Celebrating Will Durant: A Look at His Life and Legacy

Name: Celebrating Will Durant: A Look at His Life and Legacy
Start: 1885-11-05
Location: Unspecified

Will Durant: A Historical Figure in Philosophy and History

Early Life of Will Durant

Born on November 5, 1885, in North Adams, Massachusetts, Will Durant was the son of a French immigrant and a Scottish mother. His early life was shaped by a diverse cultural background, sparking his interest in the intricate narratives of history and philosophy.

Education and Influences

Durant’s educational journey began at the University of California, Berkeley, where he immersed himself in studies of philosophy, history, and literature. His quest for knowledge and understanding was significantly influenced by great thinkers such as Aristotle and Nietzsche, setting the stage for his future contributions.

The Story of Philosophy and Civilization

Authorship of The Story of Philosophy

In 1926, Will Durant published The Story of Philosophy, a groundbreaking work that made complex philosophical ideas accessible to the general public. The book covered the lives and thoughts of great philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, and Kant, making it a seminal text in popular philosophy.

The Impact of The Story of Civilization

Alongside his wife, Ariel Durant, Will authored the monumental The Story of Civilization series, spanning eleven volumes. This comprehensive work chronicled Western history from ancient times to the early 19th century, engaging readers with rich narratives and an emphasis on the interconnectedness of societal developments.

Fun Fact

Will Durant’s Interesting Contribution

A unique aspect of Durant's life is that he believed in the power of education as a means to achieve lasting peace. He publicly advocated for higher literacy rates and argued that understanding history was essential for a better future.