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

Ok good insights

A good piece of work although some elements now sound outdated. Broad overview of historical movement and reflections is a positive contribution

Great content - poor narrative

Great content but the interview with the author was very hard to understand. Also, in general, the book was written in sophisticated narrative - so more energy is spent deciphering the language to understand the meaning instead of enjoying the book's content.

Excellent look back and ahead at human history

Very well done audiobook...the interviews with the author between chapters really added to the storytelling

Extreme education given on society and the history of America and other countries

I loved the honesty and blunt opinions at the end in how to make society better. I loved how all of it was so truthful. I didn’t enjoy the interviews too much but some where great to hear

great

this is a damn good book. I will be listening to this several more times

Thought Provoking & Important

The audio version is a must as it includes an interview of the Durants. I think that history might be the single most important subject to study and Will Durant has studied it. Although I disagree with him on some proposed solutions and philosophical beliefs, his writing might be the most thought provoking piece of non-fiction I've read. We need to read more history and get moral quickly as I fear the decay is more than ever.

Does history repeat itself?

"It usually has strong religious beliefs at the beginning and as the civilization develops science and philosophy, those beliefs run into conflict that is supposed to be the progress of knowledge. Then there is a terrific struggle which may unsettle the moral base of the civilization because the moral basis is usually tied up with religious belief and instruction. Then two things can happen. One or the other of them happens to every civilization. Either the civilization decays from within through moral disintegration, which may be happening to us at this minute. Or there is a change of trade routes which leaves the country off the direct line of communication and wealth…in the large, civilizations go through the same stages, but naturally, the details are different." -Will Durant

Story is probably great, but the voice puts me to sleep

I think this likely has some great, interesting information, however, I had an extremely hard time focusing on what was being said because of the narrators voice. I finally gave up with about an hour left. I have never had this problem with an audio book before, so hopefully it’s not me.

Author Will Durant is a genius

The topics discussed cover a wide spectrum. the author shares his wisdom of philosophy based on knowledge of history. There is a tremendous amount of content packed into this small book. The additional audio interviews of the author are a valuable addition to the writing. I will listen and learn more the next (third) time.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book

Loved every minute of this book. Learned so much. Loved the interviews too. Highly recommend this book.

A wealth of knowledge and wisdom

The audible version includes live interviews with both Durants. Beautifully done. A wealth of knowledge and wisdom.