Elam, Ninevah, Babylon were but beautiful vague names, and the total ruin of those worlds had as little significance for us as their very existence. But France, England, Russia...these too would be beautiful names. Lusitania too, is a beautiful name. And we see now that the abyss of history is deep enough to hold us all. (“The Crisis of the Mind,” p. 1)

Which of the following best describes the purpose of Valéry's reference to ancient civilizations in the above passage?

We still remember them so we should be encouraged that our civilizations won't be forgotten either.

While no one can know the future with certainty, humanity has made a lot of progress and isn't likely to be destroyed.

While the names of both ancient and modern civilizations may be beautiful, whatever of value any of them have done may be lost forever.

Essimism is self-destructive; we must move forward and not repeat our mistakes.