The Lessons of History

The Lessons of History is a book by historians Will Durant and Ariel Durant.

In The Lessons of History the authors provided a summary of periods and trends in history they had noted upon completion of their momentous eleven volume The Story of Civilization. Will Durant stated that he and Ariel "made note of events and comments that might illuminate present affairs, future probabilities, the nature of man, and the conduct of states."[1]

The book thus presents an overview of the themes and lessons observed from 5000 years of world history examined from 13 perspectives such as geography, biology, race, character, morals, religion, economics, socialism, government, war, growth and decay and progress.

Chapter outline

  1. Hesitations
  2. History and the Earth
  3. Biology and History
  4. Race and History
  5. Character and History
  6. Morals and History
  7. Religion and History
  8. Economics and History
  9. Socialism and History
  10. Government and History
  11. History and War
  12. Growth and Decay
  13. Is Progress Real?

References

  1. ^ Durant, Will and Durant, Ariel The Lessons of History, prelude