Philosophy Bites Emily Herring on Henri Bergson
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Mar 12, 2025 
Emily Herring, a biographer of the influential philosopher Henri Bergson, delves into his captivating life and groundbreaking ideas. She discusses Bergson's unique concept of 'durée', which challenges traditional views of time and emphasizes personal experience. Herring also explores the balance between Bergson's scientific approach and intuitive thinking, linking his philosophies to early 20th-century suffragette movements. The conversation highlights Bergson's ongoing relevance in today's discussions about technology and creativity.
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Bergson's Fame
- Henri Bergson, a French philosopher, was a celebrity a century ago.
- His lectures at the Collège de France were so popular that people climbed through windows to hear him.
Bergson's Appeal
- Bergson's captivating lectures, delivered without notes, drew large crowds.
- He offered a reassuring alternative to mechanistic views, emphasizing spirit, mind, freedom, and creativity.
Bergson and Mathematics
- Bergson, a child prodigy in math, solved a problem Pascal left unsolved.
- His math teacher was disappointed when he chose philosophy over math.