This is the 9350th most frequent Russian word.
таковы
"Such are" or "such is."
In this sentence, 'таковы' conveys a summarization and acceptance of a situation, referring explicitly to 'circumstances'.
Таковы обстоятельства.
Such are the circumstances.
The word 'таковы' is used here to indicate a summarizing statement about what cannot be altered, referring to 'laws of nature'.
Таковы законы природы.
Such are the laws of nature.
Here, 'таковы' denotes the defining nature of specific entities, in this case 'our principles', emphasizing their established characteristics.