The Lessons of History Paperback – February 16, 2010

This is one of the most unexpectedly beautifully written books I've read in years, though I may be biased. The author(s) found a way to present complex and interesting ideas and observations about history and the world and humanity in ways that I seldom see English language presented in. I would say that one must have a minimum decent background knowledge of world histroy in order to enjoy the book, because the content is rather a by-chapter summary of collections of historical events and their implications, rather than actually telling you any deep details of the historical events. For example, they mention lots of names of ancient civilizations and makes certain arguements about them, without any context, so if you're not well versed in general history you might need to research outside the book (which like, who would bother to do that?). I didn't find that to detract much from the book, but mention this as a word of caution. Each chapter actually made me stop every time it ended (the chapters are short, which is prefect for my short attention span lol) and reflect upon what I just read. The book, though presents complex ideas, is perfectly succinct and well worth the time it takes to finish. If you like history, know a good bit about it, and want to read something that gives you a few new neurons in the brain without a huge time commitment, go for it :)

Among the better historians the world has known (Medal of Freedom and Pulitzer honoree)..Durant is a passion that need not be left to old age to enjoy. First course in Western Civilization at USC introduced Durant to those of us that attended there (and other ).Durant deals, in this very readable book, with real history and various aspects of life that are revealed thru history.Among those are Morals, History, Biology, Race, Character, Religion, Economics, Socialism, Government, War, Growth and Decay, Progress (is it real?)Concepts and Ideas based on the historical background surrounding almost all key elements that Durant and his wife Ariel researched and wrote mssive tomes surrounding (The Story of Civilization - 10 volumes & perhaps 11,000 pages!!...Beginning in volume I (almost a summary of what is to come for 9 more)) will engage and open our world from before a time when mankind was still just off the savannas and wondering what was over the next hill, mountain, river and ocean.Very readable prose, engaging, humorous and playful in it's dealings with human activity (Volume I sneaks up in so many ways...as in when we encounter the statement "When the Gods became useful they became numerous"Having gifted or loaned the first of Durant's Story of Civilization it soon became apparent that there is a deep yearning for this depth of inquiry and explanation...Since have given this little book (Lessons of History) to many....old and young. Revealing, humorous, challenging, and rewarding....Lessons of History is such....coupled with Bertrand Russell's The Conquest of Happiness....are Human Nature revealed ... jcmb

A very comprehensive and wise take on the themes of history from expert historians.It reads like a short lecture series from adjunct professors. It's not intended to be a comprehensive historical analysis of events but rather to stream historical anecdotes to reinforce a broad message from each chapter.It felt verbose at times, though you would have difficulty finding any work on history that isn't. Some chapters were flowery with prose and might have instead included a bit more historical hyperlinks or anecdotes. These were refreshing and useful when included.Overall, it's well worth the read and a refreshing "grand narrative" of history. It complements the many historical nonfiction works that focus on a narrow domain.

Many thoughtful and insightful lessons that our societies, communities, and individuals would do well to work with.History is a creation and record of our heritage, education, and civilization, and it must be learned and earned by each generation (Durant).

This is quite the book! Thought provoking and a quick read. Each chapter would present a history teacher with ideas for students to research and comment upon. History often repeats but it doesn’t have to, does it?

The book is good and touches a lot of historical points and facts across most major civilizations from thousands of years ago to modern-day America. Perhaps the biggest challenge about the book is the fact that remains in the shallow end of the pool, so to speak, never delving too much into any particular civilization in any particular subject. Overall, it feels and reads more like a sociology book.