History and culture are vastly undervalued. Most obviously among the general masses, who are far more interested in whatever the Kardashians or the Biebers are up to or whatever the viral TikTok theme is. But also among the so-called elite: people working in tech, finance or entrepreneurs. I often hear people in these fields touting how important the Greeks and the Renaissance were for Western society and how great we are in the West. They have little to no awareness of the fact how greatly influenced Ancient Greece was by Persia, or how when Europe descended into the Dark Ages, it was the Islamic World that rediscovered and cultivated the Greek wisdom – and on the side catapulting mathematics and medicine into a new era (just think algebra).

History gives us appreciation of all cultures. It helps us see humanity as a whole. And it provides a very powerful context for the present: a lot of current events are iterations and rehashings of what people did in the past.

Aeropagus is a phenomenal newsletter that sheds light on history beyond what is taught in the standard, subpar and narrow-viewed school textbooks. It teaches us about the macro, like why the Babylonian Empire fell, and super interesting trivia, like how the modern tie emerged from the preference of Croatian mercenaries ("Hvar" --> "Croat" --> "Kravat")
who inspired the French king who was largely responsible for why France has a luxury and fashion industry now.

I highly recommend this newsletter. A little side effect is that you'll enhance your standing towards The Most Interesting Person in the Room award.