10:1 pastoral to sublime

History really does repeat itself. By examining cultural and literary trends, we can see reoccurring themes throughout time. One such example is the Enlightenment period followed by the Romantic period, similar to the 1950s compared to the 60s. In the first of each set of periods, people were very traditional and science-based. The subsequent periods involved people rebelling against the accepted culture and turning toward the appreciation of sublime nature and awesome thoughts.

In the Enlightenment period, we see Shakepeare's works and John  Milton's Paradise Lost. The 19th century then begins the Romantic period and the pursuit of the unknown. Works such as "Kubla Khan" and Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. The focus shifts to the inability of science and sublime nature. Authors react against logic, and fill their works with emotion and passion. 

A century later, the 1950s bring conservative views and traditional family values. The next decade is then full of activists, drugs, and rebelling against the "man." More people speak out against societal problems such as environmental issues and civil rights. We see a turn from traditional to relaxed styles of thinking and living. 

These shifts in culture have reoccurred once, I wonder when thoughts will shift again.