'the intellectual fashion or dominant school of thought that typifies and influences the culture of a particular period in time'. An example of this is modernism (a zeitgeist) which typified and influenced the art, fashion and architecture during the 20th century. This concept contrasts with Thomas Carlyle's Great man theory, a 19th century concept that suggests that history can be explained by the impact of 'great men'/ heroes. These men are thought of as highly influential figures of whom utilize their power to shape the world. Carlyle stated that "The history of the world is but the biography of great men". So rather than history being dependent on a spirits of the time (Zeitgeist) Carlyle suggests that the heroic figures, bestowed by God ultimately - in reference to the 'Divine right of Kings' and the natural order, create historic impact through the use of their great power. Something Carlyle found was that to study these heroic figures was 'profitable' as it helped to reveal ones own 'true nature', is this why we are presented with the heroes of today, for us to acknowledge our inner-self?
American scholar Frederick Adams supports this theory and has investigated the great influence of monarchs. However Herbert Spencer formed a counter argument to this in 1860, he said that these 'great men'; are products of the societies they come from and that the social conditions built even before their lifetime have enabled them to make these powerful actions. This may suggest that our societal value system and culture gives powerful figures such as monarchs the opportunity to make an impact through their actions. Spencer's theory relates more to the Zeitgeist theory in that the society and values that evolve over time, particular periods of time and their culture are what inspire changes and constitute history.
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