Welcome to CSS Breakdown: Book by Book — Season 4, where we explore the timeless wisdom of Will Durant’s Fallen Leaves. In Episode 12, we uncover Durant’s inspiring firsthand account of the civil rights era and his bold vision for a more united humanity — rooted in harmony, education, and mutual respect.

In this powerful episode of CSS Breakdown, we dive into Will Durant’s reflections on civil rights, racial harmony, and his personal efforts toward building unity across cultures and creeds — as chronicled in Fallen Leaves.

📜 Durant shares his experiences:

From delivering civil rights lectures in 1914 New York

To co-founding the Declaration of INTERdependence in Los Angeles in 1943

And unveiling the Declaration at the Hollywood Bowl in 1945, calling for global unity

The episode explores the idealism that fueled the movement — and the hard truths faced in its aftermath. Yet, Durant remains hopeful, advocating for education as the most powerful force to heal racial divisions and prevent future strife.

📚 Key themes:

The origin and meaning of the Declaration of Interdependence

Durant’s civil rights activism and philosophical convictions

Why education, not violence, is the true path to racial equality

A timeless message on building bridges — not walls

This is a must-listen episode for anyone preparing for CSS exams or simply seeking deeper insight into human dignity, equity, and coexistence.