Of History — The Lessons

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

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.

The authors argue that history is a biological process. We are subject to the same laws as other organisms: The Lessons of History

"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.

Life is a struggle for resources. Peace is only a temporary unstable equilibrium. They warn that liberty and equality are "born

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.

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. Distilled from their 11-volume The Story of Civilization

Civilizations are not permanent. They are born, grow, flourish, and eventually decay. This decay usually happens from within—through the loss of social cohesion, moral decay, or the failure of leadership—before a physical "conquest" from the outside finishes the job. Conclusion: What is Progress?