Meaning: The quote "But the age of chivalry is gone. That of sophisters, economists, and calculators has succeeded; and the glory of Europe is extinguished forever." is from the renowned statesman and philosopher Edmund Burke. This quote reflects Burke's lament for the decline of chivalry and the rise of what he saw as a more pragmatic, calculating, and materialistic approach to life and society.

In this quote, Burke contrasts the "age of chivalry" with the succeeding era characterized by "sophisters, economists, and calculators." The term "sophisters" likely refers to those who engage in sophistry, a form of deceptive reasoning or argumentation, while "economists" and "calculators" likely allude to those who prioritize economic and rational calculations over the ideals of chivalry.

The term "age of chivalry" typically refers to the medieval period characterized by the code of chivalry, which emphasized virtues such as honor, bravery, and courtesy. Chivalry also encompassed a romanticized ideal of knightly conduct, including the protection of the weak and the defense of noble causes. This era is often idealized as a time of heroism, honor, and noble deeds.

In contrast, the "sophisters, economists, and calculators" represent a shift towards a more pragmatic and rationalistic worldview. The rise of capitalism, industrialization, and the Enlightenment had brought about significant changes in European society, leading to a greater emphasis on reason, science, and economic progress. For Burke, this transition marked the decline of the traditional values and virtues associated with chivalry, and he mourned the loss of what he perceived as the "glory of Europe."

Burke's lament can be interpreted as a critique of the increasing materialism and utilitarianism that accompanied the modernization of Europe. He saw the elevation of economic and rational calculations as a departure from the noble ideals of chivalry, leading to a loss of the moral and spiritual essence that had once defined European society.

The quote also reflects Burke's broader concerns about the impact of the French Revolution, which he vehemently opposed. He viewed the revolution as a manifestation of the destructive forces unleashed by the abandonment of traditional values and the embrace of radical, rationalistic ideologies. In this context, the decline of chivalry symbolized, for Burke, the erosion of the moral and social fabric that had previously held European society together.

It is important to consider the historical context in which Burke wrote these words. The late 18th century was a period of profound social, political, and intellectual upheaval in Europe. The Enlightenment had challenged traditional authority and religious dogma, while the Industrial Revolution was transforming the economic and social landscape. These changes were accompanied by debates about the nature of progress, the role of reason, and the value of tradition.

In conclusion, Edmund Burke's quote captures his nostalgia for the age of chivalry and his apprehension about the growing influence of rationalism and economic calculation in European society. It reflects his broader critique of the societal changes brought about by the Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution, and his concerns about the erosion of traditional values and virtues. The quote continues to resonate as a poignant expression of the tensions between tradition and modernity, idealism and pragmatism, and the enduring quest for moral and spiritual meaning in a rapidly changing world.