A philosophical or scientific belief or doctrine that events and history recur in cycles rather than progressing in a straight line.
From 'cyclic' plus '-ism' (suffix meaning belief system or practice). This philosophical concept has roots in ancient Greek thinking, particularly Plato and Heraclitus who believed in cyclical time.
Cyclicism was a major philosophical battle—those who believed in cyclicism (eternal return) fought with those who believed in linear progress, and this debate shaped how we understand history and meaning!
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