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The Lessons of History

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About this listen

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
Ancient World Ancient History Socialism Capitalism World History
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The author examines several of the social, moral and political issues we have today through the lens of history. It went back and forth between the narrator reading the book and personal interviews with Will and his wife Ariel. I found that part to be annoying but the actual book itself is awesome.

Given that it was written in the 1960s, it is incredible how relevant it is to the issues we are facing in the 2010's. I enjoyed it so much I bought it in hard copy and will definitely be listening to his other books. He takes some very complicated material and simplifies it in a manner that is both interesting and easily comprehended.

As Relevant Today as in the 1960s

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Looking back as far as human stepped on the earth, the authors share their view about history patterns. This bird's eye view litterally take us away, giving birth to reflexions on the necessary objective conditions for human civilization such as how to restrain the source of almost all problems a civilization can be affliged of: human nature.

Interesting ideas deriving from the broadest point of view any author could take

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Compact – It’s interesting and thoughtful. A really great book covering a lot of great material in a small amount of time.

A great history lesson

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A book full of hard-earned wisdom. I found it inspiring and humbling at the same time.

Great book!

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I enjoyed knowing that we will not change yet. but there is hope for a far future!

history repeats itself

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