William James Durant fu un prolifico scrittore, storico e filosofo americano, celebre per aver reso accessibili idee complesse. Le sue opere principali miravano a sintetizzare vaste quantità di conoscenza umana, esplorando la grande narrazione della civiltà e l'evoluzione del pensiero filosofico. Lo stile di scrittura di Durant era caratterizzato dalla sua chiarezza e da una prosa avvincente, che rendeva la storia intellettuale un argomento accattivante per un vasto pubblico. Cercò di illuminare lo sviluppo della cultura e delle idee umane, offrendo ai lettori una comprensione completa e interconnessa dei grandi pensatori e movimenti della storia.
Volume 3 of the monumental Story of Civilization, CAESAR AND CHRIST depicts the rise of Rome from a crossroads town to empire. The world's first republic, Rome spread its civilization over the Mediterranean and western European world. Its long, slow crumbling and final collapse plunged Europe into darkness and chaos.The Pax Romana broke some heads. Jews felt the scourge in Judea, where Jesus of Nazareth met a dissident's death. His agony foreshadowed the Empire's over the next few centuries."Lively, stimulating and accurate." (Saturday Review of Literature)
The Age of Voltaire (Volume 9): A biography of a great man and the period he embodied. We witness Voltaire's satiric work in the salons and the theater as well as his banishment to England. With him we view the complex relationships between nobility, clergy, bourgeoisie and peasantry in the France of Louis XV. We explore the music of Bach and the struggle between Frederick the Great and Maria Theresa of Austria. And finally we hear an imaginary discussion between Voltaire and Pope Benedict XIV on the significance and value of religion.
Here is the first volume of this Story of Civilization, Our Oriental Heritage, complete in itself. Dr. Durant worked on it steadily from 1927 to 1932, & the book represents the third complete rewriting. Our Oriental Heritage deals first with the establishment of civilization, then takes up, not in rapid review but in richly fascinating detail, the colorful, complex dramas of the Near East, India & her neighbors, & the Far East. The story is carried up to mid-30s. The Story of Civilization represents the most comprehensive attempt in our times to embrace the vast panorama of human history & culture.
This final work by Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Will Durant offers a deeply personal insight into his thoughts and experiences, revealing aspects of his life and philosophy. Discovered decades after his passing, the book is celebrated for its profound revelations, showcasing Durant's mastery in weaving history with personal reflection, making it a significant addition to his body of work.
This endlessly inspiring & instructive chronicle of the worlds greatest thinkers, from Socrates to Santayana, describes not only their ideas but their place in history & their influence on our modern intellectual heritage.
The late, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and author of The Story of Civilization celebrates the lives, ideas, and accomplishments of the men and women who transformed human civilization, spanning thousands of years of human history, from ancient times to the eighteenth century.
A wise and witty compendium of the greatest thoughts, greatest minds, and greatest books of all time—listed in accessible and succinct form—by one of the world's greatest scholars.From the “Hundred Best Books” to the “Ten Greatest Thinkers” to the “Ten Greatest Poets,” here is a concise collection of the world’s most significant knowledge. For the better part of a century, Will Durant dwelled upon—and wrote about—the most significant eras, individuals, and achievements of human history. His selections have finally been brought together in a single, compact volume. Durant eloquently defends his choices of the greatest minds and ideas, but he also stimulates readers into forming their own opinions, encouraging them to shed their surroundings and biases and enter “The Country of the Mind,” a timeless realm where the heroes of our species dwell.From a thinker who always chose to exalt the positive in the human species, The Greatest Minds and Ideas of All Time stays true to Durant's optimism. This is a book containing the absolute best of our heritage, passed on for the benefit of future generations. Filled with Durant's renowned wit, knowledge, and unique ability to explain events and ideas in simple and exciting terms, this is a pocket-size liberal arts and humanist curriculum in one volume.
Voltaire And The French Enlightenment (Grapevine edition)
41pagine
2 ore di lettura
Exploring the life and ideas of Voltaire, this volume highlights his role as a pivotal figure in the French Enlightenment. Will Durant delves into Voltaire's irreverent wit and profound insights, showcasing his advocacy for freedom of thought and expression. The book provides a comprehensive look at how Voltaire's philosophy influenced contemporary thought and the broader cultural landscape of his time.
Focusing on the evolution of human thought, this work offers a comprehensive overview of philosophical traditions from ancient Greece to modern times. Renowned author Will Durant guides readers through the enduring legacy of great thinkers, making complex ideas accessible and engaging. The narrative captures the essence of philosophical inquiry and its impact on society, providing insights into the development of various schools of thought and their relevance today.
Delve into the complex philosophies of Friedrich Nietzsche, a pivotal figure in 19th-century thought. This edition examines his groundbreaking concepts, including the will to power, eternal recurrence, and the notion of the Übermensch (Overman), offering insights into his influence and the controversies surrounding his ideas. Experience a deep exploration of Nietzsche's impact on philosophy and modern thought.
Immanuel Kant and German Idealism (Grapevine edition)
37pagine
2 ore di lettura
Explore the profound philosophical contributions of Immanuel Kant, focusing on his revolutionary ideas regarding human knowledge, ethics, and metaphysics. This edition delves into the development of German Idealism and highlights Kant's significant influence on later philosophers, offering insights into his lasting impact on the field of philosophy.
Baruch Spinoza's rationalist and pantheistic ideas are explored in depth, revealing how he challenged the religious and philosophical norms of his era. Will Durant provides a comprehensive overview of Spinoza's life, highlighting his significant contributions to metaphysics, ethics, and the philosophy of mind. This introduction offers a nuanced understanding of Spinoza's thought and its impact on modern philosophy.
The analysis focuses on the disparity between the rich and poor, which Durant identifies as a significant social problem. He argues that knowledge can bridge this gap, emphasizing that philosophy serves as the essential foundation for acquiring that knowledge. Through this lens, the book explores the potential for philosophical thought to address societal inequalities.
The book offers a deep exploration of Ancient Greek philosophy, highlighting its foundational role in shaping Western civilization. Will Durant, a renowned historian and philosopher, delves into the ideas and contributions of key figures from this era, providing insights into their lasting impact on thought and culture. Through his engaging narrative, readers are invited to understand the philosophical underpinnings that continue to influence modern society.
The exploration of the Enlightenment era highlights the intellectual contributions of figures such as Voltaire and Immanuel Kant, who advocated for reason, liberty, and tolerance. Will Durant guides readers through this transformative period, emphasizing the significance of rationalism in shaping modern thought and society.
Exploring the intersection of science, society, and philosophy, this book delves into the evolution of thought from Darwin to contemporary ideas. Will Durant examines the significant implications of evolutionary theory on our understanding of humanity's role in the universe, providing insights into how these concepts shape social philosophy. Through this journey, readers are invited to reflect on the profound impact of evolutionary thought on human existence and societal development.
Exploring the philosophies of Arthur Schopenhauer and Friedrich Nietzsche, this work delves into the themes of pessimism and individualism as interpreted by Will Durant. The book examines how these philosophical perspectives shape human experience and understanding, highlighting the tension between individual aspirations and the inherent challenges of existence. Durant's insights provide a rich analysis of these complex ideas, inviting readers to reflect on their implications in contemporary life.
5000 Jahre Menschheitsgeschichte auf gerade einmal 150 Seiten, verfasst von zwei der größten Vordenker unserer Zeit
Mit Die Lehren der Geschichte haben die Historiker und Pulitzer-Preisträger Will und Ariel Durant eine kompakte und meisterhafte Bestandsaufnahme der Kultur und Zivilisation der Menschheit geschaffen. In ihrem anschaulichen Kompendium der Philosophie und des sozialen Fortschritts, Teil ihres elfbändigen Werks The Story of Civilization mit mehr als zwei Millionen verkauften Exemplaren, reisen die Autoren durch 5000 Jahre Menschheitsgeschichte. Großen Ideen, Genies und Errungenschaften stellen sie die dunklen Seiten der Geschichte gegenüber und machen damit die Bedeutung für unsere Gegenwart deutlich.