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 co ....