The Story of Civilization
Will Durant
12 people recommended it in 8 threads, 2009–2022.
What people on Hacker News said
Will and Ariel Durant will make you fall in love with mankind. The most humanist take on history I have read.
And Durant's masterpiece, The Story of Civilization is unparalleled in its scope and lucidity, though not philosophy. I have such a huge attachment to the Durants, they kept me company on many a long night.
Reading about history in general also opened up my perspective to think about problems in new ways -I recommend the Story of Civilization by Will Durant.
Reading this so far has been one of the most rewarding learning experiences of my life. If you are interested in how philosophy, religion, and civilization has emerged and grown in our species, than you will be constantly delighted while reading this.
Still, it is certainly well written and few historians attempt this sort of "complete" history these days.
It's a fantastic history of Western civilisation. We might accent some things slightly differently nowadays, but overall it's held up really well.
Where it comes up
- Ask HN: Recommend one book I need to read this summer? 2019 · 3 recommendations
- Ask HN: What are your favorite non-fiction books of all time? 2018 · 3 recommendations
- Ask HN: Which books have made you a better thinker and problem solver? 2022 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Favorite audio book for long drives? 2022 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What, in your opinion, are the greatest and most useful textbooks? 2020 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Which book have you re-read recently? 2017 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Best Philosophical Books? 2010 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Please name two of your most favorite books. 2009 · 1 recommendation