The Wisdom of History

De: J. Rufus Fears, The Great Courses

Narrado por: J. Rufus Fears

Do the lessons passed down to us by history, lessons whose origins may lie hundreds, even thousands of years in the past, still have value for us today? Is Santayana's oft-repeated saying, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it", merely a way to offer lip service to history as a teacher - or can we indeed learn from it? And if we can, what is it that we should be learning?

In this unflinching series of 36 lectures, a world-renowned scholar makes the case that we not only can learn from history, but must.

Drawing on decades of experience as a classical historian, Professor Fears explores history's patterns to conclude that ignoring them - whether by choice or because we've never learned to see them - is to risk becoming their prisoner, repeating the mistakes that have toppled leaders, nations, and empires throughout time.

In this personal reflection on history, Professor Fears has taken on the challenge of extracting the past's lessons in ways that speak to us today, showing us how the experience of ancient empires such as those of Rome and Persia have much to teach us about the risks and responsibilities of being a superpower.

He shows how the study of those who left their impact on an earlier world - Caesar Augustus or Genghis Khan, George Washington or Adolf Hitler, Mahatma Gandhi or Josef Stalin - can equip us to make responsible choices as nations, citizens, or individuals in a post-9/11 world where those choices are more crucial than ever.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2007 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2007 The Great Courses

very informative and engaging

learned a lot and was delighted to learn more about history from a educated man

Oh dear...

I can't get past the lecturer's pronunciation of "idea" as "idear". This may sound petty but he says it almost every minute or two in some chapters and it really starts to stand out.

Truly outstanding

The history and lessons included here are truly outstanding. I would recommend to anyone. These words could rehabilitate our world.

Amazing teacher

I’m so jealous of anyone who’s gotten to sit in this man’s class. Extremely informative and entertaining.

Philosophy and History in one Package

Loved this class. It was full of history but taught in a slightly different way then usual. It had me considering events in new ways. It also explained the philosophy parts in a way that made sense. Will be looking for other classes by this teacher. Well worth the buy!

A great story teller and a passionate historian

Rufus Fears is an excellent reader and story teller g it is no wonder that he is such a renowned lecturer. However, his views are rather American and Eurocentric. Nonetheless I do feel like I have learned from his lectures.. It would be interesting to listen to a debate between him and Ibrim X Kendi on the "moral" versus "evil" empires.

Great man theory

If you believe in the great man theory of history this is the guy. If you don’t, he’s still very enjoyable to listen to

J. Rufus Fears is outstanding

Performance outstanding, His ability to make history memorable and entertaining is second to none. I look forward to purchasing more.

Inaccuracies about Winston Churchill

Author seems to have not done enough research on Winston Churchill who was a monster to Indians causing one of the worst famine resulting in millions of Indian dying. Calling Churchill one of the greatest leader and statesman in the history is an insult to Indians. Churchill should be examined in the light of his actions in India which seems to have escaped the author completely.
I hope the author can look at the events in India and Churchill's role in it and reevaluate his glorification of Churchill.

Best story teller

Rest in peace Professor Fears, your classes and lessons are a cherished gift to mankind.