Originally published in 1926, ‘The Story of Philosophy’ profiles several prominent Western philosophers and their ideas, written by Will Durant, an American writer, historian, philosopher, and a Pulitzer Prize-winning author.In this enlightening and eminently readable book, Will Durant accounts the lives, ideas and views of various critical philosophical thinkers throughout history. Starting with Socrates and Plato and concluding with Friedrich Nietzsche, with twelve other distinguished ph...

“...So much of our lives is meaningless, a self-cancelling vacillation and futility; we strive with the chaos about us and within; but we would believe all the while that there is something vital and significant in us, could we but decipher our own souls. We want to understand; ‘life means for us constantly to transform into light and flame all that we are or meet with’...”The Story of Philosophy (1926) is a groundbreaking work of creative nonficti...

Will Durant’s first book analyses the ‘social problem’ that he identifies as the gap between the rich and poor. He proposes that knowledge is the answer to this issue and suggests that philosophy is the key to this knowledge.Philosophy and the Social Problem is Will Durant’s 1917 work arguing the importance of philosophical thought within societal functions and government organisations. He refers to Socrates, Plato, Francis Bacon, and Baruch Spinoza’s idea...

The purpose of this essay is to show: first, that the social problem has been the basic concern of many of the greater philosophers; second, that an approach to the social problem through philosophy is the first condition of even a moderately successful treatment of this problem; and third, that an approach to philosophy through the social problem is indispensable to the revitalization of philosophy.

Originally published in 1926, ‘The Story of Philosophy’ profiles several prominent Western philosophers and their ideas, written by Will Durant, an American writer, historian, philosopher, and a Pulitzer Prize-winning author. In this enlightening and eminently readable book, Will Durant accounts the lives, ideas and views of various critical philosophical thinkers throughout history. Starting with Socrates and Plato and concluding with Friedrich Nietzsche, with twelve other distinguished p...

In "Will Durant on Philosophical Pessimism and Individualism," the brilliant philosopher-historian, Will Durant, explores the intricate landscapes of pessimism and individualism as embodied in the philosophies of Arthur Schopenhauer and Friedrich Nietzsche. Durant's rich narrative weaves together the profound insights and complex worldviews of these thinkers, shedding light on the depths of human existence and the relentless search for meaning. This compilation serves as a thought-provokin...

"Will Durant on Enlightenment and Rationalism" is a captivating voyage through the age of reason, led by the eminent historian Will Durant. Durant delves into the intellectual ferment of the Enlightenment, where luminaries like Voltaire and Immanuel Kant championed reason, liberty, and tolerance. Through Durant's insightful analysis and engaging storytelling, readers gain a deep appreciation for the transformative power of these philosophical giants. This compilation is a testament to the ...

“I cannot imagine anyone so erudite that they cannot learn a great deal from this monumental work.” —from the foreword by Richard SmoleyThe great series The Story of Civilization by Will and Ariel Durant is one of the most monumental achievements in historical writing. In its eleven massive volumes, it tells the story of Western civilization from its origins to the age of Napoleon.This volume, The Climax of Christianity, is taken ...

The British Empire is unique in world history. How did this small island come to rule a full quarter of the globe? No other nation has matched this achievement.The British Empire evolved over centuries, but it began to blossom in its greatest age: the reigns of Queen Elizabeth I (from 1558 to 1603) and King James I (from 1603 to 1625). Despite bitter religious struggles within and threats from nations such as Spain without, this era not only sowed the seeds of the ...

“A cerebrally enjoyable survey, written with great clarity and touches of wit… The non-western section throws up some fascinating revelations.” —Sunday TimesWill Durant’s 'The Story of Philosophy', first published in 1926, is an engaging and accessible introduction to the lives and ideas of history’s greatest philosophers. Covering thinkers such as Plato, Aristotle, Spinoza, Voltaire, Kant, and Nietzsche, Durant explores how their personal experiences shaped their philosophical contributio...

We are the creations of history. We are also the creations of the history in this book. We cannot understand ourselves without understanding this history.The early modern era in Europe set the mold for the Western world today. It was a complex, tragic, yet pivotal time. It marked the transition between the dominance of the Catholic church throughout Western Europe and the present age of science, reason, and skepticism.The path through this transition was an...

"The Story of Philosophy" is a captivating intellectual journey that explores the evolution of human thought and the enduring legacy of great thinkers throughout history. Written by the renowned author Will Durant, this monumental work provides readers with a comprehensive overview of the world's philosophical traditions, from ancient Greece to the modern era. Through 11 volumes, each dedicated to a specific philosopher or philosophical era, Durant delves into the intricacies of thought, r...