Experimental History

OR: the secret key to permanent happinessOriginal post: https://www.experimental-history.com/p/claude-dont-touch-my-lumpAll posts: https://www.experimental-history.com/Preorder THE STRANGEST IDEA IN THE WORLD: https://thestrangestideaintheworld.com/

Adam introduces his forthcoming book, The Strangest Idea in the World, and offers a glimpse into the thinking behind it. He also shares where listeners can find more from Experimental History and how to preorder the book.

Are we truly lonelier, or simply spending more time alone? This discussion untangles misleading loneliness statistics, explores the difference between isolation and solitude, and draws a surprising parallel with scurvy. It examines how modern life can weaken our social instincts, then considers what a healthier social diet might look like through in-person connections, broader relationships, and group involvement.

An apology to English teachers leads into a playful take on what makes art 'thick' and worth sustained attention. Weird stories from Bosch and 'butt music' illustrate hidden warnings in art. Four ways works gain depth get outlined, and slim, shallow works are contrasted with lasting ones. The conversation ends by linking longevity, cultural stakes, and why AI-produced slop cannot replace true depth.

A critique of treating rewards as moral compasses. Short stories and history show purpose can override shallow incentive-driven choices. Discussion of fragile moral beliefs and what it takes to rebuild conviction. A historical example of courage highlights the call to act rightly despite tempting incentives.

yeehawOriginal post: https://www.experimental-history.com/p/blog-jamboree-2026-the-winnersAll posts: https://www.experimental-history.comMusic by Brandon Rosiar, photos by my dad

Conversations about why many forms of risk-taking and novelty seem to have faded since the 1990s. A look at how faster communication and global audiences push creators toward safe, convergent choices. Discussion of media consumption changes that narrow exposure and why social progress can quietly reduce certain kinds of deviance. A closing call to give unconventional creators more room to thrive.

A whirlwind tour of strange discoveries and surprising research. Hear about Tommy McHugh’s post-stroke artistic transformation, mythical vegetables, rogue waves, uranium imagery, and the baffling statistics of Spotify success. The conversation also explores AI-generated literature, scientific mistakes, transparent peer review, China’s research ambitions, crime misconceptions, conspiracy beliefs, and personalized family history.

A look back at 1990s anti-fame attitudes and why selling out was once a stigma. Personal memories of anti-consumerist culture set the scene. Modern celebrity-brand tie-ins and why we now accept commercialized art are explored. Discussion of how the attention economy made fame common while wealth stayed out of reach. A call to rethink celebrity-as-advertisement.

Why do laws, constitutions, scientific reforms, and relationship rules so often fail? This discussion explores the human motivation behind accountability, truth-seeking, care, and social order. It moves from body cameras and laboratory culture to crock pots, lightning bolts, and a memorable schoolroom humiliation, asking how people’s desires truly change.