And here we determine the άκμή [acme], i.e. perfect state…
![“And here we determine the άκμή [acme], i.e. perfect state, of the nations, which is enjoyed when the sciences, disciplines and arts, all of which draw their being from religion and the law, are in service to religion and the law. Hence when the nations conduct themselves in a different way, as…” quote by Giambattista Vico](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/8b2/giambattista-vico-24320_art_and-here-we-determine-the-acme-i-e-perfe_376482.png)
““And here we determine the άκμή [acme], i.e. perfect state, of the nations, which is enjoyed when the sciences, disciplines and arts, all of which draw their being from religion and the law, are in service to religion and the law. Hence when the nations conduct themselves in a different way, as they would with the Epicureans and Stoics, or with indifference to it, as with the sceptics, or contrary to it, as with the atheists, they proceed to their downfall, losing their own dominant religions and, with them, their own laws. And because they do not value their own religions and laws as being worthy of defence, they proceed to lose also their own arms and languages and, with the loss of these properties, the further property of retaining their own names within those of other dominant nations. Hence, having proved that their nature is such that they are incapable of governing themselves, they lose their own governments. Thus, in accordance with the eternal law of Providence, the natural law of the heroic gentes, in which there is no equality of justice between the weak and the strong, recurs.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
When societies abandon their foundational religious and legal values, they lose identity and governance, leading to decline.
In simple terms: Losing core values leads to downfall.
Key Takeaway
Preserve core cultural foundations.
Themes
culture
law
decline
Mood
reflective
cautious
Type
philosophical
historical
When to use this quote
- national policy
- education curricula
- community rituals
Key Concepts
philosophy
political theory
Questions to Reflect On
- What core values should modern societies protect?
- How can tradition coexist with innovation?
A Different Perspective
Rigid adherence can stifle progress and adaptation.