Arnold Toynbee interview (1955)

Professor Arnold Toynbee—eminent British historian and author of the ten-volume work A Study of History—talks with Harvard teaching fellow Christopher Wright in this NBC interview from 1955.

In this interview, Toynbee describes about how it took 27 years to complete his series and why he chose to study history on the level of civilizations rather than of single nations. Pointing out that his mother was also a historian, he discusses the path that led him to that field as well, then articulates his feeling that history is meaningless if not utilized for present-day insight; that one can discover patterns in the past without making heavy-handed predictions about the future; that there are about 20 large historical units, such as Western history, Greek history, Indian history, and others; and that the great religions of the world represent the ultimate structure of history.

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[ManufacturingIntellect]

Checking out the affiliate links above helps me bring even more high quality videos to you by earning me a small commission on your purchase. If you have any suggestions for future content, make sure to subscribe on the Patreon page. Thank you for your support!

[tinman]

The more I study Toynbee the more I stand in awe. Although his books are currently gathering dust on university bookshelves, his profound insights bring history to life in away no other historian, contemporary or otherwise, can match.

[dr_ltorres]

Acute questions from the interviewer producing an interesting & lively discussion. Thank you for posting this.

[Sidtube]

Came here after running into the following quote of his: “It is already becoming clear that a chapter which had a Western beginning will have to have an Indian ending if it is not to end in self-destruction of the human race. At this supremely dangerous moment in human history, the only way of salvation is the ancient Hindu way. Here we have the attitude and spirit that can make it possible for the human race to grow together into a single family.”

[jravindranath]

thought provoking ideas expressed with humbleness of a great historian!

[paulmurphy]

He explains his theory of history at 15:07

[briangarrett]

Great interview if a rather odd interviewer. An old-fashioned scholar before post-modern nonsense took its python grip on academia.

[dramares]

Seems like a sweet guy. A BRILLIANT sweet guy.

[davidr]

i'm kind of amazed by the videography and the editing for just a simple interview. especially in the 1950s. Even the lighting is on par with movies of those days.

[alilmusaev]

This Man is Main English Mind in 20 century. Like Thomas Carlyle or J.S. Mill in 19 century.

[loso]

I searched this man up because of quotes of his work by the Islamic scholar Sh. Hamza Yusuf.

[petestevens]

Wow, fantastic!

I was acquainted with a man in the city in which I live who did some work with Toynbee.

These pieces are diamonds.

[hassa]

What's the name of the music in the beginning please

[stephensharp]

I can't see a laptop on his desk.

[lawrence]

his cynocephalic book....eerily reminds me of the Birds' Head Haggadah...

[Aestheticaye]

I'm enjoying this film, but when does the femme fatale walk through the door?

[nurlatifahmohdnor]

Your signature?




The letter of recommendation about Mr. Jairazbhoy, R. A.?

[petitmadrecfc]

There is indeed not an Angus Wilson mansion in the middle of london ofIf setting the world ... #alicemunro #b4after #timeolder 😢

[ihsanbajwa]

آرنلڈ جوزف ٹوائنبی نے STUDY OF HISTORY تصنیف فرمائی ۔۔۔۔۔کیا یہ معلومات درست ہیں؟؟؟؟

[petitmadrecfc]

Look like HeronThere is indeed not an Angus Wilson mansion in the middle of london ofIf setting the world ... #alicemunro #b4after #timeolder 😢