Henri Bergson

On October 18, 1859, Henri Bergson was born in Paris, France. Bergson was a French philosopher who was influential in the first half of the 20th century. His notable ideas include the concepts of élan vital, duration, and intuition. He was educated at the Lycée Condorcet and later at the École Normale Supérieure, where he developed an interest in philosophy. Bergson's work would later have a profound impact on philosophers, writers, and artists, shaping existentialism, process philosophy, and other movements.

In 1889, Henri Bergson published his first major work, 'Time and Free Will', which introduced his philosophy of duration. In this work, Bergson argues against the spatialized view of time and suggests that duration is a qualitative experience that cannot be measured by quantitative means. This concept of duration is central to Bergson's philosophy, influencing later existentialist and phenomenological thinkers. The book established Bergson's reputation as a significant philosopher and set the stage for his subsequent works.

Henri Bergson published 'Matter and Memory' in 1896, where he explores the relationship between perception, memory, and the body. In this work, Bergson introduces the idea that perception is informed by memory and that the body acts as a filter for it. He distinguishes between pure memory and habit memory, proposing that the past coexists with the present. This work had a considerable influence on theories of consciousness and interest in the workings of memory, further consolidating Bergson's philosophical impact.

In 1907, Henri Bergson published 'Creative Evolution', a work that became highly influential in both philosophical and scientific circles. Here, Bergson elaborates on his concept of élan vital, or vital impetus, as an explanation for the creative evolution of life. He argues against the mechanistic and deterministic views of Darwinian evolution, emphasizing instead a continuous creative process that drives life forward. This book attracted considerable attention and established Bergson as a leading thinker in philosophy and beyond.

Henri Bergson was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1927 for his rich and vitalizing ideas and the brilliant skill with which they have been presented. This recognition came in light of his broad influence not only in philosophy but also in literary circles, where his work encouraged the exploration of new forms of expression. The award acknowledged Bergson's impact across various disciplines, appreciating his philosophical insight and his ability to reach audiences both within and beyond academia.

Henri Bergson published 'The Two Sources of Morality and Religion' in 1932, where he examines the distinction between static and dynamic religion and morality. Bergson explores how morality can act both as a preserving force for social order and as a dynamic influence capable of initiating profound changes. He argues that this dual nature is essential to understanding how human societies develop and change. This work, coming near the end of his career, showcases Bergson's deep engagement with ethical and social questions in addition to his earlier metaphysical inquiries.

Henri Bergson died on January 4, 1941, in Paris, France. At the time of his death, he was widely regarded as one of the leading philosophers of his time. Bergson's works had influenced a wide array of intellectual fields, from philosophy to literature and beyond, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to be studied and debated. Despite his death, Bergson's ideas continued to inspire and influence thinkers across various disciplines, ensuring his place within the intellectual history of the early 20th century.