Will Durant Biography

Early Life and Education
William James Durant, typically called Will Durant, was born on November 5, 1885, in North Adams, Massachusetts. The boy of French-Canadian moms and dads, Joseph Durant and Mary Allard, his early life was marked by a deep dedication to the Catholic faith and a strong academic disposition. Durant participated in St. Peter's College in Jersey City, New Jersey, where he received a classical education that laid the groundwork for his future pursuits in viewpoint and history. He enhanced his studies at Columbia University, where he made a doctorate in philosophy in 1917.

Career and Major Works
Will Durant's career started in education; he worked as a teacher and later as the director of an experimental school in New York City, the Ferrer Modern School. It was here that he would fulfill one of the most influential people in his life, his fiancée, Ariel Durant (born Chaya Kaufman). Ariel would later on become his partner in a lot of his works and academic pursuits.

Durant's honor largely originates from his work as a historian and writer. He is best understood for his monumental 11-volume work, "The Story of Civilization", which he co-authored with Ariel. The series, published between 1935 and 1975, provides a comprehensive study of Western history and was lauded for its accessible narrative style and depth of insight. The volumes cover history from ancient times through to the Napoleonic Era, each thoroughly researched and clearly presented.

His earlier work, "The Story of Philosophy" (1926), was a bestseller and brought long-lasting appeal to philosophical studies. It profiled the lives and ideas of major Western thinkers and was instrumental in making complex philosophical ideas accessible to the general public.

Approach and Influence
Durant was deeply affected by Enlightenment thinkers and thought in the power of education and culture in advancing mankind. He remained a strong supporter for universal education and frequently spoke and blogged about the significance of understanding human history and culture to foster informed and engaged people.

His philosophical outlook was identified by a mix of humanism and skepticism. While he declined dogmatism, he preserved a positive view of human potential. This is evident in his reflections on history, which despite detailing the atrocities and recklessness of mankind, often pointed towards an underlying belief in development and enhancement.

Personal Life and Collaborations
A strong personal and professional partnership marked Durant's life with his partner, Ariel. The couple wed in 1913 and were collaborators in almost all his significant works. Ariel's precise research and modifying played a critical function in the success of their joint publications, though Will often received the majority of public recognition. Their partnership was formally recognized when they were granted the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction in 1968 for the 10th volume of "The Story of Civilization", entitled "Rousseau and Revolution".

Legacy and Death
Will and Ariel Durant's work left a long lasting effect on popular understanding of viewpoint and history. Their works continue to be celebrated for their interesting prose and detailed scope. The couple's partnership helped promote historic and philosophical understanding, making it accessible far beyond the boundaries of academic community.

Will Durant died on November 7, 1981, in Los Angeles, California, just two weeks following the death of his cherished spouse, Ariel, who passed on October 25, 1981. His commitment to the dissemination of knowledge and his capability to discuss complex ideas just and elegantly have actually guaranteed his location among the most respected public intellectuals of the 20th century.

Our collection contains 35 quotes who is written / told by Will, under the main topic Education.

Related authors: William James (Philosopher), Philo (Philosopher), Ariel Durant (Author), Lawrence Taylor (Athlete)

• Q: Will Durant books in order
  A: Key works include 'The Story of Philosophy', followed by 'The Story of Civilization' series, starting with 'Our Oriental Heritage'.
• Q: Will Durant Civilization
  A: Durant explored the growth and progress of human societies in 'The Story of Civilization'.
• Q: Will and Ariel Durant death
  A: Will Durant died on November 7, 1981; Ariel Durant died on October 25, 1981.
• Q: Will and Ariel Durant books
  A: Their notable series is 'The Story of Civilization' spanning 11 volumes.
• Q: How old was Will Durant?
  A: He became 96 years old

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