The Lessons of History

By: Will, Ariel Durant

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 5 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

A concise survey of the culture and civilization of mankind, The Lessons of History is the result of a lifetime of research from Pulitzer Prize–winning historians Will and Ariel Durant.

The authors devoted five decades to the study of world history and philosophy, culminating in the masterful eleven-volume Story of Civilization. In this compact summation of their work, Will and Ariel Durant share the vital and profound lessons of our collective past. Their perspective, gained after a lifetime of thinking and writing about the history of humankind, is an invaluable resource for us today. The rare archival recordings of the Durants in conversation, made from 1957–1977, illuminate our present condition and offer insightful guidance for the future.

©2004 John Little, Monica Ariel Mihell, and William James Durant Easton (P)2004 Durant archival recordings 1957-1977 used with permission of John Little, Monica Ariel Mihell, and William James Durant Easton

Good Read (Listen)

Well presented and easy to listen to. A wealth of wisdom and insight from a dedicated aged historian. The truth that death of religion and replacement with science and technology is the defining characteristic of the decline of all societies is quite intriguing as science and technology fail to provide a moral code and the society innevitably implodes.

Incredible a must listen book

I have listened this book twice and I think I have to do it over and over and over. MUST READ ABD LISTEN BOOK

Everyone should hear this

Not the best audible format for a 2000's something millenial in the US but... still.... worth it.

Lessons to be learned

Would you listen to The Lessons of History again? Why?

There is a lot to absorb in Durants' philosophy.
If you ever wonder why America seems to be in decline, this book will explain well!
It has happened time and time before. WE JUST think, we are a different time.
I believe Social Media will expedite our decline, as the takers, will over-run the makers of our economy!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Well it's obvious Will Durant was held in check at times by his wife Ariel

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes!

Any additional comments?

At first being it was written 40 years ago, I didn't think it would be relevant.
BUT it is very relevant! As I soon discovered, the decline and decay of societies is years in the making.

The end may seemingly consummate in a few years. But was 50 years in the making! Just like we are seeing in America!

Great

Great w u j g f k j h h k j h k h

Wisdom of the ages, for the ages.

Eternal perspectives that apply just as much now as when written. Hopefully more of our youth with read and appreciate it.

worth a re-read/-listen every year

a sweeping view of today, viewed through the lens of two historians with a better understanding of our past than anyone in the 20th century. the interviews add color. worth a re-read/-listen every year

This is a must for every Educated Person

I read a lot. But this is one of the most important books I have ever read. I just wish every body would have the opportunity to listen to or read this book. Rarely is there such a distilled understanding of what history has to teach us. Durrant is one of the most intelligent, articulate and deep thinking people of our time (dead now). I now own his 11 volume history of the world. But this book is a gem. A clear thinking, facinating view of the sweep of history from one of the few people who really, really understand the sweep of history. This is a must read for everyone in my humble opinion. You don't even need to be interested in history really. You just have to be interested in humanity, it's state and the great priciples of life. It is almost more of a book of philosphy derived from a study of the history of humanity.

Amazing Mind

The interviews make this audiobook. He is a man of amazing intelligence.

Best books I’ve ever read

And I’ve read quite a few. This is a must read for anyone who’s interested in rapidly learning the most insightful perspectives from the last 10,000 years.