Philosophizing the crises points of history

What does philosophizing the transitional points look like and what is the methodology? It is not currently part of the ideological norm in Western society to give any thought or consideration to the impact of historical forces and the way they form our mindset. In fact Americans and others have come to view the ancient world through the eyes of Hollywood, where very modern men and women take on ancient identities. Americans hate history -- but Australians are not far behind them.
The link between Nietzsche and shamanism.