The hottest History Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

#39 Do designers make a contribution, really?

Design Lobster • 39 implied HN points • 26 Oct 20
🎨 Art & Illustration History
  1. Designers can provoke a sense of wonder and inspiration with their work, potentially influencing others in unexpected ways.
  2. Innovation in design, like the cash register, can lead to the creation of new mechanisms that improve transparency and tackle issues like fraud.
  3. Achieving perfection in design can elevate it to the level of art, where solving problems with precision becomes a form of artistic expression.

Influential Mathematicians: Henri Lebesgue

Quantum Formalism • 39 implied HN points • 03 Aug 20
🔬 Science History
  1. Henri Lebesgue is known as the father of modern integration theory for formulating the theory of measure and giving the definition of the Lebesgue integral, which expanded mathematical analysis.
  2. Lebesgue's work on integration theory was crucial to the development of the Hilbert space formalism in quantum mechanics, demonstrating its influence on mathematical foundations of quantum physics.
  3. Lebesgue made major contributions in various mathematical areas beyond integration theory, including topology, potential theory, calculus of variations, set theory, and dimension theory.

On Oppenheimer

Reboot • 21 implied HN points • 12 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. The movie Oppenheimer highlights the intertwining of technology with politics and the ethical implications of scientific progress.
  2. Tech discourse often overlooks the political context of innovation and the role of federal funding and policy cooperation in technology development.
  3. Oppenheimer's story reflects the complex relationship between science, politics, and belief systems, emphasizing the need to consider historical context in technological advancements.

March 2, 2024

Letters from an American • 13 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History
  1. J.P. Morgan orchestrated the creation of the billion-dollar United States Steel Corporation in 1901, which was a significant event in the history of big business in America.
  2. Theodore Roosevelt's ascension to the presidency after McKinley's assassination led to a shift towards reining in the power of big business through legal actions like going after the Northern Securities Company.
  3. Roosevelt's belief in the need for a strong federal government to regulate and control corporations marked a turning point in American economic policy.
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Intro to Stiennon on Security

The Security Industry • 15 implied HN points • 13 Dec 23
🕹 Technology History
  1. Richard Stiennon compiled his essays into a book to provide a historical record of cybersecurity writing.
  2. Stiennon's career was impacted by his writing, leading to job offers and industry recognition.
  3. Stiennon's writing covers a range of topics in cybersecurity, from government regulations to industry critiques and technology trends.

No More Heroes.

Trying to Understand the World • 6 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Society needs heroes to look up to and emulate, but modern culture often prioritizes wealth and fame over true excellence and exceptional achievements.
  2. In today's world, many young people are encouraged to admire those who claim victim status rather than individuals who have achieved greatness through hard work and talent.
  3. The decline of traditional role models has led to a situation where society feels the need to outsource heroism, often idealizing foreign figures instead of finding inspiration within their own communities.

Fortune Ate My Clan

The False Consensus Effect • 19 implied HN points • 13 Jul 21
🎭️ Culture History
  1. The post discusses finding a vintage Fortune Magazine from 1939, detailing skewed primary source history from the perspective of the wealthy elite at the end of the Great Depression and the beginning of World War II.
  2. The magazine shows perspectives that contrast sharply with what most people were experiencing during that time, including advertisements promoting sugar consumption and positive views of Nazi Germany.
  3. The author plans to reinterpret and share his own perspective on the historical content from the magazine, aiming to shed light on how events from that era might have impacted current issues.

Truth and Lies in HBO's Chernobyl and Cat's Cradle

Mindful Musings • 20 implied HN points • 09 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. HBO's Chernobyl explores the costs of lies and the importance of truth, even with some historical inaccuracies.
  2. Cat's Cradle presents an opposite view, suggesting that truths lead to terror while lies are necessary for survival.
  3. Vonnegut's belief is that discovering truth is dangerous, and lies and purpose make life bearable.

E Pluribus Unum: Ilan Stavans on American English

The Octavian Report • 24 implied HN points • 21 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. American English is incredibly versatile and constantly changing, influenced by immigrants and young people.
  2. The debate on standardizing American English dates back to the Founding Fathers, showing a tension between preservation and evolution.
  3. Language, especially English, reflects societal divisions but unites individuals through shared communication, even amidst ideological differences.

In This Best of All Possible Worlds

The Unabashed Observer • 1 HN point • 05 Apr 24
🔬 Science History
  1. Modern life is filled with miracles we often overlook, like the exponential growth in computing power and the decreasing cost of technology.
  2. Access to a variety of fresh produce throughout the year at affordable prices showcases the advancements in global supply chains and the decrease in food costs over time.
  3. Advancements in medicine, transportation, and overall quality of life have led to longer and healthier lives for many, showcasing the progress humanity has made over the centuries.

Capitalism creates inequality: Stone age edition

Klement on Investing • 4 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
💼 Business History
  1. Wealth inequality has existed since ancient times, even as far back as the Stone Age. Early societies had low inequality, but it started to rise around 6,000 years ago.
  2. The invention of farming led to people settling down, which allowed them to store wealth in crops and livestock. This changed how wealth was accumulated and shared among people.
  3. Over time, technology and the growth of states allowed some individuals to amass even more wealth, leading to high levels of inequality that are still seen in many developed countries today.

Superb Halos

GOOD INTERNET • 13 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🔬 Science History
  1. Atmospheric ice crystal optics can create superb halos that are visually stunning and fascinating.
  2. Halos are optical phenomena caused by ice crystals in the atmosphere, with different types like the 22° Halo.
  3. Kenneth Libbrecht, known as the "pope of snow crystals," released a monograph explaining the formation of ice crystals and snowflakes.

The Nature

The False Consensus Effect • 19 implied HN points • 04 Jun 21
🎨 Art & Illustration History
  1. Nature is important with living things like birds, ants, flowers, and bacteria making up the ecosystem.
  2. The text discussed the damaging impact of human actions on the environment, specifically pollution from cars and industrial activities.
  3. The importance of personal relationships, love, and laughter in combating loneliness and finding purpose in a modern, disconnected world.

The Rhyming History of Masks

Marginally Compelling • 23 implied HN points • 08 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness History
  1. Masks were initially seen as important in clinical settings during the 1918 pandemic.
  2. Public distrust arose when masks were found to be less effective outside clinical settings.
  3. Lessons from history indicate masks may delay pandemics but may not have long-term impact.

Rabbit Holes 🕳️ #55

Creative Destruction • 15 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Adopting a perennial mindset means rethinking life sequences for a more fulfilling life.
  2. Delayed adulthood was created historically to control people by prolonging childhood.
  3. Cultivating compassionate imagination through art can lead to a more humane society.

Notes on Progress: Artificial flavoring

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 22 implied HN points • 06 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. In the 19th century, Americans were not scared of 'artificial' products like they are today.
  2. The term 'artificial ice' was initially used negatively to discredit new technology, but eventually, it became a desirable and superior product because it was cheaper and more reliable.
  3. Artificial ice gained popularity due to its promise of purity, technological advancements, and lower cost compared to natural ice.

The Haunted Prison Cell

Marlene’s Newsletter • 4 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture History
  1. In 1872, a police cell in New Orleans was haunted after a woman named Ann Murphy hanged herself there. Following her death, many inmates tried to commit suicide in the same cell.
  2. Witnesses described seeing Ann Murphy's ghost encouraging them to take their own lives. Her appearance matched detailed descriptions given by several survivors.
  3. The haunting continued after the cell was closed for use, with reports of strange happenings and more suicide attempts in other cells, indicating that the supernatural influence may have spread.

The method of exhaustion

Infinitely More • 23 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
🚌 Education History
  1. Archimedes used the method of exhaustion to find the area of a parabolic segment, a concept that predicted calculus ideas by 2000 years.
  2. Archimedes focused on calculating the area between a parabola and a linear chord, exploring the geometry of parabolas in his work.
  3. To read more about the method of exhaustion and key mathematical concepts, subscribe to Infinitely More for a 7-day free trial.

February 22, 2024

Letters from an American • 11 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History
  1. The Alabama Supreme Court's decision on embryos for in vitro fertilization as children affects popular IVF programs.
  2. There's a growing intersection of religion and government, with calls for a biblically sanctioned government by some Republican leaders.
  3. Historically, the US defended democracy by separating religion from government, but there are current concerns about a minority imposing religious views on the majority.

Dispatches from the Serengeti

The Jolly Contrarian • 19 implied HN points • 20 Aug 21
🎭️ Culture History
  1. The author discusses a debate over the lyrics of a famous song, questioning the correct word usage and its implications.
  2. The text delves into the complexities of contract law, particularly the issues with governing a contract under one law and interpreting it under another.
  3. The concept of 'culpa in contrahendo' is explored, highlighting the importance of negotiating in good faith and the implications of misrepresentation in contracts.

Best writers and thinkers on the Machine?

Reactionary Feminist • 11 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🚌 Education History
  1. Ruth Gaskovski at School of the Unconformed compiled a reading list on the Machine and asked for suggestions.
  2. There is a summer seminar in Cambridge, MA on the philosophy of technology called 'The Machine Has No Tradition'.
  3. Selected readings from the seminar's syllabus include works by Karl Marx, Carl Schmitt, Ivan Illich, and others.

The Secret Lives of Ernest Beaux

A Hundred Billion Bottles • 1 HN point • 20 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Ernest Beaux, known for creating Chanel No5, had a life fraught with adventure and mystery, including experiences in the Russian Revolution and military service in World War I
  2. Beaux's creation of Chanel No5, influenced by his time in the Arctic and personal connections, revolutionized perfumery with its aldehydic and lush composition
  3. Beaux's possible involvement in the creation of Mademoiselle Chanel N°1, a perfume similar to N°5, adds a layer of intrigue due to its connection to a novel material and the secrecy surrounding its attribution

Find a Lover Like Manuelita

Juan David’s Newsletter • 5 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Find a love that challenges social norms and stands by you fearlessly. Manuelita Sáenz showed that real love isn't limited by society's rules.
  2. Look for a partner who fights alongside you in life and bravery. Manuelita actively participated in battles and fought for her beliefs.
  3. Cherish a love that endures through hardships and remains strong despite challenges. Manuelita loved Bolívar deeply, even during his exile and after his death.

#25: A succession of new normals

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 39 implied HN points • 22 Apr 20
🎭️ Culture History
  1. The concept of 'new normals' means that we will have ongoing changes in how we live and work due to events like the coronavirus. Life won't go back to how it was before right away.
  2. We need to adapt to different stages of lockdowns rather than thinking about reopening completely. This means being flexible and prepared for continuous adjustments.
  3. Certain countries that took fast action have better control over the situation, showing that how we respond to crises matters. Our approaches may need to change based on what tools we have available.

"The Honeyed Nectar of the True Soul-Life"

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 10 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality History
  1. Paschal Beverly Randolph was a unique and remarkable 19th Century Black American thinker, visionary, and occultist with a fascinating life story.
  2. Randolph's work involved promoting sex magic, founding America's first Rosicrucian center, writing numerous books, teaching literacy to emancipated slaves, and leading a controversial life.
  3. Occult thinkers like Randolph and Rudolf Steiner are often marginalized, despite their claims of direct access to spiritual worlds, while figures like Madame Blavatsky and Aleister Crowley are more widely accepted.

February 19, 2024

Letters from an American • 10 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History
  1. Executive Order 9066, signed by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1942, led to the forced imprisonment of Japanese Americans in concentration camps during World War II.
  2. The laws and court decisions of the early 20th century, such as the _Thind_ case, restricted citizenship and property rights for Asian immigrants based on race and ethnicity.
  3. After facing discrimination and a loss of rights, Asian Americans, including Japanese Americans, fought to serve their country during World War II, leading to changes in citizenship laws and the eventual closure of internment camps.

[Book Review] Russia: A Short History

JoeWrote • 10 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
📚 Literature History
  1. Abraham Ascher's book 'Russia: A Short History' effectively highlights the connection between religion, autocracy, and the shaping of Russian history, including the acceptance of autocracy in greater Russia.
  2. The book distinguishes between dictatorship and autocracy, showcasing how autocratic societies like Russia function with input from key public institutions.
  3. The author's analysis of Soviet-style communism is critiqued within the context of the historical narrative presented in the book.

Where Were You When? [20 years after 9/11]

DruGroup • 19 implied HN points • 11 Sep 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History
  1. Major historical events like 9/11, Pearl Harbor, and the Coronavirus pandemic deeply shape generations. People remember where they were and how they felt during these events.
  2. Each generation experiences significant trauma and changes in outlook. For example, the Kennedy assassination brought a loss of innocence, while 9/11 created a feeling of insecurity in daily life.
  3. There’s hope for future generations to learn from past traumas. By understanding history, they can find new ways to overcome challenges and make a positive impact.

Toy Cars and Cybernetic Communism

Cybernetic Forests • 19 implied HN points • 28 Mar 21
🎨 Art & Illustration History
  1. Toys and education in socialist Germany aimed to shape imagination, craftsmanship, and future careers, contrasting with mass-produced 'kitsch'.
  2. Imagination was constrained in the Soviet Union under Stalin, but cybernetics gradually gained acceptance later.
  3. The concept of cybernetics in Soviet regimes involved democratic participation in management systems and anticipatory planning for socialist futures.

The dead are at our backs

Metal Machine Music by Ben Tarnoff • 39 implied HN points • 07 Nov 19
🕹 Technology History
  1. Technology Left needs to learn from the past: It's important to look back at the history of movements democratizing technology to find inspiration, learn lessons, and feel connected to a community.
  2. Past experiments in democratizing technology: The GLC in 1980s London created Technology Networks to democratize design and development, emphasizing socially useful production. This innovation from below aimed to involve communities in technology creation.
  3. Creating spaces for democratic technological practice today: The idea of Technology Networks could inform creating spaces where participants engage in self-organization, politicization, and work towards meaningful social change.

Happy New Year

The False Consensus Effect • 19 implied HN points • 31 Dec 20
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Reflecting on past experiences and resolutions for the new year, the author aims to let go of moral superiority and performative behaviors, focusing on personal growth.
  2. The author discusses censorship encountered in a public library art exhibition and reflects on societal expectations of success and personal values.
  3. A personal anecdote highlights a moment of realization and self-acceptance, emphasizing the importance of staying true to oneself and not succumbing to societal pressures.

Robot Nirvana

The Jolly Contrarian • 19 implied HN points • 23 Apr 21
🎶 Music History
  1. Robot Nirvana explores the use of artificial intelligence to recreate music by deceased artists like Kurt Cobain, showcasing the limitations of technology in replicating human creativity.
  2. Music technology has made remarkable advancements, allowing for incredible sound recreation and studio expertise at a fraction of the cost, revolutionizing music production.
  3. Recreating past artistic works using AI raises questions about the redundancy of human creativity and the importance of artists in pushing artistic boundaries forward.

Alice's Ghost

Marlene’s Newsletter • 4 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Alice Rheem, known for her wild reputation, is said to haunt the Rosario Resort on Orcas Island. Guests and employees claim to see her spirit and hear strange noises.
  2. The mansion was originally built by Robert Moran but later sold to Donald Rheem, who used it for family vacations while Alice lived another life in Moraga.
  3. There may be more to the ghost story of Alice than just her. Many believe that the mansion holds the spirits of various other people who have passed through its doors over the years.

The Turning Point

Equal Ventures • 19 implied HN points • 08 Jan 21
🕹 Technology History
  1. Innovation cycles start with epochal events and lead to wealth accumulation, societal disruption, and increased wealth gaps.
  2. During Turning Points, society becomes contentious with growing inequality, political polarization, and historic patterns of chaos.
  3. The future may bring either a Golden Age of broad prosperity or a darker path of dismantling institutions, emphasizing the need for historical understanding and empathy.

Merry Christmas

The False Consensus Effect • 19 implied HN points • 18 Dec 20
🎭️ Culture History
  1. The author reflects on Christmas and the importance of celebrating with loved ones, even in challenging times like the pandemic.
  2. The text explores the historical context of literature, showcasing the author's journey in writing and the impact of early American literature on his own work.
  3. There is a satirical critique on consumerism during the holidays, specifically addressing the culture of buying new cars on Black Friday and the absurdity of the sales pitches.

Wikipedia: don't look a gift sea snail in the mouth

escape the algorithm • 19 implied HN points • 05 Apr 21
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Wikipedia pages are created by real people, like retired individuals who write about sea snails as a hobby. These individuals spend a lot of time and effort on Wikipedia editing without receiving any monetary compensation.
  2. The act of gift-giving can be complex, with obligatory gifting sometimes resulting in depressive outcomes. Genuine, thoughtful gifts tailored to the recipient can have a more profound impact.
  3. There is a political dimension to acts of giving, with some forms of generosity being remembered and celebrated more than others. Examining who benefits from gifts and who is forgotten sheds light on social inequalities.

Chaos Agents and the Intellectual Dark LARP with William Ramsey

Rounding the Earth Newsletter • 4 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History
  1. Chaos agents are people who create disruption or change in society. They look at historical events to understand current issues.
  2. The Intellectual Dark Web refers to a group of thinkers who challenge mainstream ideas. They often discuss controversial topics and influence public opinion.
  3. Understanding these themes can help us make sense of today's chaotic world. It's important to seek context and history for a clearer perspective.

Sense of doubt

The Jolly Contrarian • 19 implied HN points • 19 Mar 21
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Having a sense of doubt is important in various aspects of life, including legal systems and commercial relationships. Doubt can lead to greater depth and strength in relationships.
  2. In the commercial world, trust and credit are crucial, and an excessive desire for certainty can hinder growth and innovation. Fostering relationships and trust can lead to long-term benefits.
  3. Wood has played a significant role in shaping human history, yet its importance is often overlooked in historical narratives that tend to focus on individuals. The narrative we choose shapes how we view history and what questions we ask.