The end of the Western Civilization?

Civilizations are likened to living beings, undergoing stages of growth and decline, mirroring human cognitive development. The journey of Western Civilization is traced from the inquisitive nature of ancient Greece, through the restrictive theocratic era of childhood, to the liberating Enlightenment teenage years. The narrative suggests that contemporary society represents adulthood, where major questions seem settled, yet hints at intellectual aging. By recognizing our intellectual maturity, we may find ways to prolong our cultural vitality and prevent decline.