Oswald Spengler

Oswald Spengler was a German philosopher known for his theories on the cyclical nature of civilizations. In his work "The Decline of the West," he argued that societies develop in distinct phases—birth, growth, maturity, and decline—much like living organisms. Spengler emphasized cultural factors over economic or political ones, suggesting that history follows a deterministic pattern influenced by cultural vitality. He believed civilizations have lifespans and inevitably collapse, reflecting a cyclical view of history rather than a linear progression, which contrasts with more optimistic views of continuous improvement in human affairs.