  2. Specialization in modern society has led to increased complexity and automation, resulting in individuals having limited understanding of the technology that surrounds them.
  3. The advancement of high technology has ironically led to a decrease in general technical knowledge among the populace, making society more ritualistic in its approach to technology and the world.

Oh what a circus

London in Bits • 117 implied HN points • 26 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration History Culture Music Literature Design
  1. The book 'Piccadilly: The Circus at the Heart of London' by Midge Gillies tells the story of Piccadilly Circus through the eyes of various individuals like flower girls, shop assistants, and celebrities.
  2. The author's interest in social history led to the book's clever structure with themes like entertainment, transport, and advertising interwoven throughout the chronological narrative.
  3. Piccadilly Circus is portrayed as a unique meeting place where people of diverse backgrounds gather, reflecting a history of social change and surprising stories like the Rainbow Corner and the Piccadilly Commandoes.

D is for...

Mister Slang • 117 implied HN points • 29 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Language Literature History Geography Health
  1. Some dirty words have origins in diseases like syphilis and gonorrhea.
  2. Venereal diseases were often associated with foreign countries in slang terms.
  3. There were various slang terms for venereal diseases and their symptoms, as well as treatments throughout history.

Electric-Gas Interdependence: History and Transaction Cost Economics

Knowledge Problem • 117 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
💰 Finance Energy Regulation Contracts History Economics
  1. The interdependence between electric systems and natural gas systems has been highlighted during severe winter storms.
  2. Over the past century, the objectives for electric service have evolved to include resilience, decarbonization, and reliance on natural gas.
  3. Transaction cost economics can help understand the challenges in coordinating reliable input supply between the electric and gas industries.

Two Ways to Decline Zeus

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 99 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
📚 Literature Analysis Translation Myth History Scholarship
  1. Book 5 of the Iliad provides speeches that explore theomachy and the poem's connection to other traditions.
  2. The flexibility of Homeric verse allows for two ways to decline Zeus in metrical shape.
  3. Dione's speech in the Iliad serves as a good example of a paradeigma, using past examples to persuade characters, and can be compared to other epics for structure and content.

Musical Heresies (Part 2)

Secretum Secretorum • 429 implied HN points • 25 May 23
🎶 Music Genres History Artists Philosophy Influence
  1. Recorded music can have harmful psychological effects, suggesting music should be performed live and reserved for special occasions.
  2. Ancient cultures viewed music as a powerful force for transformation and knowledge, with musicians being revered as heroes.
  3. The historical significance of music extends beyond entertainment, as it played a crucial role in shaping societal worldviews and countercultures.

Adventures in Dawson City, Yukon

The Analog Family • 179 implied HN points • 09 Jun 23
🏝 Travel Adventure Nature Culture History Food
  1. Dawson City is a unique place with a rich history from the gold rush. It's full of old buildings and has a fun, lively tourist scene.
  2. Exploring the outdoors in the Yukon is incredible, with beautiful hikes and amazing views. The scenery can take your breath away!
  3. The trip has its challenges, like a lack of road signs and expensive gas, but it's all part of the adventure. Traveling there can feel energizing and exciting.

There Once Was an Empire

thinkinghistorically • 93 HN points • 20 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Literature History Politics Identity Social Change
  1. Obsessions with decline and collapse are becoming more prominent in public discourse and literature.
  2. Memories of past empires and collapses can help us navigate uncertainty in the present and imagine different futures.
  3. Literature from the era of Austria-Hungary captures the nostalgia, chaos, and ephemerality of a world caught between permanence and collapse.

Fantastic Builders and Where to Find Them, 4th Installment

Building the Builders • 11 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🎶 Music Classical History Artists Composers Therapy
  1. Sergei Rachmaninoff overcame a deep depression, which lasted three years, after a failed performance of his first symphony. His struggle inspired him to create his famous 2nd piano concerto.
  2. Rachmaninoff dedicated his 2nd piano concerto to his therapist, Dr. Nikolai Dahl, who helped him regain confidence through supportive therapy and hypnosis.
  3. Rachmaninoff's experience shows that personal challenges can lead to great achievements. Instead of being stuck in self-doubt, he learned to move forward and create music he loved.

A flicker in the dark

Cosmographia • 139 implied HN points • 03 Mar 23
🔬 Science History Astronomy Cosmology
  1. Time may seem vast when looking back, but in the grand scheme of things, it's just a fleeting moment.
  2. The universe started 13.8 billion years ago as a condensed point of infinite density.
  3. The post is only available for paid subscribers, offering exclusive content.

Our Past, Israel's Nukes, and Tales of Winners Who Lost

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 55 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History Nuclear policy Military Strategy Political Commentary
  1. America's founding groups had different views on liberty, and these views shaped our society in unique ways. It's interesting to see how communities valued freedom differently based on their history and beliefs.
  2. Israel's nuclear capabilities raise important questions about control and power in global politics. Understanding these dynamics can help us grasp broader conflicts in the region.
  3. Exploring lost winners in history reminds us that success isn't just about winning; it's also about understanding the consequences of our actions and decisions. Sometimes, what seems like a victory can lead to unexpected challenges.

Lace and Libels

Outlandish Claims • 19 implied HN points • 26 May 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Language Art Media History
  1. The evolution of language and meanings can lead to shifts in how words are understood over time.
  2. The concept of proof of work, used in bitcoin, can be observed in various aspects of human culture, indicating value and effort.
  3. Protecting artists from theft and censorship can encourage more art creation in the intersection of accessibility and quality.

Western Civilization And Genomics

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🔬 Science Genomics History Biology Humanity Philosophy
  1. Western civilization has thrived for about 2500 years, with many achievements in science and knowledge. This long history has shaped our understanding of complex topics like genomics.
  2. Key figures like Isaac Newton helped establish scientific methods, moving society away from superstition to rational thinking. This paved the way for discoveries in inheritance and DNA.
  3. Today, we can sequence human genomes more easily than ever before. This ability can change how we understand our biology and ourselves in profound ways.

Herbs, Hexes, & Hallucinogens: Inside the Witches' Apothecary

Tripsitter • 99 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture History Medicine Mythology
  1. Witches in history were often herbalists, midwives, and women who didn't conform to societal norms, leading to their persecution.
  2. The publication of 'The Malleus Maleficarum' in the 1500s fueled a witch hunt resulting in numerous false accusations and deaths.
  3. Witches' apothecaries contained powerful hallucinogenic and poisonous plants like datura, mandrake, and belladonna, used for medicinal and ritualistic purposes.

Links for January

Bullfish Hole • 58 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture History Fiction Comics Sci-fi Mythology
  1. There is ongoing debate about the 'peak woke' movement and its impact on organizations and individuals.
  2. Challenges in automating industries like construction lie in the complexity of tasks and the need for human adjustments.
  3. Historical research often uncovers surprising truths, confirming myths and legends from the past.

How The Hippies Invented Social Media

The Digital Anthropologist • 19 implied HN points • 24 May 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Counterculture Technology History
  1. Social media originated from the counterculture group of hippies, specifically with the creation of the Whole Earth Catalog and later the Whole Earth 'Lectronic Link.
  2. The idea of connecting computers with one another started with hippies who transitioned from communes to working with technology, leading to the creation of the Bulletin Board System (BBS) in the late 1970s.
  3. The spirit of curiosity, sharing knowledge, and a utopian vision from the hippie culture of the 60s and 70s laid the groundwork for the social media tools we use today.

Looksmaxxing: chronicles of harmful beauty standards

The Digital Native • 58 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Beauty Fashion History Trends Social media
  1. Looksmaxxing is about maximizing physical appearance through basic self-care techniques.
  2. Looksmaxxing should be balanced with mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, not just focused on physical appearance.
  3. Historically, beauty standards have often been unrealistic and harmful, emphasizing the importance of balanced self-care.

We Are Vessels and History Flows Through Us

The Sunday Wisdom • 58 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture History Art Creativity Inventions Entertainment
  1. No single individual can take full credit for major achievements; success is often the result of collaboration and contributions from many.
  2. We are all influenced by our circumstances and the help we receive from others; no one truly achieves success alone.
  3. Recognize and appreciate the often unseen and unrecognized contributions of individuals in bringing about significant events or creations.

Operation Mother Goose

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 179 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Wildlife History Conservation Ecology Urban Nature
  1. Operation Mother Goose began in the 1960s when wildlife officials collected Canada goose eggs to save them from flooding due to dam construction. They hatched the eggs in a game farm to boost goose populations.
  2. The goal was to help the goslings learn from wild geese and join their flocks. Eventually, around 900 geese were released in various locations to increase local populations affected by overhunting and habitat loss.
  3. The release of these geese led to a rapid population growth in the area, but not everyone was happy about it due to the mess the geese made. Still, many appreciate their presence and find joy in watching them.

The Notebook of Leonardo da Vinci, The Codex Arundel

Axial • 14 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Renaissance Science Technology History
  1. The Codex Arundel is a collection of Leonardo da Vinci's writings and drawings, showing his wide-ranging interests in math, engineering, and nature. It's written in a special left-handed mirror script, which makes it unique.
  2. Leonardo's work in the codex emphasizes observation and experimentation. He wrote about scientific principles through careful study of the natural world and practical experiments.
  3. The codex is important for understanding both art and science, showing how Leonardo blended these fields. It inspires modern thinkers by highlighting the value of connecting different areas of knowledge.

Finding Washington's First Fossils

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 199 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
🔬 Science Paleontology Geology Anthropology History Ecology
  1. The earliest known connections to fossils in Washington come from the Wanapum people, who used ancient petrified wood for tools over 9,000 years ago.
  2. Naturalists like Archibald Menzies and others in the early 1800s began documenting fossils in Washington, although many of their specimens have been lost over time.
  3. The mystery of who first collected fossils in Washington remains, but geologist James Dwight Dana is a strong candidate for making one of the earliest fossil collections.

The Star-Spangled Banner Is About Doomscrolling

Outlandish Claims • 19 implied HN points • 19 May 24
🎭️ Culture History Music Politics Social Issues Society
  1. The Star-Spangled Banner has historical roots intertwined with doomscrolling, highlighting the anxiety and relief of watching events unfold.
  2. The anthem's origin story reflects a mixture of stress, resilience, and unexpected triumph during wartime.
  3. As society evolves, the anthem's relevance may diminish, raising questions about its message and the values it represents.