<P> There had been, from the beginning of classical speculation, two contrasting opinions about the natural state of man, each of them, of course, a "Gegen - Konstruktion" to the conditions under which it was formed . One view, termed "soft" primitivism in an illuminating book by Lovejoy and Boas conceives of primitive life as a golden age of plenty, innocence, and happiness--in other words, as civilized life purged of its vices . The other, "hard" form of primitivism conceives of primitive life as an almost subhuman existence full of terrible hardships and devoid of all comforts--in other words, as civilized life stripped of its virtues . </P> <P> Arcady, as we encounter it in all modern literature, and as we refer to it in our daily speech, falls under the heading of "soft" or golden - age primitivism . To be sure, this real Arcady was the domain of Pan, who could be heard playing the syrinx on Mount Maenalus; and its inhabitants were famous for their musical accomplishments as well as for their ancient lineage, rugged virtue, and rustic hospitality . </P> <P> There are analogous concepts in the religious and philosophical traditions of the South Asian subcontinent . For example, the Vedic or ancient Hindu culture saw history as cyclical, composed of yugas with alternating Dark and Golden Ages . The Kali yuga (Iron Age), Dwapara yuga (Bronze Age), Treta yuga (Silver Age) and Satya yuga (Golden Age) correspond to the four Greek ages . Similar beliefs occur in the ancient Middle East and throughout the ancient world, as well . </P> <P> The Indian teachings differentiate the four world ages (Yugas) not according to metals, but according to quality depicted as colors, whereby the color white is the purest quality and belongs to the first, ideal age . These colors were originally assigned to the planets Jupiter, Saturn, Mercury and Mars just like the metals . After the world fall at the end of the fourth, worst age (the Kali yuga), the cycle should be continued, eventually culminating in a new golden age . </P>

When did the greek golden age occur what lead to it