Henri Bergson's States of Change
Briefly

Henri Bergson, a prominent philosopher of the early 20th century, captivated audiences with his lectures, but has faded from public memory. His complex philosophical ideas resonate in today's world, grappling with the decline of Newtonian science and the disruptive forces of technology. Emily Herring's biography, "Herald of a Restless World," sheds light on Bergson's misunderstood stance on science; he critically engaged with its claims rather than rejected it outright. This biography serves as a reminder of his lasting relevance as society seeks meaning in the face of bewildering changes.
Bergson's philosophy, like the poetry of Mallarmé, is hard to pin down, and yet it speaks to us in our afflicted age, challenging the certainties of science.
Much of the contemporary crisis emerges from rapid technological advancement, prompting questions about the implications of science and its claims to definitive truth.
In his day, Bergson faced misrepresentation as anti-science, yet he raised probing questions that addressed the limitations of scientific rigor and objective verity.
Emily Herring's biography revives interest in Bergson, reminding us of his relevance today as we navigate a world where technological and scientific changes disrupt lives.
Read at The Nation
[
|
]