Of History: The Lessons

"The Lessons of History" (1968) is a concise survey of human history by Will and Ariel Durant. Distilled from their 11-volume The Story of Civilization , the book identifies recurring patterns in human behavior across 5,000 years.

Nature favors those better equipped to survive; inequality is a natural byproduct of diversity in ability.

Life is a struggle for resources. Peace is only a temporary unstable equilibrium. The Lessons of History

Wealth concentration is inevitable in any society because of the natural inequality of human ability. The Durants observe that history follows a cycle: Wealth concentrates until it becomes untenable.

Human nature remains remarkably constant. While technology evolves, the fundamental motives of men—hunger, sex, vanity, and power—remain the same. Therefore, the "progress" of a civilization is often just the refinement of the means used to achieve ancient ends. "The Lessons of History" (1968) is a concise

Redistribution occurs, either through (reform) or revolution (violence).

The Durants define progress not as the increase in speed or power, but as the "enlargement of our heritage." True progress is the accumulation and transmission of culture, knowledge, and morals to the next generation. History’s greatest lesson is that while the players change, the play remains the same. Life is a struggle for resources

Democracy is a relatively recent and fragile experiment. The authors suggest that it requires a high level of education and economic security to function. They warn that liberty and equality are "born enemies"—as liberty increases, so does inequality; to enforce equality, liberty must be sacrificed.