The Meaning of the War Life & Matter in Conflict

The Meaning of the War Life & Matter in Conflict by Henri Bergson offers a philosopher’s urgent, humane reflection on World War I that still resonates a century later. Delivered as Bergson’s presidential address to the Académie des Sciences Morales et Politiques on December 12, 1914, and supplemented by a short article from November 4, 1914, the lecture examines life and matter at war, contrasting forces that dissipate with those that endure. Bergson draws his philosophical doctrine into the moral and political heart of the conflict, arguing for the victory of a spiritual principle over constricting materialism without descending into hatred or nationalism. Concise and deeply reflective, the text unfolds themes of sacrifice, creativity, and the ethical stakes of modern warfare while situating the argument in the immediate historical context of the Great War. Ideal for listeners of history, war stories, and intellectual biography, this audiobook is perfect for students of the philosophy of war, World War I enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a thoughtful, accessible meditation on how ideas shape endurance in times of crisis.