The hottest History Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics
Mister Slang 78 implied HN points 12 Jul 23
  1. Blues singers used slang and double entendre in their music, often pushing the boundaries of decency.
  2. The blues offered a raw and honest perspective on life, focusing on the present rather than the afterlife.
  3. The dirty blues genre included explicit lyrics and was sometimes intertwined with hokum, a mix of trickery and nonsense.
WORLD GONE WRONG 78 implied HN points 20 May 23
  1. Dystopian fiction has played a role in framing racial fears and anxieties, particularly directed towards different immigrant groups.
  2. Chinese immigrants faced discrimination and anti-Asian sentiments in countries like the United States, fueled by racist narratives in literature and media.
  3. Racist dystopian novels that vilified Chinese immigrants contributed to growing anti-immigration movements and legislative actions restricting Chinese immigration.
Bullfish Hole 78 implied HN points 11 May 23
  1. There is no evidence of a whaler being swallowed by a sperm whale, but a lobster diver was accidentally swallowed by a humpback whale in 2021.
  2. Assisted suicide has widespread support in Canada, but there was a tragic mass suicide incident involving a Kenyan cult.
  3. Abolishing tenure in universities may not effectively address the issue of politicization and could make matters worse, according to different perspectives.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:
Mister Slang 78 implied HN points 30 Jun 23
  1. Billy Rowe was an African-American columnist in the mid-1900s known for his showbiz focus and advocacy against racism.
  2. Rowe coined numerous slang terms in his columns, some of which predated similar terms by his peers.
  3. Rowe's slang terms reflected the world of big bands, clubs, and societal issues of his time, showcasing his unique contribution to language.
interintellect 78 implied HN points 16 Jun 23
  1. Happiness research should focus on principles that reflect life instead of a unified theory.
  2. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito discuss the reality and frustrations of mortality.
  3. Many people see dictatorship as a valid form of government and authoritarian leaders can win through democratic processes.
Unpopular Front 32 implied HN points 03 Aug 25
  1. Christian nationalism is a modern belief that mixes being Christian with being American. This view often changes traditional Christian teachings to fit a national identity.
  2. Many people believe that the Bible's meaning should come from how it's understood in the church community. However, some groups focus on a literal interpretation that ignores deeper discussions.
  3. The idea of Christian nationalism can lead to extreme views and push back against human diversity. It pressures people to conform to a single identity instead of appreciating individual differences.
Johto Times 159 implied HN points 09 Mar 23
  1. The Pokémon Center New York has a dedicated historical website that preserves memories and information about the now-closed store. This helps people remember or learn about its magical past.
  2. Julie and Grace are the passionate individuals behind the preservation efforts, and they share their excitement about the project through engaging interviews.
  3. Johto Times has reached over 100 subscribers in less than a month, showing that there’s a strong interest in Pokémon stories and content.
Cosmographia 139 implied HN points 25 Nov 22
  1. The post discusses Budapest's history through memorials and monuments, shown in II parts.
  2. The content is only available to paid subscribers, highlighting exclusivity.
  3. The author provides a link for existing subscribers to sign in, encouraging engagement.
Huddle Up 46 implied HN points 20 Jun 25
  1. Mark Walter just bought the Lakers for $10 billion, making it the most expensive sports franchise sale in U.S. history.
  2. Jerry Buss, who originally bought the Lakers for $67.5 million, transformed the team and the NBA with innovative business strategies.
  3. Walter is known for his smart ownership approach, focusing on winning and hiring talented people, which has brought success to the teams he manages.
The Abbey of Misrule 293 implied HN points 04 Feb 24
  1. A holy well found during a camping trip in Donegal had offerings like statues and a child's shoe.
  2. St. Conall, a local Donegal saint from the sixth century, has intriguing stories, including about repentance.
  3. Early Irish Christianity used handbells rung by Abbotts for prayer, with St. Conall's sixth-century bell surviving in the British Museum.
Asimov Press 322 implied HN points 02 Jan 24
  1. The development of the micropipette was driven by the hazards and limitations of mouth pipetting.
  2. Innovators from different parts of the world each contributed to the modern micropipette's design and features.
  3. The history of the micropipette highlights the importance of simple tools and incremental improvements in scientific breakthroughs.
Castalia 119 implied HN points 11 May 23
  1. Addiction is complex and can't be understood through simple ideas like 'it's a disease' or 'a moral failing.' The book presents how different approaches to addiction have changed over time.
  2. Historical connections show that societal issues like alcohol abuse and drug addiction were often linked to exploitation and broader social problems, not just personal choices.
  3. The transition from ancient to modern worldviews reveals how beliefs about power and divinity shifted, influencing everything from politics to personal struggles with addiction.
C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. 30 implied HN points 09 Aug 25
  1. Some believe that drug cartels don't really exist; instead, they think the CIA controls drug trafficking through various middlemen. This suggests a hidden government involvement in the drug trade.
  2. There are claims that famous figures and events related to drug trade are misrepresented in Hollywood movies. This makes people question the truth behind what they see in film and television.
  3. The opioid crisis and rising deaths due to drugs like Fentanyl are linked to government actions and decisions. These claims highlight concerns about accountability in the health and drug policies.
Read Max 395 implied HN points 08 Sep 23
  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.
Dada Drummer Almanach 96 implied HN points 25 Jan 25
  1. Caetano Veloso, a famous musician, had a memorable moment reflecting on his past beauty while signing an album. He seems to appreciate the admiration from others as well as his own history.
  2. During an interview, Veloso shared that one of his earlier albums, which flopped, was significant in his career. It shows how even setbacks can shape a person's journey.
  3. The playful banter and compliments exchanged between Veloso and his friends reveal a sense of camaraderie and humor, highlighting the importance of connections and support in life.
let them eat cake 179 implied HN points 05 Oct 22
  1. French gastronomy has evolved from formal, rich, and elaborate cuisine to more ingredient-focused and accessible styles over the past 50 years.
  2. The concept of bistronomie emerged as a shift towards bistro-like restaurants with refined dishes from haute cuisine, offering more affordable and accessible dining experiences.
  3. The evolution of restaurants over time reflects the balancing act between sustainability and maintaining the initial audacious appeal, as chefs grow and businesses mature.
Londonist: Time Machine 39 implied HN points 26 Jan 24
  1. Charles Holden built a significant number of tube stations in London, deserving recognition.
  2. The article discusses a change in content focus in the newsletter to be more diverse and less predictable.
  3. Readers can access more content and a 7-day trial by subscribing to Londonist: Time Machine.
The Abbey of Misrule 260 implied HN points 03 Mar 24
  1. The coastal walk in Ardmore, County Waterford, Ireland, offers layers of history including industrial mines, revolutionary soldiers, and slave raids, showcasing the area's rich and varied past.
  2. Father O'Donnell's wellhouse, built with the intention of healing properties, remains unfinished due to a local complaint to the priest, halting the project and leaving it frozen in time a century later.
  3. The incomplete wellhouse serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of peaceful times and the enduring presence of ruins along coastlines, highlighting the intertwined stories of ambition, social dynamics, and history.
Expanding Dan 72 HN points 24 Jun 23
  1. Roger Nichols made a rough mix of Steely Dan's erased song on a cassette tape.
  2. Roger Nichols' daughters found the cassette tape and played the original recording of the song.
  3. The Nichols family plans to auction the cassette tape for the documentary about Roger Nichols.
Unpopular Front 28 implied HN points 10 Aug 25
  1. Peter Thiel's writings hint at his support for authoritarian ideas, using clever language to hide his true intentions.
  2. Mike Davis was a significant thinker whose work explored the impact of capitalism and urban life, drawing from a rich intellectual background.
  3. Danilo Kiš critiques nationalism as a form of cowardice, suggesting that it stems from a frustrated desire for individual identity and agency.
Rock 'n' Roll with Me 19 implied HN points 17 Apr 24
  1. Diana Ross and the Supremes were a major Motown group in the 1960s, known for their stylish performances and hit songs.
  2. Their success helped pave the way for future African-American artists in pop and soul music, with twelve of their singles hitting number one on the Billboard charts.
  3. Behind their hits, there were talented songwriters and musicians, although not all voices on their recordings belonged to the group members themselves.
Bird History 59 implied HN points 14 Nov 23
  1. During the Silent Film Era, the Audubon Society and other conservation-minded individuals created films to entertain, educate, and promote bird conservation through dramas and documentaries.
  2. Filmmaking played a crucial role in promoting bird protection and educating the public during the early 1900s, with nature documentaries and dramas used for classrooms, lectures, and theaters.
  3. The film 'The Spirit of Audubon' showcases how Audubon societies embraced movies to spread bird knowledge, showcasing a shift towards using films as an educational tool to engage the public and especially children.
Computer Ads from the Past 128 implied HN points 28 Oct 24
  1. ViaGrafix started in 1990 and grew quickly, offering fun work environments like basketball courts and day care for employees' kids.
  2. They were known for their computer training videos and had over 650 different courses, helping people learn software easily.
  3. In the 90s, their tutorials were popular and endorsed by Microsoft, making learning more convenient than using regular manuals.
Londonist: Time Machine 39 implied HN points 21 Jan 24
  1. The storming of Centre Point by over 100 protesters marked a significant event in London history, bringing attention to the issue of empty skyscrapers.
  2. Londoners were once amazed by the sight of gulls, showcasing how perspectives on wildlife can change over time.
  3. The post offers insights into London's history, making it an interesting read for fans of the city's past.
Secretum Secretorum 454 implied HN points 17 May 23
  1. Some people believe music should only be performed live and regarded as sacred
  2. Recording music freezes a fleeting moment of consciousness, turning it into an object to be obsessed over
  3. There is a long-standing relationship between music, religion, and manipulation throughout history
Huddle Up 44 implied HN points 11 Jun 25
  1. Oakmont Country Club is one of the toughest golf courses, with narrow fairways and many challenging bunkers. Players need to be very precise to succeed here.
  2. The club has a rich history, filled with artifacts and stories from famous players. It's a place where tradition meets the game of golf.
  3. Despite changes in golf over the years, Oakmont's layout has mostly remained the same since it was built over 100 years ago. This makes it unique among modern courses.
White Hot Harlots 19 implied HN points 15 Apr 24
  1. Active shooter drills focus on liability protection rather than actual life-saving during a mass shooting.
  2. The tactics used in school shootings by young individuals highlight how easy it can be to commit acts of violence.
  3. Columbine serves as the template for processing mass violence, with inaccurate narratives shaping public perception and responses.
Design Lobster 339 implied HN points 10 Jan 22
  1. Consider innovative ways to grow food like fish without catching them, such as through cellular agriculture technology
  2. Be mindful of the social codes your designs may implicitly reinforce, like the historical significance of niche cutlery
  3. Persistently work on problems, like the waves wearing down the beach, to find solutions in your design work
Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack 39 implied HN points 18 Jan 24
  1. Homeric book divisions have stirred debate on their origin - were they initially present due to the adoption of the alphabet for writing Homer down?
  2. The idea that book divisions represent smaller performance units or were a product of Hellenistic editing are also discussed, adding complexity to the debate.
  3. The evolution of Homeric epics from performance contexts to the fixity of written texts played a significant role in shaping the structure and divisions within the works.
Nice Try 39 implied HN points 18 Jan 24
  1. In 1975, Brian Eno started recording his album with no ideas but a unique approach to creativity.
  2. He used a set of cards called Oblique Strategies to inspire his creative process.
  3. This method emphasized thinking outside the box and trying new things in the studio.
David Friedman’s Substack 305 implied HN points 11 Dec 23
  1. The existence of a god does not automatically determine what is right or wrong.
  2. There are solutions to moral questions that do not rely on the existence of a god.
  3. In the early history of Islamic philosophy, there was a debate between schools of thought regarding human reason and moral judgments.
backstory 242 implied HN points 09 Mar 24
  1. The concept of image rights and consent has been a concern since the early days of photography in 1838.
  2. Different cultures and religions have varying views on images; aniconism plays a significant role.
  3. Photography can evoke strong reactions based on territoriality and cultural norms, as seen in various encounters in different parts of the world.
Comment is Freed 106 implied HN points 14 Dec 24
  1. A lot of great books cover history, politics, and economics. These can provide deeper insights into current events and help in understanding systems that shape our lives.
  2. Biographies shed light on important historical figures and their influences, bringing personal stories into larger political and social contexts.
  3. Translations of classic literature make ancient stories accessible and relatable, reminding us of timeless truths about human experiences.