The Decadent Society

By: Ross Douthat

Narrated by: Ross Douthat

From the New York Times columnist and bestselling 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.

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.

Brilliant analysis, sharp, refreshing

One of the best books about our times and cultural moment.
So well-read, profound and thought-provoking, told with sharp wit and disarming humor. A small masterpiece.

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.