The hottest History Substack posts right now

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Creative Computing Magazine Interviews Clive Sinclair (1980)

Computer Ads from the Past • 640 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Computers Electronics History Interviews
  1. Clive Sinclair started his electronics career in 1962 and created several groundbreaking products, including the first mass pocket calculator and the ZX-80 computer.
  2. The ZX-80 was designed to help people learn about computers at a low cost, and it was expandable with additional features like a more professional version of Basic programming.
  3. Sinclair's company aimed to lead in technology with innovations like flat screen TVs and portable systems, focusing on making their products reliable and affordable.

On First Looking into Brand’s Whole Earth Catalog

Dada Drummer Almanach • 221 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature History Philosophy Art Environment
  1. The Whole Earth Catalog was more than just a book; it represented an idea that individuals can take control of their own education and lives. It promoted the power of personal agency in shaping one’s environment.
  2. Stewart Brand's famous quote about information highlights a tension between making information accessible and recognizing its value. While information can be freely shared in some ways, its worth still holds significant economic implications.
  3. The catalog’s legacy is complicated. It began with a vision of ecological awareness and individual empowerment, but its ideas have been co-opted by corporate interests, raising questions about the true impact of technology on society.

Hearing the language of Christ on the road to Damascus

Wrong Side of History • 351 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Culture History Travel Philosophy
  1. Maaloula is a small town in Syria where people still speak Aramaic, the language of Jesus. It's like a time capsule for ancient culture.
  2. The town has historical sites, including the Convent of St Thecla and a 2,000-year-old church. These places show the rich history and faith of the people.
  3. Maaloula is also a meeting point for different cultures, with locals and Iranian pilgrims mingling together. This creates a unique atmosphere of shared beliefs.

Making Tiny Classics for Public TV

Animation Obsessive • 1793 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation Television Education Culture History
  1. Tissa David and the Hubleys played a vital role in producing animated content for children's educational shows like Sesame Street. Their work helped make learning fun for kids using creative animation.
  2. Sesame Street and similar shows brought innovative teaching methods to children by using entertaining formats similar to TV commercials. This approach helped sell educational concepts to young audiences.
  3. Creating limited animation can still result in high-quality work. Tissa David highlighted that limited animation is a different style and can be done effectively to convey engaging stories.

The Fog

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 5092 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art History Politics Philosophy Literature
  1. Fog can obscure realities, making it challenging to navigate through the world and see clearly.
  2. The artist Andrew Wyeth's work reflected deep emotions and hidden stories, capturing the essence of loneliness and loss.
  3. Winter symbolizes difficult times, from Covid challenges to political uncertainty, creating a fog of bad information, regret, and grief.
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February 11, 2025

Letters from an American • 27 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government History Elections Political parties Social Issues
  1. Abraham Lincoln believed that government should help people do things they can't do alone, like building roads and schools. He thought a strong government could support democracy and protect everyone's rights.
  2. Progressive leaders, like Theodore Roosevelt, expanded government roles to protect people from big businesses that harmed them. They aimed to ensure individuals had access to education, health care, and a clean environment.
  3. Over time, some people began to reject the idea of an active government, claiming it was un-American. Today, there are ongoing debates about how much the government should help everyday people versus the interests of the wealthy.

Niccolò Machiavelli, Adam Smith, and the crisis of modern science

uTobian • 4952 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Politics History Science Medicine
  1. In modern times, freedom is often associated with unrestrained passion, but the idea of freedom through personal restraint from ancient times is considered a better path to happiness and fulfillment.
  2. The writings of Niccolò Machiavelli marked a shift in the concept of freedom towards acknowledging human selfishness and focusing on political security through class conflict.
  3. The current crisis in science and medicine is prompting a reevaluation of the assumption that scientists and doctors are inherently virtuous, suggesting the need for reforms based on the idea that they may be motivated by greed and power.

Kielbasa, Victorian houses, cursed names

Disaffected Newsletter • 1139 implied HN points • 15 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Arts History Identity Society Tradition Humor
  1. Life is more luxurious than we often realize, even in simple things like heating up food. Someone else handles all the hard work for us.
  2. The emotional reaction to political figures can feel feminine, expressing a deep fear and vulnerability. It's interesting to think about how these feelings affect people's views.
  3. Modern queer culture seems to have lost some of its wit and charm, replaced by a more superficial version. There's a longing for the character and humor of the past.

Top Links 596 What difference did the IRA make? Cholera deaths and Clark on Anderson on World War I.

Chartbook • 329 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation History International relations Public Health Political Analysis
  1. The IRA's impact is being analyzed, looking at how significant it was. It's important to understand historical events and their effects on today's world.
  2. Cholera deaths are discussed to highlight public health issues and their historical context. This reminds us of the importance of sanitation and health systems.
  3. The mention of World War I and key figures shows the relevance of history in understanding current affairs. Learning about the past helps us navigate today’s complexities.

Qian Chengdan on Area Studies in China

Pekingnology • 67 implied HN points • 21 May 25
🚌 Education Interdisciplinary Political Science Cultural Studies History
  1. China has a strict system for classifying academic disciplines which includes a recent addition of 'area studies.' This means universities can't create new fields without government approval, keeping academic studies organized but also rigid.
  2. Area studies is important because it combines different fields like politics, economics, and culture to understand specific countries or regions better. This helps in making informed government strategies and improving international relations.
  3. Despite the rise in area studies, there are challenges due to traditional academic boundaries. China is trying to support this field by officially recognizing interdisciplinary studies, which allows for more collaboration and talent development.

The Monday Media Diet with Dan Sinker

Why is this interesting? • 1025 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Media Art History Politics
  1. Consuming too much news can cause anxiety, especially with events like elections coming up. It's easy to fall into a cycle of constantly refreshing for updates, but it won't change the outcome.
  2. Enjoying different forms of media can provide a needed break from stress. Listening to entertaining podcasts or watching a funny show can help lighten the mood.
  3. Reading good books, especially by talented writers like Hanif Abdurraqib, can be very rewarding. Their well-crafted words offer a chance to reflect on important themes and enjoy powerful storytelling.

Book review: "Power and Progress"

Noahpinion • 8706 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
📚 Literature Book review Economics Innovation Critique History
  1. The impact of technological innovation on human welfare depends on how society chooses to use these innovations, highlighting the importance of social decisions.
  2. The book discusses how power dynamics in society influence the choices made regarding technology, with recent decisions leaning towards negative impacts.
  3. Society can shape technology to distribute benefits more widely by focusing on inventions that complement workers instead of replacing them, presenting a controversial but essential concept.

The Dazzle Camo Edition

Why is this interesting? • 482 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Art Design History Photography Automotive
  1. Dazzle camo is a design technique that started in World War I to confuse enemy targeting, using bold geometric patterns. It helps to break up the shape of an object, making it harder to see and aim at.
  2. Car manufacturers adopted a modern version of dazzle camo to protect their prototype vehicles from spy photography. Even though these prototypes look attention-grabbing, the patterns are meant to confuse potential onlookers about the actual design.
  3. Today, prototypes often embrace their visibility with eye-catching patterns and even QR codes. This shift turns a potential exposure risk into a marketing opportunity, generating public interest instead of hiding away.

Tradwife Dilemma, Genetic History, The Great Gatsby

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1534 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Society Psychology Literature History Art
  1. Women are seen as equally attractive in both luxury and standard settings, which shows that appearance is more about the person than their surroundings.
  2. There’s been a big change in how Americans feel about college; many now think it’s not that important for their kids, unlike in the past.
  3. Interestingly, the wealthier a person was, the more likely they were to support ideas like defunding the police, which challenges common assumptions about money and social issues.

The Monday Media Diet with Dave Fielding

Why is this interesting? • 784 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Media Literature Travel Personal Stories History
  1. Challenges help us grow and learn. Seeking out tough experiences can bring personal development.
  2. Being aware of bias in media helps us understand the true message behind the news. It’s important to analyze what we read critically.
  3. Nepal is a beautiful place worth visiting. The connection to nature and culture there leaves a lasting impression.

Weapons and Words

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 194 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Media History Philosophy
  1. Two brothers used violence to silence freedom of expression, showing the extreme conflict between ideas and brutality. This tragic event highlights how important it is to protect free speech, even when it offends.
  2. The piece discusses how humor and irony can express deep truths, which can often be misunderstood. Satire allows us to examine serious subjects without resorting to violence.
  3. Philippe Lançon's experience after the attack shows the struggle to understand trauma through art and literature. It reminds us that even in the face of horror, we can find ways to make sense of our lives and the world around us.

Gregor Mendel's Vanishing Act

Asimov Press • 232 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🔬 Science Genetics Botany History Research Biology
  1. Gregor Mendel, known as the father of genetics, did much more than just his famous pea experiments. He worked across various scientific fields and made important discoveries about inheritance long before it was fully understood.
  2. Sadly, many of Mendel's notes and findings were destroyed after his death, leaving behind an incomplete representation of his life’s work. This loss means we might never fully appreciate the depth of his contributions.
  3. Mendel's educational journey was filled with challenges, including health issues that impacted his ability to become a teacher. Ironically, these struggles led him to his groundbreaking research in genetics, which changed biology forever.

On the canceled extended version of "X-Men" (2000)

Textual Variations • 331 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Film Media Entertainment History Literature
  1. There was a planned extended version of the first X-Men movie, called X-Men 1.5, which was meant to include new scenes about Cyclops and Storm's origins. However, it was canceled due to budget issues.
  2. Director Bryan Singer wanted to include these new scenes to add depth to the characters, but it didn't happen because the money was needed for the sequel, X2.
  3. Even though the scenes were never made, later X-Men movies revisited some of these ideas, showing that the concept was valued by filmmakers.

My Mormon Obsession

Castalia • 499 implied HN points • 24 Jul 24
📚 Literature Essays Fiction History Biography Cultural critique
  1. The author has written two novels about Mormonism, despite having no personal connection to the religion. They find the history and stories surrounding Mormonism fascinating.
  2. Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, had a unique background that influenced his development as a leader. His early life was marked by treasure hunting and a strong sense of individualism.
  3. Mormonism grew in a time of religious enthusiasm and many followers were drawn to its intellectual appeal. Smith's charisma and the communal experiences helped shape the church's early success.

A quickie from Her Maj

Disaffected Newsletter • 819 implied HN points • 29 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Humor History Social Issues
  1. Mixing with different people can feel uncomfortable, but it's important to trust your home crew. Surrounding yourself with supportive people can make a difference.
  2. Being confident and embracing who you are is a key part of self-identity. It's good to recognize your strengths and abilities, no matter how others perceive you.
  3. Using humor and creativity can bring a fresh perspective to historical situations. A fun twist can make serious topics more relatable and engaging.

Drawing an unlikeness

Austin Kleon • 1738 implied HN points • 07 May 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration Drawing Culture History Literature
  1. Ralph Steadman and Hunter S. Thompson had a unique partnership that started with the Kentucky Derby. Their first collaboration was more about their friendship than the actual event.
  2. Steadman's drawings of people sometimes upset them, which confused him because people in England usually accept caricatures lightly.
  3. Trying blind contour drawing helped explore the idea of not needing to create a perfect likeness. It's okay to let loose and embrace the 'unlikeness' in your art.

Escape velocity

Austin Kleon • 4656 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Comedy History
  1. Many people leave their hometowns but often return, struggling to find their own path away from familiar comforts.
  2. The word 'enshittification' was chosen as the word of the year for 2023, highlighting a trend in our society.
  3. Cool events are coming up in Austin, especially related to the solar eclipse, with art exhibitions worth checking out.

The Story of the Telegrapher's Equations

Fields & Energy • 259 implied HN points • 16 Aug 24
🔬 Science Physics Mathematics History Technology Engineering
  1. Oliver Heaviside was a young scientist who created the Telegrapher's Equations in 1876. His work helped connect theories of electromagnetism to practical applications in telecommunication.
  2. Before Heaviside, the diffusion model was the main idea for how signals traveled. Heaviside improved this by showing that signals could travel as waves instead of just spreading out slowly.
  3. The development of these equations was influenced by earlier mathematicians like Fourier and scientists like Lord Kelvin. Heaviside's contribution built on their ideas and advanced the understanding of signal transmission over long distances.

Norway Notes

ChinaTalk • 311 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture History Art Travel Music Society
  1. Oslo is a city full of parks and interesting activities, like volleyball, even if its neighborhoods are sometimes considered rough. The city has a vibrant vibe, especially during the summer with long daylight hours.
  2. Norway's history with its support for Palestine has created some complexity, especially as the nation grapples with issues of antisemitism. There are mixed feelings and challenges about how historical support affects current views.
  3. The Viking culture is fascinating but had both brutal and humane aspects. Books about the Vikings provide intriguing insights into their lives and are accessible for anyone interested in this part of history.

Slavery was bad

Slow Boring • 7095 implied HN points • 25 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History Economics Slavery Political Discourse Capitalism
  1. Slaveowners among America's founding fathers knew slavery was bad, but still profited from it.
  2. In the early 19th century, the South shifted to viewing slavery as a 'positive good,' leading to political divides and eventually the Civil War.
  3. A new paper by economic historians argues that the costs of slavery far outweighed the benefits, likening enslavement to theft.

VFYW: 'What's With The Funi Business?'

The Weekly Dish • 43 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Travel History Humor
  1. This week features a funicular view, which is a unique twist on the usual window submissions. It shows how creative participants can get with their photos.
  2. Participants noticed various clues in the photo, like signage and architecture, to guess the location. It's fun how they piece together hints from the image.
  3. There was a lively discussion about whether certain types of views follow the contest rules or not. It highlights how engaged and enthusiastic the community is about the contest.

"Piece of My Heart" by Janis Joplin and Big Brother & the Holding Company (1968)

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 379 implied HN points • 01 Aug 24
🎶 Music Rock History Artists Performances Albums
  1. Janis Joplin was full of life and passion, especially during her time in San Francisco's vibrant counterculture scene. She really embraced the rock and roll lifestyle.
  2. Her hit song 'Piece of My Heart' helped make her a star, showcasing her powerful voice and unique style. It was a big moment for her career.
  3. Even though Janis was a natural performer, she sometimes struggled with the recording process. She preferred the excitement of live shows over studio work.

How to Get Lost

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 6290 implied HN points • 11 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Nature Humanity Reflection Solitude History
  1. The story of Don Robinson, who rejected society in favor of solitude and freedom in nature, reminds us of the value of being independent and true to oneself.
  2. In a world filled with power struggles and inequality, it's important to recognize the manipulation and false promises of those in control and not to be complicit in their harmful agendas.
  3. Finding solace in nature, being able to embrace solitude, and reflecting on the past while looking towards the future can be sources of comfort and strength in challenging times.

The Birth of the Grid

Construction Physics • 19834 implied HN points • 25 May 23
🕹 Technology Energy Infrastructure Innovation History Utilities
  1. Electricity transitioned from a rare luxury to a critical aspect of modern life in a short period of time.
  2. The development of high-voltage transmission lines allowed for long-distance power transmission and the creation of interconnected power systems.
  3. The electric power industry grew by embracing scale, cooperation, and regulation to meet increasing demand and ensure reliability.

Chúng em xin hứa

Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc • 3914 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Society Photography Journalism History Self-reflection
  1. Sometimes participating in events just for the sake of being part of it can add some color to our otherwise dull lives.
  2. Not everyone accompanying a group is a part of it, some are there just for show and to take photos.
  3. Reflecting on the value of experiences and moments captured can make us appreciate the significance of each opportunity.

An Ode to Age

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 599 implied HN points • 11 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Aging Nature Family History Environment
  1. Aging can be appreciated by looking at both people and nature. For example, the author's mom turned 90, which is an incredible milestone.
  2. Many local marine animals, like rockfish and orcas, have long lifespans and play important roles in their ecosystems. Their age brings wisdom and stability to their communities.
  3. Trees and geological formations in the region can be thousands, even millions of years old, showing us that age contributes to resilience and strength in nature.

"Last Night I Had a Dream" by Fanny (1973) with Todd Rundgren as producer

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 459 implied HN points • 23 Jul 24
🎶 Music Rock History Culture Bands Producers
  1. Fanny was a pioneering all-female rock band formed in 1969, recognized for their talent and influential music. They had several hits and were supported by notable music figures.
  2. Todd Rundgren produced Fanny's fourth album, emphasizing their song structure and harmonies, which earned positive reviews despite no chart-topping hits.
  3. Although Fanny faced challenges in the tough music industry and eventually broke up, their legacy inspired future all-female bands and individual members continued to make their mark in music.

Quick Essay: A Short History of OpenAI

Chamath Palihapitiya • 5758 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Corporate Structure History
  1. OpenAI transitioned from a non-profit to a 'capped-profit' model in 2019, allowing for capital raises while serving its mission
  2. OpenAI made significant advancements in AI research, developing projects like 'OpenAI Five' and models like ChatGPT and GPT-3
  3. Conflict within OpenAI's leadership led to the removal of co-founder Sam Altman as CEO due to concerns over commercialization conflicting with the company's primary goal of developing AGI safely

Why Is There Antisemitism?

Fake Noûs • 253 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture History Religion Society Politics Conflict
  1. Antisemitism has deep historical roots, where Jews have often been unfairly blamed for various problems in society. This has led to longstanding prejudices against them.
  2. Cultural and religious differences have led to misunderstandings, contributing to the negative views about Jewish people. Many times, leaders have used Jews as scapegoats to distract from other issues.
  3. Modern antisemitism is fueled by conspiracy theories and ongoing conflicts, particularly the Arab-Israeli conflict. This often intensifies negative perceptions of Jews, even though these biases are widespread beyond just that conflict.

Reimagining Life with Friendship at the Center

Culture Study • 7245 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Friendship Relationships History Society Social norms
  1. Friendship used to be considered a vital part of life through history, becoming sidelined as marriage took priority in emotional connections.
  2. Modern ideals often emphasize a spouse also being a 'best friend', impacting how friendships are valued and maintained.
  3. Cultural norms and societal structures make it challenging to prioritize and nurture friendships over traditional family setups, but it's about understanding the possibilities and taking steps towards meaningful platonic connections.

I am a man

Lucian Truscott Newsletter • 3891 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights History
  1. The phrase 'I am a man' was used in a powerful civil rights march in 1968 led by Martin Luther King Jr. in support of Memphis sanitation workers.
  2. Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous 'I've been to the mountaintop' speech showed his dedication to civil rights despite knowing he might die soon.
  3. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy led to the establishment of Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a national holiday, promoting equality and civil rights.