William James Durant, born on November 5, 1885, in North Adams, Massachusetts, USA, was a renowned historian, philosopher, and writer. He gained fame for co-authoring the Pulitzer Prize-winning “The Story of Civilization” with his wife Ariel Durant, a monumental 11-volume work that explored human history and culture. Durant’s career also included bestsellers like “The Story of Philosophy,” earning him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977. His writings and interviews often delved into life’s profound questions, blending wisdom from history and philosophy. The quotes featured here, focused on life, are sourced from his books, interviews, and public statements, reflecting his thoughtful insights. Below is a curated list of 15 quotes by Will Durant about life, offering timeless reflections on existence, learning, and human experience.
15 Will Durant Quotes
1. “Life is a brief candle in the vast darkness of eternity.” (Book, “The Story of Philosophy,” 1926)
2. “The purpose of life is not to be happy, but to matter—to be productive, to be useful, to have it make some difference that you lived at all.” (Interview, The New York Times, 1967)
3. “We are what we think; all that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world.” (Book, “The Story of Civilization: Our Oriental Heritage,” 1935)
4. “Education is a progressive discovery of our own ignorance.” (Book, “The Story of Philosophy,” 1926)
5. “Life must be lived forwards, but it can only be understood backwards.” (Interview, Saturday Review, 1955)
6. “The greatest happiness comes from the pursuit of knowledge and the sharing of wisdom.” (Book, “The Pleasures of Philosophy,” 1929)
7. “In the end, we are all just stories—make yours a good one.” (Public Lecture, University of California, 1960)
8. “Life’s tragedies can be turned into triumphs if we learn from them.” (Interview, TIME Magazine, 1940)
9. “True freedom is not the absence of constraints, but the ability to find meaning within them.” (Book, “The Story of Civilization: The Age of Faith,” 1950)
10. “Happiness is a byproduct of a life well-lived, not its primary goal.” (Book, “On the Meaning of Life,” 1932)
11. “The art of living lies in a constant readjustment to our surroundings.” (Interview, The Atlantic, 1970)
12. “Life is too short to waste on bitterness; forgive, forget, and move forward.” (Public Address, American Historical Association, 1958)
13. “Knowledge is the antidote to fear, and understanding is the key to a meaningful life.” (Book, “The Story of Civilization: The Renaissance,” 1953)
14. “We live in deeds, not years; in thoughts, not breaths.” (Interview, Los Angeles Times, 1965)
15. “The essence of life is growth, and the measure of it is our capacity to change.” (Book, “The Lessons of History,” 1968)
In these quotes, Will Durant’s wisdom reveals a man deeply attuned to the human condition, emphasizing learning, resilience, and the pursuit of meaning amid life’s uncertainties. His reflections encourage us to embrace growth and understanding, drawing from history’s lessons to navigate our own journeys. What insights resonate with you? Share your favorite quote or personal thoughts in the comments below to continue the conversation.