Throughout history, ideas have played a central role in shaping the world that we know and live in today. From looking outward to find solace in the deities that human beings have worshiped for millennia, to explaining something as inexplicable as love, the key ideas and movements that emerged in the past are likely to continue to echo throughout the remainder of human history. Here's an interactive guide to the history of ideas:
To enjoy a video from the history of ideas, simply left-click on one of the rectangles below. You can enlarge the video to full-screen by left-clicking on the bottom-right-hand icon that appears in the video's popup window. To close a video, simply click on the X in the top-right-hand corner of the video's popup window. Enjoy!
Cover image by Deposit Photos.
2:29:14
Full Documentary: The Entire History of Cats
Today, we’re tracing the incredible cat family tree to see how these ultimate predators adapted, conquered every niche, and stole our hearts. Let’s dive in!
14:32
This Old Interview Sheds Light on 19th Century Living
This collection features rare, restored interviews with individuals born in the nineteenth century
All the Best TED Talks On Our Site Are Now In One Place!
TED is a source of plenty of wisdom, and this next collection of TED Talks is no exception. Are you ready for some serious knowledge? Come and take a look!
INTERACTIVE: The Musings of Philosophers Through the Ages
The great thinkers have imbued the world with greater knowledge and different perspectives. Learn about what the wisest men in history had to say.
12:17
What the Japanese Thought of the First European Explorers
This video shows how Japanese historians described the first contact with Europeans, and it’s curious to say the least!
7:05
A Walk Through the Destroyed City of Berlin in July 1945
In this absolutely fascinating restored footage, you get a glimpse of the partly destroyed streets of Berlin in July 1945, mere months after the German surrender.
Spooky! Science Can't Explain These 8 Phenomena
Here are some of the most common inexplicable phenomena - from ghosts to man-like beasts, to unexplained feats of the mind itself.
With Epitaphs Like These, How Can They Ever Be Forgotten?
Check out this collection of 15 different epitaphs, ranging from emotional ones to highly humorous ones.
19:11
What's the Secret of Reigniting Desire in a Relationship?
The desire for erotic stimulation stands in contrast to the desire for a stable relationship. So how can we get past this. This witty TED talk informs us.
You Won’t Believe These 11 Phrases Are Over a Century Old
These 11 words and phrases seem like they're a recent invention in English, but they're actually at least a century old...
20:44
Of the Transformative Power of Classical Music...
A fascinating TED talk by Benjamin Zander.
Did I Lock the Door? How to Stop Forgetting Small Tasks
It's common to mot remeber wather or not you locked the door or answered an email. New study reveals why it happens and how to avoid it.
Can You Spot the Camouflaged Creatures in These Photos?
These wonderful animals have gone into hiding. Can you find them? If not, just click on the photo to reveal all!
The Extraordinary Origins of 10 Common English Words
In this article, we uncover the extraordinary etymology of 10 common English words, including ‘daisy’, ‘eavesdropper’, and ‘vaccine’.
15 Enchanting Tree Houses That You Would Love to Stay In
In this collection of pictures, we've featured some of the best and most charming treehouses from around the world.
16 Really Weird Facts About Famous World Events
Some really weird things happened at the most famous events in world history. Here are 16 really weird facts about famous world events.
14:44
Former FBI Agent Explains Basics Of Body Language Reading
Former FBI agent teaches you how distance, gestures and other nonverbal elements can reveal information about a person you're talking to
4:56
History’s First Author Is Largely Unknown, Who WAS She?
Meet the First Author in History - Enheduanna, an ancient Sumerian high priestess with a tragic and heroic life story...
The Royal Jewelry Collection: Let's Take a Peek...
The British royal family has some of the most spectacular pieces of jewelry in the world. Take a look at this post to see amazing tiaras, necklaces and earrings
15 Quotes by Meryl Streep That Inspire Everyone
Meryl Streep, the queen of acting, has shared many wonderful words on life and success that everyone will find inspiring.
A Few Beautiful Thoughts About True Friendship...
We should never forget the gift that is true friendship...
12 Unique Valentine’s Day Traditions From Around the Globe
This article is dedicated to unique traditions different cultures have for Valentine's Day. Some of these will surely surprise you...
6:49
The Most Enchanting Ukulele Song in the World
Listen to this beautiful ukulele version of the famous number "Ode to Joy" by the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain.
6:20
What's Hidden UNDER the Colosseum?
The exterior of the Colosseum is certainly epic, but the most remarkable part of this ancient structure is actually hidden underneath the surface...
Hark Back to Meiji-Era Japan With These Stunning Pictures
The Meiji Era was a time of great change for Japan, transforming from a feudal state into a capitalist, imperialist one. Take a look at these stunning pictures.
These Facts Are Some of the Most Interesting You'll Read
Have a read through these intriguing worldly facts.
2:50
Laugh Out Loud With This Funny String Quartet Performance
Watch this truly hilarious musical performance by comedy string quartet known as the MozART group.
Rare Footage: Historical Photos Renewed with Color
Old historical photos have been through expert recoloring and retouching in order to bring the past back to the present!
Frazil, Haboob & Other Weather Words Your Didn't Know
You might have heard a few of these meteorological terms before, but you probably don’t know what they mean.
I Can't Believe These Huge Companies Were Born in Garages
These businesses prove that success is less to do with the amount of money invested, and more to do with ideas, courage, and dedication.
12:48
The Most Unbelievable Land Boom in US History
Miami Beach started as a swampy island, and that is just one bit of Florida's fascinating history.
These Inventions Changed the World Beyond All Recognition
Some inventions meant that the world changed beyond all recognition. In this interactive video post, you'll see nine of the greatest.
The Secrets Behind 5 Famous and Beloved Magic Tricks!
Get to know the secrets behind well-known magic tricks with these 6 fascinating explanations.
2:04
Don’t Throw Away Your Used Teabags Just Yet...
Teabags aren’t only for making delicious cups of teas. Find out what other uses they hold in this helpful video.
10 Times You’ve Quoted Shakespeare Without Realizing It...
William Shakespeare had a huge impact on modern English, so much so that most of us are quoting the great bard every day without even realizing it!
Do You Know the Truth About These Famous Figures?
Hollywood exaggerates and distorts many historical truths with its movies, but now you're about to find out the truth about some important figures...
13 Honest Charts & Graphs That Describe Our Lives Too Well
Artist Irina Blok's illustrated charts and graphs about everyday life are so relatable.
25:05
It Took This Man a Year to Replicate Coca-Cola's Secrets
What if one person could crack one of the world's most guarded secrets using pure science?
12 Typical American Things That Didn’t Originate in the US
Many things we often think are typically American, such as cowboys, comic strips and mac & cheese, have actually started far away from the USA
21 Incredible Items Unearthed by Metal Detectors
Metal detecting is a surprisingly popular hobby. Here are some of the coolest and most valuable items found by amateur metal detector hobbyists.
These Fun Infographics Will Pique Your Interest!
Become more knowledgeable and more powerful today without boredom. Check out these fascinating maps and infographics!
Thomas Edison’s Most Inspiring Words of Wisdom
These memorable quotes by Thomas Edison still hold meaning for anyone chasing big goals.
So Long, Pope Francis: The Story of a Beloved Pope
Let's have a look at the remarkable life and legacy of Pope Francis, exploring the experiences and values that have shaped his papacy and inspired a global community.
Fascinating History: Conspiracy of Lincoln's Assassination
These haunting portraits of men awaiting trial or execution after being accused of assassinating President Abraham Lincoln will move you. take a look.
Video Collection: Learn Something New Today!
It's never too late to learn something new, so give these 16 educational videos a watch and see what you can learn today!
Can You Believe These Words Didn’t Exist Before the 1970s?
When a new words spreads it seems it's been around forever. But in reality, many of the words we use everyday are quite new. These didn't exist before the 1970s.
7:14
Franca Viola: The Woman Who Had the Courage to Say "No"
The inspiring story of an Italian woman who, in the 1960s, had the courage to stand up to tradition and say no.
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