Modern European History. Speaks of Paul Valery and what he meant by saying that Europe doubted itself profoundly

1. What did Paul Valery mean in saying that the mind of Europe doubted itself
profoundly?
Before 1914, people in Europe believed in progress, peace, prosperity, reason,
and rights of individuals. During that time, people began to believe in the
Enlightenment, industrial developments were just starting and scientific advances
began to take place. People then really believed in progression and further
developments.
Unfortunately, World War I broke out. Nevertheless, the optimistic people of
Europe still did not doubt the outcome and were so convinced that it was not going to
have…