How did Giambattista Vico influence Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s view of human progress?

After receiving a copy of the second edition of Scienza nuova during his visit to Naples in 1787, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was deeply moved by the work, describing it as a "sacred" text containing prophetic insights into the future of humanity.1

Influenced by the strength of Giambattista Vico’s demonstrations, Goethe fundamentally altered his perspective on human progress. He moved away from the belief that the evolution of humanity should be represented by a "continually ascending line," adopting instead the view that progress follows a spiral pattern. This shift reflected his appreciation for Vico’s sober meditation on life and the historical development of nations.1