Zeitgeist is a German word, which means the spirit of the time or the age.  The Zeitgeist is an intellectual thought that symbolizes the culture of a particular generation. It refers to the general trend, outlook, or taste of a particular period.  This trend of that particular age/time is usually seen depicted in the cultural works and art of that generation or period. For example, rationalism is considered as the Zeitgeist of the Neoclassical period.