Will Durant – The Story of Philosophy - Review

 

Originally a collection of eleven five-cent Blue Book installments, The Story of Philosophy was first published in its current form in 1925. Within two years, it reached over two million in sales, launching Durant's career as one of the world's most recognized and honored writers and historians.

Translated into nineteen languages, this book continues to sell consistently, used by schools and universities across the globe to introduce the Western Tradition of philosophy from Plato, Spinoza, and William James, ending with the great American educationalist, John Dewey.

As the word 'story' in the title suggests, the book is written as a narrative; this particular stylistic method was highly criticized by academics, turning their noses up in arrogant disdain because everyone could now understand this specialized subject... Nevertheless, Durant made philosophy accessible and exciting, also adding a touch of humor to an otherwise severe endeavor, he writes in the preface of the second edition:

"The 'Story' tried to salt itself with a seasoning of humor, not only because wisdom is not wise if it scares merriment, but because a sense of humor born of perspective bears a near kinship to philosophy; each is the soul of the other. But this appears to have displeased the pundits; nothing so hurt the book with them as it smiles." (xii)

Durant also clarifies that this book is by no means a substitute for reading philosophy in the original. "...God knows there is no shortcut to knowledge after forty years of seeking her one finds "Truth" still veiled, and what she shows of herself most disconcerting."

What is most important about this text, I believe, is that it could well be a starting point for a future William James, John Dewey, or a Wittgenstein. Durant's robust prose style reels the reader in, seducing, enticing, and giving you just enough to want to plunge into philosophy, boots, and all. He does what all great teachers do - creates a fascinating world for the subject and connects it to the everyday and personal.

When Durant writes about philosophy and history, he's talking about us; inviting us to explore the world and ourselves. 

If you're a teacher, student, a curious spectator, or maybe someone who tried to read philosophy and got caught up in the pitfalls of specialized terms that can riddle this subject, read this book. It may change your views and prompt more incredible things...