the story of civilization by will & ariel durant

I became almost reconciled to mortality, knowing that my spirit would survive me enshrined in a fairer mold. I came to think of myself, not as a dance and chaos of molecules, but as a brief and minute portion of that majestic process. In the inexhaustible activity of the atom, in the endless resourcefulness of plants, in the teeming fertility of animals, in the hunger and movement of infants, in the laughter and play of children, in the love and devotion of youth, in the restless ambition of fathers and the lifelong sacrifice of mothers, in the undiscourageable researches of scientists and the sufferings of genius, in the crucifixion of prophets and the martyrdom of saints - in all things I saw the passion of life for growth and greatness, the drama of everlasting creation. I felt more keenly than before the need of a philosophy that would do justice to the infinite vitality of nature.Nothing that has ever happened is quite without influence at this moment.

It is a mistake to think that the past is dead. If you take an attitude of love toward everybody you meet, you'll eventually get along. Love is the most practical thing in the world. You may think that's a lot of lollipop but just try it. My final lesson of history is the same as that of Jesus. The only real revolution is in the enlightenment of the mind and the improvement of character, the only real emancipation is individual, and the only real revolutionaries are philosophers and saints. Quotes Education is a progressive discovery of our own ignorance. 1.3 Declaration of INTERdependence (1945).

The story of civilization by will & ariel durant