The hottest History Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

Lace and Libels

Outlandish Claims • 19 implied HN points • 26 May 24
🎭️ Culture 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.

The Wood From Eden book recommendations page

Wood From Eden • 432 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
📚 Literature History
  1. It's valuable to explore book recommendations even if you can't read them all from cover to cover.
  2. Readers can share book and film recommendations on specific categories on the Wood From Eden book recommendations page.
  3. The principle behind the recommendations page is to create a space for like-minded readers to share and discover new, interesting books and films.

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

Tripsitter • 99 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture History
  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.

It's Not Cool to Overreact

OK Doomer • 181 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. People often choose not to react during crises, similar to how a man ignored a tsunami. This shows a tendency to deny or overlook dangers that are happening around us.
  2. Many individuals wait and watch disasters unfold instead of taking action, which suggests a cultural trend of complacency and inaction.
  3. Overreacting is often frowned upon, leading to a reluctance to address urgent problems. This attitude can prevent us from dealing with serious issues, like climate change and pandemics.

Links for January

Bullfish Hole • 58 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture History
  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.
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How The Hippies Invented Social Media

The Digital Anthropologist • 19 implied HN points • 24 May 24
🎭️ Culture 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.

Out of Egypt

The Abbey of Misrule • 420 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality History
  1. St. Catherine of Alexandria, an Egyptian saint, has connections to an industrial town in Ireland.
  2. The presence of Egyptian Coptic monks suggests early Christian influence in Ireland.
  3. Intriguing theories propose that Irish Christianity may have originated from the Egyptian desert.

The Modernity Machine II

Breaking Smart • 58 implied HN points • 28 Jun 25
📚 Literature History
  1. The book club has been reading various historical books that help us understand how modern thinking developed from 1200 to 1600. It's a fun way to learn about our past.
  2. The idea of looking at history in terms of 'world machines' helps us see connections between politics, culture, and technology over time, rather than just focusing on individual stories.
  3. The club encourages members to pick their own books related to the theme, making it easy for newcomers to join and explore topics at their own pace.

French 1790s Disco, and Other Excesses

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 627 implied HN points • 20 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Cultural excesses, like the French 1790s Disco and Directoire fashion, represent brief bursts of extravagant creativity.
  2. These periods of excess, though short-lived, have a lasting impact on culture and fashion.
  3. While moderation is important, occasional indulgence in extravagance and eccentricity can bring vitality and richness to life and civilization.

Apple IIe and IIc Design Manager Peter Quinn Interviewed by BYTE's Gregg Williams

Computer Ads from the Past • 384 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🕹 Technology History
  1. Peter Quinn was involved in the design of Apple IIe from the beginning, starting with a plan to enhance the keyboard and provide 80 columns, which led to the idea of expanding the memory to 128K.
  2. The development of Apple IIc was intertwined with the IIe project. The decision to create a more focused product led to the IIc design, which included built-in peripherals like a mouse port and two serial ports.
  3. Design challenges for the compact Apple IIc included managing heat and radiation effectively, with unique solutions like intricate venting schemes and careful layout of components to meet corporate specifications.

Looksmaxxing: chronicles of harmful beauty standards

The Digital Native • 58 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture History
  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.

The past meets now

J ROBERT CLARK - MAKES • 58 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Ruins hold stories of the past and remind us of the impermanence of creations.
  2. Route 66 serves as a testament to how human-made structures fade into ruins over time.
  3. Exploring ruins can be a deep reflection on the passage of time and the eventual decay of all things.

The Hero as Flexible Bureaucrat

Nothing Human • 60 implied HN points • 28 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy History
  1. The hero figure has changed over time, and now it seems that a flexible bureaucrat who bends the rules can be seen as a modern hero, especially when their actions serve a human purpose.
  2. While strict bureaucracies can feel cold and unyielding, a more flexible approach allows for emotional connections and adaptability, which can lead to better outcomes for individuals.
  3. As technology advances, there's a concern that bureaucracies will become more efficient and powerful, but it's important to maintain flexibility in these systems to keep the human element alive.

We Are Vessels and History Flows Through Us

The Sunday Wisdom • 58 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture History
  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 History
  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 Power Broker

Kvetch • 38 implied HN points • 24 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History
  1. Robert Moses was a powerful figure in New York City, known for building major infrastructure like parks and bridges while evicting many residents to do so. His drive for power often overshadowed the human cost of his actions.
  2. The story also highlights how great ambition can lead to a person's downfall. Moses achieved monumental success but ended up feeling bitter and forgotten in his later years.
  3. The book raises questions about the balance between strong leadership and democratic processes. It suggests that while effective leaders can get things done, they can also impose their will without considering the needs of the community.

The Unluckiness of Jimmy Carter

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 148 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History
  1. Jimmy Carter faced a lot of challenges during his presidency, like high inflation and the Iran hostage crisis. These tough situations made his time in office very difficult.
  2. After leaving the presidency, Carter did many good things like building homes for people and helping to fight diseases. He even won a Nobel Prize for his work in promoting peace and democracy.
  3. Despite the struggles he faced, Carter also accomplished significant things, like making peace between Egypt and Israel and focusing on human rights. Many people believe he was just unlucky during his presidency.

Finding Washington's First Fossils

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 199 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
🔬 Science History
  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.

Discwasher SpikeMaster

Computer Ads from the Past • 128 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🕹 Technology History
  1. The Discwasher SpikeMaster was designed to protect computers from electrical surges. It featured multiple outlets and surge protection to keep devices safe.
  2. Discwasher was a well-known company for computer and audio accessories, but it dissolved in 1983. Despite this, its products continued to be mentioned in various publications years later.
  3. The SpikeMaster was marketed for its ability to filter interference and manage power safely. It made it easier for users to power multiple devices without the worry of damaging surges.

We live in a time of anti-feminist backlash

Men Yell at Me • 367 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. We are currently experiencing an anti-feminist backlash, and this issue has been persistent throughout history.
  2. Feminists face challenges in fighting for equality, with movements like Me Too being depicted negatively by anti-feminist forces.
  3. To combat the backlash, feminists must continue demanding equal rights and creating a world where gender doesn't limit opportunities.

A little 'paradise' beside Hell

Wrong Side of History • 370 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Visiting Auschwitz can be a haunting and unforgettable experience, leaving a profound impact on individuals.
  2. The portrayal of evil and the Holocaust in history can be overwhelming and psychologically challenging.
  3. The movie _The Zone of Interest_ offers a different perspective on the Holocaust, focusing on the mundane lives of individuals involved in immense atrocities.

The Star-Spangled Banner Is About Doomscrolling

Outlandish Claims • 19 implied HN points • 19 May 24
🎭️ Culture History
  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.

Occupation: Jean Cocteau

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 362 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Artistic creations, like album covers or movie stills, can evoke a desire to create a fantasy world in one's private space, resembling collages or shrines.
  2. The article delves into a film from 1943, 'L’Éternel retour', set in occupied France and explores its subtleties and layers of interpretation regarding blonde versus brunette characters.
  3. The concept of 'Bohemian' culture, drawing connections between the characters in the film and a broader sensibility that defines a certain spiritual aristocracy.

Palantir Word Processing

Computer Ads from the Past • 128 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🕹 Technology History
  1. Palantir Word Processing was originally named 'Phoenix' but changed due to confusion with other products. The name 'Palantir' comes from a magical seeing stone in 'The Lord of the Rings.'
  2. The software was designed to be user-friendly, with features for beginners and advanced users. It aimed to make word processing easier and less intimidating for non-technical people.
  3. Despite some initial technical issues, once corrected, Palantir was praised for its ease of use and included features like mail-merge and excellent documentation.

The Most Nuanced Take You Will Ever Read About Sparta (and North Korea)

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 390 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Sparta and North Korea were both reactionary societies that lacked free flow of ideas, causing harm to their people.
  2. Nuanced narratives like _Three_ and _Crash Landing on You_ provide valuable insights into life in closed-off societies like Sparta and North Korea.
  3. Striving for nuance rather than strong opinions is important when discussing societies that are unable to respond, like Sparta or North Korea.

Human Nature Is Real

Reactionary Feminist • 43 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture History
  1. The idea of progress can be questioned, as it often relies on a secular view that may not hold true for everyone. Recognizing this can lead to deeper conversations about what feminism really means.
  2. Early feminism had a balance between advocating for women's freedom and the value of care and motherhood. However, the shift towards prioritizing autonomy over these values has created tensions in how motherhood is viewed today.
  3. Transhumanism has influenced modern feminism by linking women's autonomy to technology, which sometimes overshadows the importance of physical and emotional connections. This has sparked debates about human nature and the implications of viewing ourselves as products.

Expedited Vote for the January 2025 + Post Topic

Computer Ads from the Past • 128 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🕹 Technology History
  1. The poll for January 2025 is only open for three days, so make sure to participate quickly. It's important for your voice to be heard in the decision-making.
  2. The author is facing some personal challenges that have delayed their updates. It's a reminder that everyone can go through tough times and it’s okay to share that.
  3. If you're interested in reading more about computer ads from the past, consider signing up for a paid subscription. It's a way to support the content and explore more history.

Online archaeology

The Rectangle • 113 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture History
  1. The experience of moving to a new area can help deepen one’s connection to a community. It's not just about visiting places, but really immersing yourself in the daily life and character of the neighborhood.
  2. Every place has its stories, and the internet can help uncover the hidden histories of local businesses or people. Finding these stories online can create a unique connection to your surroundings and the people who lived there.
  3. Once a business is gone, its physical presence fades, but its legacy can live on through online records. The internet can preserve these memories, allowing people to feel connected to the past even when they can't experience it firsthand.

End-of-Year Self-Congratulatory Gala

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 424 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. The Figurative-to-Abstract Art Pipeline was the most popular post of 2023 with significant views, likes, comments, and subscribers.
  2. The Gold-Plated Man was acknowledged as the most under-appreciated post, despite being short, it made a strong, elegant point with good cover art.
  3. The post 'One Thousand and One Notes on 'One Thousand and One Nights'' was crowned as the best post of 2023 for its rich, aesthetic, and narrative qualities.

How Robins Got Their Name

Bird History • 99 implied HN points • 06 Aug 23
🔬 Science History
  1. Robins named in England were given human names like Robert and Robin due to their familiarity and endearing qualities.
  2. American settlers in North America applied the name Robin to birds with orange breasts despite being different species from the English robin.
  3. The name Robin has been widely adopted by various birds across different continents, showcasing the historical influence of English colonization and erasure of indigenous knowledge.

An overview of my thesis in response to an incisive comment

America in Crisis • 99 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History
  1. Leftists were not happy with President Obama's performance, believing he should have done more to oppose Republican-influenced policies.
  2. The shift in economic culture from stakeholder capitalism to shareholder primacy after 1981 has led to prioritizing shareholder interests over other stakeholders, resulting in growing income inequality.
  3. The discussion around economic policy typically focuses on job creation over wages and income, reflecting a shareholder primacy culture, which has implications for economic outcomes and equality.

The Four British Folkways Still Shaping America

Holodoxa • 99 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. David Hackett Fischer's 'Albion's Seed' explores America's foundational cultural heritage and its impact on society today
  2. The book traces the influence of four British folkways on different regions of America, shaping its politics, economy, and culture
  3. Fischer's work demonstrates how these folkways have endured over centuries, influencing even the ethnic origins of American Presidents

We Can't Have A Consensus History

Outlandish Claims • 19 implied HN points • 17 May 24
🚌 Education History
  1. Standardized history education has become impossible, and we should stop trying to force a consensus.
  2. The cyberpunk genre's predictions about inequality and information technology have largely come true, but virtual reality as a dominant force did not materialize.
  3. History education should encourage individual exploration and discussions, rather than enforcing a set curriculum, to allow for diverse perspectives and avoid indoctrination.

America's empire of jocks versus the old-style empire of nerds

Matthew's Notebook • 98 implied HN points • 19 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History
  1. American adventurers have shifted from learning dead languages to extreme sports and custom guns.
  2. Modern-day U.S. special forces represent a shift from covert to overt military rule in the American empire.
  3. The old British imperial administration produced intellectually curious and ruthless figures, contrasting with the contemporary American style.

Exciting news from Scroll 5!

Vesuvius Challenge • 117 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
📚 Literature History
  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.