The Advancement of Civilisation in the Western World: 3

In the beginning of the Modern Age, in the Florence of Marsilio Ficino, the finest minds were sufficiently enquiring and creative to produce great art and literature and the development of scientific ideas free from perversion into destructive and trivial ends. Slowly the natural deterioration of men and institutions, however, has wrought declining standards of conduct and government. For the modern age has seen land enclosure, industrial revolution, extremes of wealth and destitution, nationalism and political revolution. Yet once again great qualities have emerged within individuals: in recent times the compassion of Florence Nightingale, the genius of Van Gogh and Einstein, and valiant leaders like Abraham Lincoln and Winston Churchill. So this book continues the study of charismatic individuals as beacons of light within a declining civilisation. Ancient tradition challenges the view that mankind is ever progressing from ape-like origins towards an apotheosis of humanity. The study of history tends to confirm the contrary thesis of a gradual descent from a golden age to an age of iron. Yet throughout history there have arisen societies that rise above decline to exhibit the characteristics of a high civilisation, where knowledge and art flourish and inspire later generations. The Advancement of Civilisation in the Western World seeks to portray these exemplary times of human genius, whilst showing them against the background of oft-recurring times of darkness.