Will Durant
Biography
William James Durant (1885–1981) was an American writer, historian, and philosopher. He is best known for his monumental 11-volume work, 'The Story of Civilization,' co-authored with his wife Ariel Durant. Born in North Adams, Massachusetts, Durant initially pursued a career in the priesthood but eventually left the seminary to embrace socialist ideals and secular education. He earned a Ph.D. from Columbia University and taught at various institutions, including the Ferrer Modern School. His early works, such as 'The Story of Philosophy' (1926), brought complex philosophical ideas to a wide audience, becoming an instant bestseller. Throughout his life, Durant aimed to synthesize human knowledge and present history as a continuous narrative, emphasizing the interconnectedness of philosophy, art, religion, and politics. His collaborative efforts with Ariel spanned over five decades, culminating in a comprehensive survey of Western and Asian history that remains a foundational text for many readers.
Selected Thoughts
«Education is a progressive discovery of our own ignorance.»
«Civilization is a stream with banks. The stream is sometimes filled with blood from people killing, stealing, shouting and doing things historians usually record, while on the banks, unnoticed, people build homes, make love, raise children, sing songs, write poetry and make discoveries. The story of civilization is the story of what happened on the banks.»
«The surest way to remain poor is to be honest.»
Writing Style
Durant's writing style is characterized by its clarity, accessibility, and engaging narrative prose, making complex historical and philosophical concepts understandable to the lay reader. He often employed a synthetic approach, weaving together cultural, political, economic, and intellectual threads to present a holistic view of civilizations. His tone was typically eloquent, empathetic, and occasionally moralistic, reflecting his philosophical background and his aspiration to find meaning and lessons in human history.