Henri Bergson: The Philosopher of Life and Creative Evolution

Source: Ludwig von Mises Institute
by Allen Gindler

“Henri Bergson (1859-1941) was a towering figure in the intellectual world of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in Paris in 1859, Bergson became one of the most celebrated philosophers of his time, known for his innovative ideas on time, consciousness, and the nature of life itself. His work earned him widespread acclaim, including the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1927. … Despite his profound influence, it’s important to emphasize that Bergson was not involved in any political movements. His philosophy, centered on concepts like intuition, creativity, and the élan vital (vital impulse), was purely intellectual, aimed at understanding the deeper truths of existence. Yet, in the labyrinth of 20th-century history, Bergson’s ideas were appropriated by figures who twisted them to serve political ends, particularly Georges Sorel and the Italian Fascists.” (09/23/24)

https://mises.org/mises-wire/henri-bergson-philosopher-life-and-creative-evolution