On This Day - WIll Durant Was Born
Will Durant (1885-1981) was born
on this day in 1885. was an American historian, philosopher, and prolific
author. He is best known for co-authoring "The Story of
Civilization," an influential series of books that explores the history of
human civilization. Durant's work emphasized the interconnectedness of
different cultures and eras, making history accessible to a broad audience.
Durant was deeply committed to issues of conscience, and devoted to his wife, Ariel,
Durant died within weeks of his wife’s death.
Their relationship began when Ariel was fourteen and Will was her teacher, aged twenty-eight.
Nowadays, of course, Durant would be 'exposed' as a sexual predator in the mainstream media and their dual careers may never have happened.
After a long, successful marriage and professional collaboration, Ariel Durant stopped eating when her ailing husband was admitted into palliative care, aged ninety-six. He found out about her death on the news. Ariel was his collaborator in co-authoring the "The Story of Civilization" series and a philosopher and writer in her own right. Their partnership was integral to their literary and intellectual achievements.
In April 1944, Will Durant was approached by Meyer David and Christian Richard, leaders of the Jewish and Christian faiths, who were keen on initiating a movement to elevate moral standards. Durant proposed a more profound endeavour: a movement combating racial intolerance. Out of this vision emerged the "Declaration of Interdependence."
The movement for this declaration, known as
Declaration of INTERdependence, Inc., was launched at the Hollywood Roosevelt
Hotel on March 22, 1945. The gala dinner brought together a gathering of over
400 individuals, including luminaries like Thomas Mann and Bette Davis, united
in their commitment to promoting a world free from racial prejudice.
This declaration, a testament to cooperation
and unity, was read into the Congressional Record on October 1, 1945, by Ellis
E. Patterson. It symbolized a step forward in the fight against racial
intolerance, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all human beings and the
need to nurture a world built on mutual respect and understanding.
Will Durant's visionary approach and the
Declaration of Interdependence continue to inspire individuals and communities
to strive for a more inclusive and harmonious world.
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