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Fallen Leaves
- Last Words on Life, Love, War & God
- Narrated by: Grover Gardner
- Length: 5 hrs and 18 mins
- Categories: Literature & Fiction, Essays
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 48
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Durant lucidly describes the philosophical systems of such world-famous “monarchs of the mind” as Plato, Aristotle, Francis Bacon, Spinoza, Kant, Voltaire, and Nietzsche. Along with their ideas, he offers their flesh-and-blood biographies, placing their thoughts within their own time and place and elucidating their influence on our modern intellectual heritage. This book is packed with wisdom and wit.
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4 out of 5 stars
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Overall4 out of 5 stars 20
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Performance4 out of 5 stars 8
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At Will Durant's death at 96, in 1981, his personal papers were dispersed among relatives, collectors, and archive houses. Twenty years later, scholar John Little discovered the previously unknown manuscript of Heroes of History in Durant's granddaughter's garage. Written shortly before he died, these 21 essays serve as an abbreviated version of Durant's best-selling, 11-volume series, The Story of Civilization.
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 46
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Performance4 out of 5 stars 41
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The first volume of Will Durant's Pulitzer Prize-winning series, Our Oriental Heritage: The Story of Civilization, Volume I chronicles the early history of Egypt, the Middle East, and Asia.
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Best-selling historian and philosopher Will Durant devoted his entire life to studying the most significant eras, individuals, and achievements of human history. Here is a summation of Durant's work, as he presents the best of world history. Filled with Durant's renowned wit, knowledge, and unique ability to explain events in simple and exciting terms, it is a concise liberal arts education.
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2 out of 5 stars
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Poor choice of narator lets excellent title down
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Schopenhauer was just 30 when his magnum opus, Die Welt als Wille und Vorstellung, a work of considerable learning and innovation of thought, first appeared in 1818.
Much to his chagrin and puzzlement (so convinced was he of its merits), it didn't have an immediate effect on European philosophy, views and culture. It was only decades later that it was recognised as one of the major intellectual landmarks of the 19th century.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Excellent reading
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This book is a continuation of my Motivation and Personality, published in 1954. It was constructed in about the same way, that is, by doing one piece at a time of the larger theoretical structure. It is a predecessor to work yet to be done toward the construction of a comprehensive, systematic, and empirically based general psychology and philosophy which includes both the depths and the heights of human nature.
-
The Story of Philosophy
- The Lives and Opinions of the Greater Philosophers
- By: Will Durant
- Narrated by: Grover Gardner
- Length: 19 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 87
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 48
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 48
Durant lucidly describes the philosophical systems of such world-famous “monarchs of the mind” as Plato, Aristotle, Francis Bacon, Spinoza, Kant, Voltaire, and Nietzsche. Along with their ideas, he offers their flesh-and-blood biographies, placing their thoughts within their own time and place and elucidating their influence on our modern intellectual heritage. This book is packed with wisdom and wit.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Motley Bunch of Philosophers!
- By Jeremy on 08-04-11
-
Heroes of History
- By: Will Durant
- Narrated by: Grover Gardner
- Length: 12 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 20
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars 8
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 8
At Will Durant's death at 96, in 1981, his personal papers were dispersed among relatives, collectors, and archive houses. Twenty years later, scholar John Little discovered the previously unknown manuscript of Heroes of History in Durant's granddaughter's garage. Written shortly before he died, these 21 essays serve as an abbreviated version of Durant's best-selling, 11-volume series, The Story of Civilization.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
You can almost smell the pipe smoke
- By Maolsheachlann on 03-12-08
-
Our Oriental Heritage
- The Story of Civilization, Volume 1
- By: Will Durant
- Narrated by: Robin Field
- Length: 50 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 46
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars 41
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 40
The first volume of Will Durant's Pulitzer Prize-winning series, Our Oriental Heritage: The Story of Civilization, Volume I chronicles the early history of Egypt, the Middle East, and Asia.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Meandering work with a difficult narration
- By Anfisa on 19-07-16
-
The Greatest Minds and Ideas of All Time
- By: Will Durant
- Narrated by: John Little
- Length: 3 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 46
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars 31
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 31
Best-selling historian and philosopher Will Durant devoted his entire life to studying the most significant eras, individuals, and achievements of human history. Here is a summation of Durant's work, as he presents the best of world history. Filled with Durant's renowned wit, knowledge, and unique ability to explain events in simple and exciting terms, it is a concise liberal arts education.
-
2 out of 5 stars
-
Poor choice of narator lets excellent title down
- By Thomas on 11-07-07
-
The World as Will And Idea, Volume 1
- By: Arthur Schopenhauer
- Narrated by: Leighton Pugh
- Length: 20 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 11
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 9
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 9
Schopenhauer was just 30 when his magnum opus, Die Welt als Wille und Vorstellung, a work of considerable learning and innovation of thought, first appeared in 1818.
Much to his chagrin and puzzlement (so convinced was he of its merits), it didn't have an immediate effect on European philosophy, views and culture. It was only decades later that it was recognised as one of the major intellectual landmarks of the 19th century.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Excellent reading
- By Hawfinch on 25-02-17
-
Toward a Psychology of Being
- By: Abraham H. Maslow
- Narrated by: John Klickman
- Length: 7 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 6
-
Performance3.5 out of 5 stars 6
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 6
This book is a continuation of my Motivation and Personality, published in 1954. It was constructed in about the same way, that is, by doing one piece at a time of the larger theoretical structure. It is a predecessor to work yet to be done toward the construction of a comprehensive, systematic, and empirically based general psychology and philosophy which includes both the depths and the heights of human nature.
Summary
The final and most personal work from Pulitzer Prize - winning author and historian Will Durant - discovered 32 years after his death - is a message of insight for everyone who has sought meaning in life or the council of a wise friend in navigating life's journey.
From 1968 to 1978, Will Durant made four public allusions to the existence of Fallen Leaves. One, in 1975, hinted at its contents: "a not very serious book that answers the questions of what I think about government, life, death, and God." And in 1975: "I propose... to answer all the important questions, simply, fairly, and imperfectly." Even into his 90s,he worked on the book daily, writing it out on legal notepads. Upon his death in 1981, no one, not even the Durant heirs, knew if he had completed it, or even if it still existed. Thirty-two years later, in a granddaughter's attic trunk, the manuscript was discovered.
Fallen Leaves is Will Durant's most personal book. It is precisely as he described: 22 short chapters on everything from youth and old age, religion and morals, to sex, war, politics, and art. The culmination of Durant's 60-plus years spent researching the philosophies, religions, arts, sciences, and civilizations from across the world, Fallen Leaves is the distilled wisdom of a gifted scholar with a renowned talent for rendering the insights of the past accessible. In its preface Durant mentions that over the course of his career, he received letters from "curious readers who have challenged me to speak my mind on the timelessquestions of human life and fate." With Fallen Leaves, he accepted their challenge. It contains strong opinions, elegant prose, and deep insights into the human condition as only Will Durant could provide, as well as his revealing conclusions about the perennial problems and greatest joys we face as a species.
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What listeners say about Fallen Leaves
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- jason
- 19-12-14
Wonderful!
Enjoyed this book almost as much as I enjoy the story of civilization series. I disagree with several of his ideas, but listening was joyful anyway. Surprised to find out he knew Emma Goldman, stunned at his conservative sexual views, my only negative remark is that the book isn't longer and more detailed. I recommend the title to every Durant fan out there.
10 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anon
- 29-05-18
One of the best books from one of America’s greatest thinkers...
Although you rarely see him mentioned anymore Will Durant was one of the greatest minds this country has ever produced. I believe this is his crowning achievement. A must for any lover of history !
3 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- ListenClose
- 16-11-15
Fascinating and humorous look at life
Would you consider the audio edition of Fallen Leaves to be better than the print version?
I didn't read the print version, but love Grover Gardner's voice and it fits Durant's voice so well, I know I would prefer the auydio version!
What did you like best about this story?
Just down-to-earth observations and wisdom told in a charming and folksy manner
Which scene was your favorite?
Just about all of them
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
Each vignette touched me differently. I can't say I was "moved" but perhaps "mood-lightened"
Any additional comments?
Grover Gardner is the perfect Durant, Twain, Faulkner, Steinbeck...Americana voice. I really love simply listening to him....he might actually be able to make the Atlanta phone book charming and slightly witty.
7 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Chip C.
- 24-02-18
If only we would live as herein prescribed ...
This is an excellent book. Mr. Durant lived during a time little different than any other. Having also written extensively about the history of civilisation in another series of books, he was very well positioned to tell how life has been and should be lived. His writing will cause you to be reminded of mistakes you and others have made but hey, the world turns and will for a very long time. This is a very good listen/read. The world would be a better place if a majority of it's inhabitants could learn from it(this book).
2 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- sleepy in Seattle
- 06-11-20
incredibly verbose
Good prose can be enjoyable. At many places this is just verbose without saying much. I've seen tweets containing more insights than some chapters here.
Durant's views on politics are often naive.
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Derick
- 27-09-16
Answering everything, simply, fairly & imperfectly
If you could sum up Fallen Leaves in three words, what would they be?
Enlightened, cathartic, elegant
What did you like best about this story?
Classic Will Durant. You don't have to agree with him to truly respect his views on life and society. He's wonderfully self-aware and balanced in his approach. Nothing too groundbreaking, especially if you're familiar with The Story of Philosophy, but it’s great to hear the summation of the lessons he’s learned in life. I’ll certainly come back and listen again.
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 09-02-21
Thought provoking
I disagree and agree with Durant on so many major topics. Right or wrong, his opinions are always thought provoking. History repeats itself, that I know is true. Durant might have very well been a prophet in that regards. His thoughts and predictions on so many things (including China as a major world power) are this day happening. A wealth of knowledge in these pages. A warning if societal morality is lost and I believe it is.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Salvador Nava
- 14-12-20
Quintessential wisdom of a life long-lived!
I'm afraid I have to disagree with some of what Mr. Durant says, but all in all, wisdom from academia, historical study, and a life long-lived permeates the pages of his book!!
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Jason
- 28-11-20
Sweeping generalizations galore
Presents many opinions as fact, with weak arguments. Entertaining, if not old fashioned and at times sexist.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Todd
- 27-10-20
Interesting - Amazing Thinker
Will Durant studied history for 80 years, arguably giving him incredible insights. Very interesting to hear how he thinks about various topics from art to politics to education through a lens of history. Well worth the time.