Herald of a Restless World explores the life and influence of Henri Bergson, a philosopher who was once a global celebrity. The book delves into Bergson's impact on art, politics, and social movements, highlighting his unique ability to bring philosophy to the masses. The reviewer reflects on Bergson's extraordinary fame and the enduring relevance of his ideas.
Herald of a Restless World by Emily Herring offers a fascinating look into the life and times of Henri Bergson, a philosopher who achieved unprecedented fame in the early 20th century. The book captures Bergson's influence on various aspects of society, from contemporary art to radical politics and progressive social movements. The reviewer notes that Bergson's celebrity was remarkable, especially considering the era's lack of modern media and communication tools. Bergson's ideas, which were widely disseminated and adapted, continue to resonate today. The reviewer also reflects on the broader implications of Bergson's philosophy, suggesting that his work remains relevant in understanding the complexities of human experience and the restless nature of the world.
Quick quotes
Bergson was one of the most famous people in the world.
To understand how extraordinary Bergson’s celebrity was, we have to put ourselves back to a time when newspapers and word of mouth were the main disseminators of fame.
Bergson’s fame reached far beyond his homeland, and at its height, his ideas, or some version of them, could be found informing contemporary art, radical politics, progressive social movements, and much more.