I wish to tell as much as I can, in as little space as I can, of the contributions that genius and labor have made to the cultural heritage of mankind – to chronicle and contemplate, in their causes, character and effects, the advances of invention, the varieties of economic organization, the experiments in government, the aspirations of religion, the mutations of morals and manners, the masterpieces of literature, the development of science, the wisdom of philosophy, and the achievements of art. I do not need to be told how absurd this enterprise is, nor how immodest is its very conception … Nevertheless I have dreamed that despite the many errors inevitable in this undertaking, it may be of some use to those upon whom the passion for philosophy has laid the compulsion to try to see things whole, to pursue perspective, unity and time, as well as to seek them through science in space. … Like philosophy, such a venture [as the creation of these 11 volumes] has no rational excuse, and is at best but a brave stupidity; but let us hope that, like philosophy, it will always lure some rash spirits into its fatal depths. | |
— Will Durant | |
From the preface of his book: “The History of Civilization: Our Oriental Heritage“ | |
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On This Day In: | |
2022 | Are You Confused? |
2021 | Working On The Ordinary |
Smoothed My Jagged Edges | |
2020 | Republican Senators Should Vote For Conviction Of #45 |
2019 | Carry It |
2018 | Simple |
2017 | Knowledge Pays |
2016 | Brief Glimpses And Full Glances |
2015 | Pursuing Perspective |
2014 | Wearing Down? |
2013 | Labouring Under A Curse |
2012 | Listen To Yourself |
2011 | Career Tips (Part 1) |
No Captain Dunsel | |
Archive for January 27th, 2015
Pursuing Perspective
Posted in History, Philosophy, Quotes, tagged History, On Mankind, On Perspective, Philosophy, Quotes, The History of Civilization: Our Oriental Heritage, Will Durant on January 27, 2015| Leave a Comment »