The hottest History Substack posts right now

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every anti-EA thinkpiece

Going Awol • 838 implied HN points • 23 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Media Ethics Arts Society History
  1. Effective Altruism focuses on maximizing utility by prioritizing certain causes over others, even equating enjoyment of art with eating a sandwich.
  2. EAs have shifted towards 'longtermism', emphasizing the importance of future generations and sometimes at the cost of present concerns like supporting independent journalism.
  3. Effective Altruism has had a controversial history, including issues of racism, and it quantifies the value of various aspects of human life against the utility of saving shellfish.

The Explicit Baseball Card Edition

Why is this interesting? • 301 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🎾 Sports Baseball Collectibles History Entertainment
  1. Billy Ripken's baseball card from 1989 is famous for its hilarious and playful mistake. It features something unexpected that caught fans' attention.
  2. Baseball cards were a big deal for many kids, with the thrill of finding rare ones like the Michael Jordan card.
  3. Different brands of baseball cards had their own unique styles, with Fleer being seen as less premium compared to brands like Upper Deck.

Celebrate MLK with 'Agape'

Classical Wisdom • 1886 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy History Arts
  1. Martin Luther King Jr. was deeply inspired by the Greek concept of 'agape' which is transcendent love for others.
  2. Socrates and Martin Luther King both practiced civil disobedience and accepted the consequences for the sake of their beliefs.
  3. Both Socrates and Martin Luther King faced unjust consequences and suffered tragically for their ideas, but their actions left a lasting impact on the pursuit of justice.
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The blast furnace - 800 years of technology improvement

Construction Physics • 10856 implied HN points • 23 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Innovation History Manufacturing Science Environment
  1. Steel production has evolved over 800 years, with blast furnaces being a crucial part of the process.
  2. The blast furnace technology has seen gradual improvements by engineers and craftsmen over centuries.
  3. As advancements like hot blast and mechanization have been made, the blast furnace's role is changing in modern steelmaking.

Apple Gets Creativity Wrong

The Analog Family • 439 implied HN points • 10 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Creativity Art Technology History
  1. Creativity can't be contained in just one device like an iPad. We need real interactions and materials to inspire our creative processes.
  2. Physical items around us, like books and art supplies, play a big role in fueling our creativity. It's important to have those tangible things to engage with.
  3. Digital devices can distract us from creative work because they offer too many options. We often need some friction and focus to dig deep into our creativity.

Why the meritocracy is not viewed as a legitimate ruling class

Archedelia • 1631 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Society Culture Morality Ethics History
  1. The nobility in an aristocratic society upholds standards that tie them to the common good, unlike meritocrats.
  2. Meritocrats are individuals who rely on intelligence and hard work for their position, without a sense of duty to sustain culture.
  3. The bourgeoisie, as described by François Furet, is defined by wealth and lacks a specific tradition or place in the community.

A Visual Tour of Karel Zeman

Animation Obsessive • 1435 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Film Animation Art History Technique
  1. Karel Zeman was a talented Czech filmmaker known for his unique style in animation and special effects. He used innovative techniques that mixed live action with animation.
  2. He was passionate about the technical aspects of filmmaking and often experimented to create his own artistic identity. This made his films stand out during his peak years.
  3. Zeman was part of a group of influential animators in Czechoslovakia, but he developed a distinct approach that included combining different forms of animation and special effects.

The Rise of Western Individualism

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 4431 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Psychology History Society Religion Economics
  1. Western individualism stems from historical factors like the power of the Western Church and its unique taboos on family structures.
  2. WEIRD societies have distinct characteristics: hyper-individualism, focus on intentions, patience for delayed gratification, and a willingness to adhere to rules even without enforcement.
  3. The rise of Western individualism influenced laws, innovation, and economic prosperity, with key factors like belief in moralizing gods, influence of formal institutions, and the impact of impersonal markets.

4.2.1 Ancient Views

Fields & Energy • 319 implied HN points • 26 Jun 24
🔬 Science Physics History Electricity Magnetism
  1. Ancient civilizations had early insights about magnets and electricity. For example, Thales discovered static electricity from amber and believed magnets had a 'soul' because they moved metal.
  2. The compass became crucial for navigation by the sixteenth century. Mariners relied on it heavily, and misdirecting a ship was seriously punished, reflecting the compass's importance.
  3. William Gilbert made significant contributions to the understanding of magnetism and electricity. He proposed that the Earth is like a giant magnet and identified various materials that produce electric effects.

The Costs of War at Sea

CDR Salamander • 1650 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🌐 International Military Warfare History
  1. Large war at sea is inevitable and will have significant costs in terms of lives and resources.
  2. When war erupts, naval and air battles in the Pacific will be intense and potentially overwhelming.
  3. The historical context of war at sea highlights the challenging nature of such conflicts and the need for readiness and action.

Scheduling Note

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 20 implied HN points • 23 May 25
🎶 Music Artists Genres History Events Reviews
  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.

Moscow, Gooseberries, and Inexorable Motion of Time

The Lifeboat • 183 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
📚 Literature Drama Philosophy Narrative Existentialism History
  1. Time keeps moving forward, and people often struggle with how to cope with it. Some try to ignore it, while others seek to enjoy the present moment more.
  2. Desires and dreams are a big part of being human, but many people end up feeling regret for what they didn't achieve. This can make life feel empty or unfulfilled.
  3. Stories like 'Three Sisters' and 'Gooseberries' show how people can become trapped by their dreams or stuck in routines, realizing too late that time has passed without them taking action.

Who Do You Trust?

backstory • 533 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🏝 Travel Culture Destinations Politics History Personal Stories
  1. Trust can be complicated, especially when you feel uncertain about the people around you. It’s interesting to see how perceptions of trust can shift based on personal experiences.
  2. Cultural differences play a big role in how people express themselves and interact. The traditional clothing in Bolivia shows a strong connection to heritage and identity.
  3. Life experiences can shape our beliefs and trust in institutions. Felipe's journey from having a heroic figure in his grandfather to feeling let down by the police reflects how personal history can change one’s worldview.

Mrs. Inventosh

Disaffected Newsletter • 2817 implied HN points • 14 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture History Education Traditions Personal Stories Food
  1. Mrs. Inventosh taught her fifth-grade class about the Holocaust in a real and impactful way, sharing her own family's stories. These stories made history more relatable and memorable for the kids.
  2. She introduced her students to Jewish culture by cooking traditional foods like latkes in class. This gave kids a warm and welcoming experience that helped them understand different traditions.
  3. Mrs. Inventosh showed special care for her students, especially those who struggled. By encouraging a love for reading and taking time to connect individually, she made a lasting positive impact on their lives.

Social Theory for the Mid-21st Century: Part III. How Can the Experiences of Past Societies of Domination Be Relevant for Us?

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 269 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Social theory Political Economy History Ethics Technology
  1. Past societies often operated under systems of domination, where a small elite would take resources from the majority. This made it difficult for anyone to improve their situation without facing threats or violence.
  2. Technological progress today is much faster than in earlier times. This rapid change creates new challenges that previous societies never had to deal with, making lessons from the past less applicable.
  3. Understanding the internal workings of elite groups in past societies can provide some insights today. However, we shouldn't assume we are bound by their limitations because our circumstances are very different.

The Headphone Revolution: Sony’s MDR Series Through the Years

Obsolete Sony’s Newsletter • 99 implied HN points • 15 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Audio Innovation Design Consumer Electronics History
  1. Sony has a long history of headphone innovation, starting from the 1960s with their first closed stereo headphones, the DR-4A. This set new standards in comfort and sound quality.
  2. In 1979, Sony changed the game with the MDR-3, which was lightweight and came with the original Walkman. This allowed people to listen to music anywhere, making portable audio popular.
  3. The introduction of noise-canceling headphones began in 1995 with the MDR-NC10, marking a huge advancement in listening technology. It helped users enjoy their music without distractions from their surroundings.

Odds and Ends #47: I think this YouTube video just changed my life

Odds and Ends of History • 804 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture History Media Urbanism Society Politics
  1. A YouTube video can have a big impact on someone's life, showing how quickly ideas can change our perspectives. It's amazing how something simple can inspire us to think differently.
  2. Urban reviews can be subjective and funny, highlighting how even a short stay can lead someone to feel like an expert. It shows that everyone has different experiences in new places.
  3. The conversation about political lobbying is complex, and there seems to be growing concern about its influence. It's important to stay informed about how these issues affect us and our communities.

April 4, 1968

TRANSFORM with Marianne Williamson • 2790 implied HN points • 05 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Society Activism History Justice Equality
  1. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination on April 4, 1968, deeply impacted many, including the author's family.
  2. The legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and Bobby Kennedy is a reminder to strive for justice and create a better world.
  3. Despite the passage of time, the messages of love and justice promoted by Dr. King are still relevant and vital today.

10 Beautifully Designed 1980's Sony Computers That Never Quite Delivered

Obsolete Sony’s Newsletter • 119 implied HN points • 08 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Computers Design History Innovation Consumer Electronics
  1. Sony was a key player in creating the MSX standard for home computers in the 1980s. This platform aimed to unify computer use and consumer electronics.
  2. Sony's MSX computers had creative designs and various models, but they faced tough competition and technical limits.
  3. Although they didn't change the home computing landscape as hoped, these Sony computers are still cool examples of 1980s tech innovation.

A Few Things You Won't Learn About Lee Miller From the Recent Biopic

Paris Unlocked Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Photography Surrealism Film History Biographies
  1. Lee Miller was a significant surrealist photographer, not just a model or muse. She created her own impactful art rather than just inspiring others.
  2. The biopic focuses on her role as a WWII photojournalist, but it doesn’t fully cover her complex legacy and contributions to art.
  3. Miller also documented the horrors of Nazi death camps, highlighting her important work in photojournalism during a crucial time in history.

4.2.2 Fluid Theories of Electricity

Fields & Energy • 259 implied HN points • 03 Jul 24
🔬 Science Electricity Physics History Technology Chemistry
  1. Electricity was thought to behave like a fluid that could flow through conductors, which helped scientists understand how it could be transmitted over distances.
  2. Benjamin Franklin proposed a one-fluid theory of electricity, categorizing electricity into 'positive' and 'negative' charges, which laid the groundwork for future electrical theories.
  3. Alessandro Volta created the first battery, making it possible to study electricity as a continuous flow, leading to advancements in electrical science and technology.

Backcountry Coffee n' Donuts

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 319 implied HN points • 20 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Nature History Travel Arts Lifestyle
  1. Finding old objects in nature, like the donut insulator, can remind us of the people who built things in the wilderness. It's interesting to think about their challenges and dreams.
  2. Many trails in the mountains were created by miners and builders long ago, showing how humans have changed the landscape. These paths help modern hikers enjoy nature today.
  3. Nature has a way of recovering even after human impact. This is a hopeful reminder that the forest can bounce back despite our past actions.

How did the Holy Land come to be holy?

Cosmographia • 1577 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religions History
  1. The Holy Land holds significant cultural, political, and spiritual importance for 3.8 billion people of different religions.
  2. The land has seen the rule of various empires throughout history and is central to the beliefs of Jews, Christians, and Muslims.
  3. The association of a physical place with values and identity shapes our sense of self, and nowhere is this link more profound than in the Holy Land.

Women have an essential role to play in dissident movements

Becoming Noble • 1813 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Gender History Society Relationships Values
  1. Women play a crucial role in dissident movements by fostering deep bonds, warmth, and alliances in unofficial spaces like social gatherings and dinner parties.
  2. Creating welcoming and warm environments, particularly through shared events like dinner parties, can help in forming connections, shaping society, and nurturing goodwill.
  3. In times of challenge and turmoil, such as during 'civilizational winter,' building strong relationships and providing security through shared experiences like shared meals becomes essential for survival and strength.

Odds and Ends #50: The weird thing about London's New Year's Fireworks

Odds and Ends of History • 603 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Events Politics Art History Technology
  1. London's New Year's fireworks have some unexpected political twists that make them more than just a fun spectacle.
  2. The British government needs a solid plan for dealing with Elon Musk's comments and actions that could affect public discourse.
  3. Generative AI is changing the way we think about video production, and its latest developments are surprisingly impressive.

Eloise's Legacy

Burnt Toast by Virginia Sole-Smith • 2614 implied HN points • 25 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Fashion Travel Food & Drink History
  1. The reason for the trip was afternoon tea at The Plaza - inspired by the iconic picture book "Eloise."
  2. Eloise represents a girl who has adventurous experiences that are often reserved for boys in children's books.
  3. The Plaza's Eloise branding has evolved into an American Girl dolls-Barbie fusion, catering to a different idea of American girlhood.