This book—which took me over ten years to complete—will reveal you to be a benefciary of an ancient heritage of dazzling depth and beauty. By the sheer fact of being a human being, you are connected to the heroes of the past, who through their relentless pursuit of truth, beauty, moral excellence, and mental discipline have moved the world incrementally forward. It is time for you to become acquainted with this heritage—and this book will do just that.

We will trace the coming into consciousness of the human race from its tribal beginnings all the way up to the modern day. We will focus not on the succession of wars and kings, but on the soul-stirring and brave individuals, who with their ideas and insights have shaped our world, our self-perception, our understanding, and our freedom, and whose stories can give rich meaning to our lives.

We start our...