The Decadent Society

How We Became a Victim of Our Own Success

By: Ross Douthat

Narrated by: Ross Douthat

From the New York Times columnist and best-selling author of Bad Religion, a powerful portrait of how our wealthy, successful society has passed into an age of gridlock, stalemate, public failure, and private despair.

The era of the coronavirus has tested America, and our leaders and institutions have conspicuously failed. That failure shouldn’t be surprising: Beneath social-media frenzy and reality-television politics, our era’s deep truths are elite incompetence, cultural exhaustion, and the flight from reality into fantasy. Casting a cold eye on these trends, The Decadent Society explains what happens when a powerful society ceases advancing - how the combination of wealth and technological proficiency with economic stagnation, political stalemate, and demographic decline creates a unique civilizational crisis.

Ranging from the futility of our ideological debates to the repetitions of our pop culture, from the decline of sex and childbearing to the escapism of drug use, Ross Douthat argues that our age is defined by disappointment - by the feeling that all the frontiers are closed, that the paths forward lead only to the grave. Correcting both optimism and despair, Douthat provides an enlightening explanation of how we got here, how long our frustrations might last, and how, in renaissance or catastrophe, our decadence might ultimately end.

©2020 Ross Douthat (P)2020 Simon & Schuster Audio

Glad I listened to this book -

The author makes some interesting points that need to be considered. Unfortunately, he skips over historical/political and scientific facts when they don’t support his position. His case would be stronger if he addressed them. Overall, a good book. His ideas gave me a lot to think about.

Thoughtful and Challenging

The breath and width of Douthat’s insight will open new vistas of thought for attentive readers. While clear about his own positions, the author is exceedingly careful to present a wide spectrum of reflections and options. I strongly recommend this book.

Brilliant insight

The author makes his point of our country resting on its laurels since the time we landed on the moon and built the interstate highways. He accurately describes how we are in decay and have run off course from our great achievements prior to 1970. We are in a state of decay simply put. However, the author makes it a point to not blame any political party or president. All are equality at fault and he even suggests that this decadence may be a natural occurrence in the evolution of civilizations. Very well presented and thought provoking.

Excellent book!!

A profound analysis of the limits of our perceived successes and what has brought B us here.

Timing

The timing of this work is incredible. Full of insight and on point references

Captivating book, and very well written

One thing I came out with after listening to this book is how good a writer Ross Douthat is. His style is unique and captivating, though at times that may veer off into the too-abstract and make understanding slightly challenging. Still, I'm impressed with his skill with words.

The book is immensely pleasurable, and full of fascinating observations on the state of the Western world today, where it may be headed, what it's going through, and what options appear on the horizon. What does it mean when the Pentagon releases what it claims to be possible UFOs? Will it turn to Islam as the final savior from the abyss of malaise, dread and confusion? Why are there so many manifestations of fatigue and decadence in our civilization that we still don't see clearly, and just blithely dismiss? How is the rise of China and Africa going to affect the political, cultural and religious characters of Western society? And other fascinating topics.

Douthat's observations are original and enjoyable to think about. His thoughts are meaningful and make a lot of sense, you will find it impossible to stop listening/reading, and will continue till the end thanks to his originality and entertaining writing style (oh and great narration too). What a pleasure this book is.

A look in the mirror, and into the future

I have often found myself thinking about this book and bringing it up in conversations since listening to it. I hope that we can right the ship and find our way out of decadence.

Yuliya

I found this book by chance and am glad to have read it. I like the way author expresses his thoughts of the society, the analogies he draws and the literary means he uses (something like “all dreams evaporate into the warming air”- about global climate change). The narrative provides a positive outlook despite the grim title.

thought provoking

beautifully written and read by the author. an engaging critic of post modern life and a look forward to possible futures.

Awesome read

one of the best books I've read this year. very insightful look at our society.