The hottest History Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

Steve Jobs, Rick Rubin and "taste"

SatPost by Trung Phan • 212 implied HN points • 06 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration History
  1. Steve Jobs and Rick Rubin emphasize the importance of cultivating taste in creativity.
  2. Taste is personal - there is no right or wrong taste, but it's about discovering and trusting your own preferences.
  3. Having conviction in one's taste, blocking out external influences, and persevering are key to creating enduring work.

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.

What I Learned Last Week

Ben’s Blog 🏉 🧠🧑‍💻 • 14 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Uncle Tom had a tough life during and after the war, but he found joy in crafting and building things for his family.
  2. The decline of rugby in Australia has left a feeling of sadness and disappointment, but there is still excitement for the smaller events like the parkrun.
  3. The launch of a photography business by a family member is a source of pride and encouragement, highlighting creative talent in the family.

What I've been reading

Kvetch • 48 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Human evolution is influenced by various genetic factors, and recent research shows that specific traits, like blue eyes and dry earwax, evolved due to strong selection methods in different populations.
  2. The book _Common Ground_ explores the lives of three Boston families and illustrates the complexities of race and class in America, especially during school desegregation efforts in the 1970s.
  3. In _Churchill, Hitler, and the Unnecessary War_, the author argues that Britain played a key role in causing World War I and II by making choices that escalated conflicts, raising questions about the impact of those decisions on history.
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January 19, 2025

Letters from an American • 40 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History
  1. Heroism isn't about being perfect or doing grand things; it's about regular people choosing to help others, even when it's hard.
  2. Great figures in history, like Martin Luther King Jr. and Anne Frank, acted bravely in dangerous situations without seeking fame.
  3. We still have heroes today who quietly do the right thing in their everyday lives, even if we don't always see them.

Codex Seraphinianus, the Proto-Blog

Orbis Tertius • 158 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Borges curated an anthology called _A Personal Library_ but could only complete 74 out of 100 books, making it his final work.
  2. Borges also edited _The Library of Babel_, a collection of fantastical stories, but getting physical copies might be challenging due to scarcity and translations.
  3. Luigi Serafini's _Codex Seraphinianus_ is a fictional encyclopedia with strange illustrations, and he considered it a 'proto-blog' for reaching out to people outside the art gallery circle.

Curator

Castalia • 99 implied HN points • 10 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture History
  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.

Sunday Strip: The Democracy That Never Was.

Who is Robert Malone • 48 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History
  1. The term 'democracy' is not mentioned in important U.S. founding documents. The Founding Fathers preferred a representative democracy to avoid the problem of majority rule.
  2. A new AI tool called Grok will help summarize complex laws to make them easier for people to understand. This could help more people engage with what their government is doing.
  3. Historical tensions around gun control were significant leading up to the American Revolution. Restrictions on weaponry fueled a desire for independence from British rule.

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 History
  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 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.

How we might have viewed the continuum hypothesis as a fundamental axiom necessary for mathematics

Infinitely More • 20 implied HN points • 22 May 25
📖 Philosophy History
  1. The continuum hypothesis (CH) is about understanding different sizes of infinity, particularly if there's a number between natural numbers and real numbers. Many assume its truth or falsehood is needed for math.
  2. If early mathematicians had been clearer about infinitesimals and different types of numbers, they might have accepted CH as a key part of math and calculus, making hyperreal numbers a standard concept.
  3. Whether CH is true or false is not just a technical question; it reflects deeper philosophical views about the nature of mathematics and how we interpret infinity and set theory.

We should all be Luddites now

The Future, Now and Then • 154 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. The Luddite rebellion was about labor power and resistance to technology that would harm workers.
  2. Legitimate pathways for voicing resistance being limited can lead people to embrace illegitimate tactics for change.
  3. Being a modern-day Luddite means advocating for fair distribution of wealth and power in the digital future.

The Very International Internationale (Ch. 18)

Ink-uilab • 19 implied HN points • 25 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. The Internationale anthem has a rich history, resonating globally and transcending political movements.
  2. The song has been translated into over 150 languages, showcasing its universal appeal and inclusivity.
  3. The Internationale has also been used as a national anthem, symbolizing sovereign identity and community spirit.

The Antisemitism Behind Conspiracy Theories

The 21st Century Proletarian • 59 implied HN points • 13 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture History
  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.

Our Lying Problem

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 175 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Even the most honest individuals tell up to two lies per day, but the truth has a way of surfacing despite efforts to suppress it.
  2. George Orwell's commitment to telling the truth serves as a valuable example to combat public lies, drawing insights from his work on truth and authenticity.
  3. Putting an end to public lying involves not rewarding it and fostering independent thinking to resist manipulation and misinformation.

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
  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.

Rothbard on Smith

David Friedman’s Substack • 134 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
🚌 Education History
  1. Adam Smith did not support progressive income taxation and was actually against most income taxes.
  2. Smith was a free trader who saw taxes on exports as a means to raise funds, not as a trade policy objective.
  3. Smith did not advocate for government-run education to enforce obedience; he actually discussed leaving education in private hands.

Horsin' Around

Splattern • 19 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture History
  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 History
  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.

It's Uncomfortable to Discuss How the NBA Saved Itself in the Mid Aughts

House of Strauss • 41 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🎾 Sports History
  1. The NBA faced a tough time in the mid-2000s but managed to recover from a drop in viewer interest. Recognizing how they turned things around can help address current issues in the league.
  2. There is a lot of negativity around the NBA today, especially from retired players and media pundits. Their comments can discourage casual fans from watching games.
  3. Discussing the NBA's previous comeback story feels uncomfortable to some people. It's important to reflect on past successes to find solutions for today's challenges.

A San Francisco Transplant’s Guide to NYC

offscript • 208 implied HN points • 15 Feb 23
🏝 Travel History
  1. New York City is divided into 5 'Bureaus' including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and Bronx.
  2. Finding love in the big city like New York can be challenging, with unique hurdles to navigate.
  3. Native New Yorkers appreciate being recognized for their tenure and cultural knowledge, avoiding terms like 'transplants' or 'immigrants'.

5 Weekend Reads: 17 December 2023

Londonist: Time Machine • 19 implied HN points • 17 Dec 23
🏝 Travel History
  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.

The Sundial Theory of History

From the New World • 140 implied HN points • 24 Sep 23
📖 Philosophy History
  1. The Sundial Theory of History proposes that societal truths are obscured by technological changes over time.
  2. Modern empathy is criticized for its focus on emotional affirmation over control and improvement.
  3. Entrepreneurship plays a key role in uncovering obscured social truths and driving technological advancements.

Scheduling Note

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 20 implied HN points • 23 May 25
🎶 Music History
  1. There will be a short break in posting due to a friend's illness. Everyone is encouraged to be patient during this time.
  2. The author plans to resume posting next week, so readers can look forward to new content soon.
  3. A bit of music from Cheap Trick is shared for enjoyment while waiting, suggesting a fun way to stay connected.

no. 50: a never ending grind

let them eat cake • 119 implied HN points • 10 Feb 22
🎭️ Culture 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 History
  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.

When Cash Lets You Down

backstory • 193 implied HN points • 04 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Cash is becoming less common in daily transactions, especially in Europe and North America.
  2. The value of money is based on trust, as demonstrated through historical events like hyperinflation in Zimbabwe.
  3. Distrust in the financial system can lead to black markets, corruption, and chaos in society.

JIMMY CARTER’S MIXED LEGACY

Seymour Hersh • 37 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History
  1. Jimmy Carter was seen as a peace-seeker after his presidency, but during his time in office, he often acted like a hawk. He had a complex approach to foreign policy, trying to balance peace with military actions.
  2. Carter's legacy includes efforts to support human rights, which he championed more as an ex-president. His post-presidency work focused on humanitarian efforts around the world.
  3. His time in office faced many challenges, like the Iran hostage crisis, which affected how people viewed him. Carter's presidency was marked by both significant achievements and controversies.

The American Secular Cycles

America in Crisis • 39 implied HN points • 04 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History
  1. America's history follows cyclical patterns of expansion, stagnation, crisis, and resolution, influenced by population growth, economic inequality, and elite competition.
  2. Secular cycles have been identified in American history from 1780 to 1930 and a current ongoing cycle since 1930, driven by demographic mechanisms and economic inequality.
  3. The resolution of past cycles involved significant events like the Civil War and the Great Depression, with policy responses playing a crucial role in resolving economic and political crises.

#91 The design of sleep

Design Lobster • 139 implied HN points • 25 Oct 21
🪑 Design History
  1. Consider incorporating human biological rhythms into your design
  2. Think about how the characteristics of your design would change if scaled up
  3. Design is about imagining beautiful futures and holding onto those visions

Baldwin vs Buckley

Holodoxa • 59 implied HN points • 15 Nov 22
🎭️ Culture History
  1. The 1965 Cambridge Union debate between James Baldwin and William F. Buckley is considered significant in the discourse about race in America, despite some limitations in its impact on racial politics at that time.
  2. Nicholas Buccola's book, 'The Fire Is Upon Us,' provides a detailed analysis of the Baldwin vs Buckley debate, focusing on their biographical sketches, written works, and positions on race and politics.
  3. Baldwin's and Buckley's ideas on race, politics, and society from the mid-20th century still resonate in contemporary discussions, though there are critiques about their approaches and implications for modern racial discourse.

Two podcasts and some jellyfish

The Abbey of Misrule • 171 implied HN points • 23 Mar 23
🎙 Podcasts History
  1. The post mentions two recent podcasts by the author with interesting conversations on history, religion, and Christianity.
  2. A subscriber's creative designs inspired by the author's essay on jellyfish are highlighted as a modern-day acknowledgment and symbol.
  3. The text reflects on the current shift away from disenchanted modernity towards something bigger, urging readers to be prepared to navigate change.

The Lady in the Louvre

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 13 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Seeing the Mona Lisa in person is a completely different experience than just looking at pictures. She is more beautiful and graceful than I expected.
  2. Many people take photos of the Mona Lisa instead of just enjoying her presence. It seems they don’t know how to connect with the art without a camera.
  3. Her smile seems to suggest that she cannot be owned or completely understood by anyone. It's like she's saying her beauty and story are hers alone.

The Story of Rockism

The Seat of Loss • 8 implied HN points • 05 Sep 25
🎶 Music History
  1. Music critics don't really influence what becomes popular; they react to trends rather than create them. This means that artists and their connection with fans matter more than what critics say.
  2. The term 'rockism' describes a resistance to change in music, often associated with critics and traditional views of rock. It shows how artists feel pressured by outdated expectations in their creative expressions.
  3. Digital production changed the music scene drastically, prioritizing marketable hits over traditional live band formats. This shift means authenticity in music is less about live performances and more about what sells.

AI Will Cement Fukuyama’s Legacy

From the New World • 134 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
🕹 Technology History
  1. The allegory in the post highlights the importance of accepting dissenting opinions for societal growth and decision-making
  2. Machine learning techniques that introduce randomness can lead to more freedom and subversion within regimes
  3. Taboos and conformity can be tools used by the illegitimate against the legitimate, but confronting these can inspire hope for Western dissidents

Why Humans Created Technology

The Digital Anthropologist • 19 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
🕹 Technology History
  1. Technology originates from human imagination and the need for survival, evolving from simple tools to complex inventions over time.
  2. There are two main types of technology: those that harness natural phenomena like fire, and those that build upon existing technologies like smartphones.
  3. Technology is essential for human existence, aiding survival and shaping future development, with cultural adaptation and societal norms influencing its use.