The hottest History Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

Is It Possible That We Are Winning?

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 39 implied HN points • 30 Jan 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Sports Medicine History
  1. Novak Djokovic's victory at the Australian Open symbolizes a triumph over challenges, including the government's vaccination stance.
  2. There is a potential shift in the tide of public opinion, indicated by significant events like Novak's win and other global developments.
  3. The current state of global affairs reflects a complex battle where heroes and symbols play an important role in bringing hope and courage to the fight.

Why Aren't We In The '60s?

Castalia • 119 implied HN points • 30 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Social movements History
  1. There was a belief that cultural and social upheavals, like those in the 1960s, would repeat in cycles. People hoped for a new wave of creativity and social change similar to that time.
  2. Recent movements for social justice seem less joyful and spontaneous than the vibrant protests of the 60s. Instead of celebrating freedom, they often feel controlling or focused on punishing others.
  3. Today’s culture is more about individual branding and status than true equality and uniqueness. This has created a conformity that feels disconnected from the eccentric and radical spirit of the past.

Moses On The Beach

Adjacent Possible • 126 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
📚 Literature Writing History Nonfiction
  1. Writing on different time scales can add depth and complexity to storytelling.
  2. Using varying time scales in storytelling can help explain the 'why' behind historical events.
  3. Long zoom storytelling should focus on forces that uniquely impact the events at the center of the story.
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How to Make Pickles

Autoscriptorium • 39 implied HN points • 15 Mar 23
🍲 Food & Drink Recipes History Preservation
  1. Pickling is a process that uses an acid solution to preserve food and enhance its flavor.
  2. The process of pickling dates back to ancient times, showcasing the rich history behind this preservation technique.
  3. You can make quick and easy refrigerator pickles at home using vinegar, cucumbers, and simple ingredients.

Bubonic Plague in Seattle

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 99 implied HN points • 27 Oct 22
🔬 Science Biology Epidemiology History Public Health Urban Ecology
  1. Rats have been a part of Seattle since European settlers arrived, often arriving by ship. They are common due to Seattle's coastal location and trash management issues.
  2. In 1908, Seattle had an outbreak of bubonic plague linked to rats and their fleas. The city took serious measures to control the rat population to prevent further outbreaks.
  3. Today, Seattle is still known for having a lot of rats. Many people unknowingly create good homes for them by not managing overgrown plants like ivy.

Disney at 99

Jon’s Newsletter • 99 implied HN points • 16 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Film Animation Entertainment Technology History
  1. Learning from failure is important. Walt Disney faced setbacks but used them to grow and succeed.
  2. Taking risks can lead to great rewards. Disney's gamble on making Snow White paid off hugely, even when it was a big financial risk.
  3. Embracing new technology helps companies stay relevant. Disney saw opportunities in TV and new tech, allowing it to thrive over the years.

5 Weekend Reads: 14 January 2024

Londonist: Time Machine • 19 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture History London
  1. The post features 5 interesting historical London-themed reads from the past week.
  2. There's an invitation for informal drinks at a historic London pub on January 31, with no set agenda, just a chance to meet like-minded individuals.
  3. Readers can access the full post archives with a 7-day free trial of Londonist: Time Machine.

An Antiquarian Abecedary

Autoscriptorium • 39 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
📚 Literature Language Words Meaning History
  1. The post discusses unique, old English words and their origins, shedding light on their fascinating meanings.
  2. Many of the words presented originate from the sixteenth century, showcasing the richness of the English language during that period.
  3. The examples given range from terms relating to emotions and actions, to ones describing physical elements like frost or speech patterns.

What Makes Something Progressive?

Gideon's Substack • 31 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Progressivism Terrorism History Global Conflicts Imperialism
  1. The term 'progressive' is often misunderstood and used as a catch-all for right-thinking attitudes about social causes, but the determination of these attitudes is crucial.
  2. Progressivism is centered around history and the belief that it has a discernible direction, influencing one's stance on various issues based on which 'side' of history they are on.
  3. The idea that history has a definite direction and a global left is debated, with a call to question preconceived notions and the importance of understanding the complexity and nuance of world politics.

5 Weekend Read: 7 January 2024

Londonist: Time Machine • 19 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
🏝 Travel History
  1. The post discusses Tube history, a 70-year-old London yearbook, and the City gates.
  2. There is a mention of a potential meetup at a historic London pub on January 31.
  3. Readers can access the full post archives with a 7-day free trial subscription to Londonist: Time Machine.

Liberation to Celebration: How Green Became the Color of St. Patrick's Day

JoeWrote • 29 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture History Politics Celebration Liberation Color
  1. St. Patrick's Day was initially a respectful commemoration of the patron saint of Ireland, but it evolved into a secular celebration of Irish culture internationally, with green becoming a key symbol.
  2. Before the 1800s, Ireland's national color was blue, but the rebellion of 1798 against British rule led to green becoming the color of Irish nationalism.
  3. The history of Ireland's struggle for independence teaches the importance of symbols like the color green as declarations of resistance against oppression and commitment to freedom.

Curator

Castalia • 99 implied HN points • 10 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture Literature Education History Art Philosophy
  1. Prohibition changed the view of personal freedom and government control. It showed how some people believe in limiting choices for a better life, while others want no restrictions at all.
  2. Universal education has its roots in Horace Mann's vision. However, its old model may not fit today's needs, so there should be changes to help students discover their own paths and skills.
  3. Heriberto Yépez values literature as a means of self-transformation and courage. His work challenges norms and encourages writers to embrace their potential for change.

Remember Wikipedia

ailogblog • 19 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Wikipedia faced backlash, similar to ChatGPT, causing a moral panic in the past.
  2. Educational institutions banned Wikipedia use in 2007-2008, reflecting the controversies around its credibility.
  3. Amidst controversy surrounding various social media platforms, recalling Wikipedia's role and consider supporting its foundation.

Where Are They Now?

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 119 implied HN points • 16 Jun 22
🎭️ Culture Art History Architecture Sculpture
  1. There are large terra cotta sculptures from Seattle's history that were once on top of buildings but were saved when the buildings were demolished. These figures were made to honor Native American history.
  2. The terra cotta figures have been relocated to various places, including parks and museums, but some still remain unaccounted for. People are curious about their current whereabouts.
  3. One of the figures was recently discovered in Kirkland, showing that these historical artifacts might be hiding in unexpected places, like someone's yard.

On 'The Narcissist Society'

Castalia • 59 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy Society Literature Psychology History
  1. Christopher Lasch argued that the culture of the 1970s led to a rise in narcissism, showing a shift from community-focused attitudes to a self-centered mindset. People started focusing more on their individual needs and feelings rather than collective well-being.
  2. Lasch believed that therapy had taken the place of religion and created a culture where personal issues and self-obsession were prioritized over societal problems. He viewed this as a dangerous trend that ultimately produced a sense of nihilism in society.
  3. The antidote to societal narcissism can be found in healthy self-love that embraces the past and values personal growth. Rather than adhering to modern trends, people can find inner freedom by understanding their history and cultivating meaningful connections.

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.

The Antisemitism Behind Conspiracy Theories

The 21st Century Proletarian • 59 implied HN points • 13 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Social Issues History Ideology Economics Philosophy
  1. Conspiracy theories often rooted in antisemitism can distract from the real issue of class conflict which is essential to address for societal progression.
  2. Antisemitism views Jewishness as a force of massive abstract power controlling the world, reflecting a critique of capitalist modernity seeking a return to a pre-modern society.
  3. Critiques blaming elite circles for societal problems without understanding the structural issues of capitalism are simplifications that can perpetuate harmful ideologies and divide the working class.

Horsin' Around

Splattern • 19 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Art Humor Storytelling History Anecdotes
  1. A unique furniture store in Brooklyn is packed with all kinds of antiques, including horses as furniture types. It's a quirky place that shows how obsessed the owner is with his collection.
  2. A comical robbery scene happens in the store where bandits in pantyhose steal a necklace. The whole thing plays out like a funny movie, with the robbers sneaking around furniture.
  3. Spending time with family reveals personal stories and lessons, such as learning about history from grandparents and the complexities of moral questions, like those involving J. Edgar Hoover.

Poetry in Stone

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 139 implied HN points • 03 Mar 22
📚 Literature Poetry Architecture Nature History Culture
  1. Tor House and Hawk Tower were built by poet Robinson Jeffers and deeply connect with the natural landscape. The buildings seem to rise naturally from the hillside, blending with the environment around them.
  2. Jeffers had a strong bond with nature, which greatly influenced his poetry. He wrote about the land, ocean, and life around him in a way that paints vivid images and teaches readers about the natural world.
  3. Geological elements frequently appear in Jeffers' work. He described rocks and waves with rich metaphors, showing the power and beauty of the earth, and felt a strong connection to the land he built his home on.

5 Weekend Reads: 17 December 2023

Londonist: Time Machine • 19 implied HN points • 17 Dec 23
🏝 Travel History London
  1. The post shares 5 weekend reads about London history, specifically focusing on Greenwich Park and its terraces from Charles II's time, currently undergoing excavation and restoration.
  2. The content is exclusive for paying supporters, with the promise of weekly roundups of historical links every Sunday.
  3. Readers are encouraged to join and get a 7-day free trial to access the full post archives and continue enjoying Londonist's content.

DOES IT TAKE A WAR?

Seymour Hersh • 95 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidents Wars Leadership History
  1. There is a gap between what a president tells us about a war and the reality on the ground.
  2. President John F. Kennedy struggled to understand the war in South Vietnam six decades ago.
  3. Even amidst struggles, President Kennedy and his wife Jackie were admired for their glamorous life in the White House.

Exciting acceleration in community activity

Vesuvius Challenge • 12 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🔬 Science Archaeology History Technology Research Innovation
  1. The Vesuvius Challenge is rewarding contributors with $48,500 in prizes for their innovative work on ancient scrolls. This money encourages creativity and progress in understanding these old texts.
  2. One exciting project introduced a new method for segmenting scrolls, which could make the process faster and more accurate. This kind of innovation is really important as it helps researchers figure out how to read the scrolls better.
  3. Several contributors are developing tools and techniques to improve ink detection and data analysis for the scrolls. These advancements are pushing the boundaries of what we can learn from these ancient artifacts.

no. 50: a never ending grind

let them eat cake • 119 implied HN points • 10 Feb 22
🎭️ Culture Art Food History
  1. The post reflects on mortar and pestle, innovation, and modernity in Asia.
  2. The author recommends an organization called the Prepared for those interested in how things are built.
  3. The writer shares a personal experience working with an antique kueh mould from Penang.

Rethinking “Play” in the Digital Age

The Digital Anthropologist • 39 implied HN points • 17 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Play Technology History Education Society
  1. Play is crucial in the digital age as automation advances, helping us innovate and develop new technologies.
  2. Rethinking play is essential as AI integrates into society, impacting knowledge workers and job structures.
  3. Play is important for both children and adults, aiding in creativity, stress reduction, and continuous learning, especially as we live longer and pursue multi-career paths.

World of Glass

Material World • 87 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
🔬 Science Technology History Innovation Discoveries
  1. Glass is a crucial material in modern civilization and advanced technology.
  2. The world's scientific and cultural advancements have been heavily influenced by the use of glass.
  3. The production and use of glass have played significant roles in historical events and technological developments.