Quotes
“This long-awaited release is a collection of essays
on religion, race, politics, art, and science…Some
passages, such as his observations on youth and middle age, are personal
and specific, while others, such as his ruminations on the existence of
God, border on philosophy…A thought-provoking array
of opinions.” Publishers Weekly
“A work that demands we think, and it is a worthy conclusion to a long and distinguished career.” Booklist
“Final messages of wisdom from a well-known scholar…who explores the profundity of being human, whether that means examining an infant’s first moments of life, why religion has such a strong influence in so many people’s lives, or why racism is still prevalent in the United States. Durant also meditates on world governments and why we grow more conservative as we age, offers his opinions on sex and morality, and sings ‘a hymn in praise of women.’ While some of the thoughts are dated, due to the time in which they were written, or might seem a bit extreme…his philosophical views are eye-opening and offer readers a chance to re-examine their own feelings regarding the human race and what it has and has not managed to accomplish in its short stint on Earth.” Kirkus Reviews
“After a long career of summarizing the events and views of others, in the 1960s and 1970s, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Durant set out to document his views on the most important topics of human existence…In twenty-two brief essays on everything from youth to old age, politics, Vietnam, art, education, and the lessons of history, Durant expresses his attitudes and thoughtful opinions with grace and occasionally with wisdom. His paternalistic, romanticized views on youth and love, and his benevolent sexism, will strike the reader as quaint and dated…He is most engaging when telling the story of his life and his insights into the processes of history. Most of the work, however, offers evidence of just how different today’s world is from the one the philosopher inhabited.” Library Journal
“Grover
Gardner’s polished reading…is engaging,
even entertaining, with an easy swing of tones that match the meanings and add
emphasis at apt places and an expressiveness that’s relaxed, sensitive, and
intelligent. He captures perfectly a thread of self-deprecating modesty that
offsets the doctrinaire quality of Durant’s pronouncements. Durant’s modest
manner, some thoughtful passages, and Gardner’s skill…convey[s] it all to
the listener.” AudioFile