A review by connie_leavitt_rees
Story of Philosophy: The Lives and Opinions of the World's Greatest Philosophers by Will Durant

2.0

This would probably be better titled “Will Durant’s Philosophy.” It is one man’s interpretation of the lives, times, and ideas of some of the people who influenced Western philosophy. I felt like I learned more about Will Durant and his ideology by reading this than I did about historic philosophers and their teachings. In his note to the reader, he states, “This book is not a complete history of philosophy. It is an attempt to humanize knowledge by centering the story of speculative thought around certain dominant personalities. Certain lesser figures have been omitted in order that those selected might have the space required to make them live.” His biases and beliefs are on full display in the choice of which philosophers are considered the “dominant personalities” to include versus those “lesser figures” to exclude as well as in which ideas gain his praise versus his censure.

His biographical information is the most interesting part of this book. Not too surprising when one considers that Durant is most well known for his expertise in historical analysis. His purpose in writing this book was to “learn the lessons which [his chosen dominant philosophers] are so eager to teach.” These are the lesson he learned from them. I think it’s really probably best to read them for oneself. Each person will learn something different based on the unique perspective and worldview they bring to the table.