Will Durant

Will Durant
Bill Murphy, Los Angeles Times · CC BY 4.0 · source
Name	Will Durant
Birth date	November 5, 1885
Birth place	North Adams, Massachusetts
Death date	November 7, 1981
Death place	Los Angeles, California
School tradition	Aristotelianism, Humanism
Main interests	Philosophy, History, Ethics
Notable ideas	The Story of Philosophy, The Story of Civilization
Influences	Aristotle, Plato, Immanuel Kant, Friedrich Nietzsche, Henri Bergson
Influenced	Bertrand Russell, John Dewey, George Santayana, Martin Heidegger, Jean-Paul Sartre

Will Durant was a renowned American philosopher, historian, and writer, best known for his comprehensive works on philosophy and history, including The Story of Philosophy and The Story of Civilization. Born in North Adams, Massachusetts, Durant was influenced by prominent thinkers such as Aristotle, Plato, and Immanuel Kant. He was also acquainted with notable figures like Bertrand Russell, John Dewey, and George Santayana, who shared his passion for philosophy and history. Durant's works were widely acclaimed, and he was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for his contributions to literature.

● Early Life and Education

Durant was born to French-Canadian parents in North Adams, Massachusetts, and grew up in a family that valued education and literature. He attended St. Peter's Preparatory School in Jersey City, New Jersey, and later enrolled in St. Peter's College, where he studied philosophy and history under the guidance of Jesuit scholars. Durant's early interests in philosophy were shaped by the works of Aristotle, Plato, and Immanuel Kant, which he studied extensively during his time at Columbia University. He also developed a deep appreciation for the works of Friedrich Nietzsche, Henri Bergson, and William James, who were prominent figures in the philosophy community.

● Career

Durant began his career as a teacher at St. Peter's Preparatory School and later became the chairman of the philosophy department at Ferris Institute (now Ferris State University). He also taught at Columbia University and University of California, Los Angeles, where he interacted with notable scholars like John Dewey, George Santayana, and Martin Heidegger. Durant's academic career was marked by his passion for philosophy and history, which led him to write extensively on these subjects. His works were widely acclaimed, and he was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for his contributions to literature. Durant was also a member of the American Philosophical Society and the American Academy of Arts and Letters, which recognized his contributions to philosophy and literature.

● The Story of Philosophy

Durant's most famous work, The Story of Philosophy, was published in 1926 and became a bestseller. The book provides an overview of the lives and ideas of prominent philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, Immanuel Kant, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Henri Bergson. Durant's work was praised for its clarity and accessibility, making philosophy accessible to a broad audience. The book was also widely reviewed by prominent scholars, including Bertrand Russell, John Dewey, and George Santayana, who appreciated Durant's ability to simplify complex philosophical concepts. Durant's work on The Story of Philosophy was influenced by his interactions with notable philosophers like Martin Heidegger, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Simone de Beauvoir, who were prominent figures in the existentialism movement.

● The Story of Civilization

Durant's magnum opus, The Story of Civilization, is a comprehensive 11-volume work that covers the history of civilization from ancient times to the French Revolution. The series, which was written in collaboration with his wife Ariel Durant, took over four decades to complete and was published between 1935 and 1975. The work is a testament to Durant's vast knowledge of history, philosophy, and literature, and provides a detailed account of the lives and achievements of prominent figures such as Socrates, Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Leonardo da Vinci, and Napoleon Bonaparte. Durant's work on The Story of Civilization was influenced by his interactions with notable historians like Arnold Toynbee, Eric Hobsbawm, and Isaiah Berlin, who appreciated his ability to synthesize complex historical events.

● Personal Life and Philosophy

Durant was married to Ariel Durant (née Kaufman), a former student who shared his passion for philosophy and history. The couple had a deep appreciation for art, music, and literature, and were known for their extensive travels to Europe, Asia, and Africa. Durant's personal philosophy was shaped by his interactions with prominent thinkers like Bertrand Russell, John Dewey, and George Santayana, who influenced his views on ethics, morality, and humanism. Durant was also a strong advocate for social justice and human rights, and was involved in various social and political causes throughout his life, including the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

● Legacy

Durant's legacy is a testament to his contributions to philosophy, history, and literature. His works, particularly The Story of Philosophy and The Story of Civilization, continue to be widely read and studied today. Durant's ability to simplify complex philosophical and historical concepts has made him one of the most accessible and popular writers on these subjects. His influence can be seen in the works of prominent thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre, Martin Heidegger, and Simone de Beauvoir, who were influenced by his views on existentialism and humanism. Durant's legacy is also recognized by institutions such as the American Philosophical Society and the American Academy of Arts and Letters, which have honored his contributions to philosophy and literature. Category:American philosophers