The article discusses the perceived cultural decadence in Western civilization, highlighting a disconnection from impactful cultural movements and trends. Ross Douthat's book, 'The Decadent Society', posits that the U.S. has been in decline since the moon landing. Through the lens of Michel Houellebecq's recent novel 'Annihilation', it reflects on how modern cultural icons, like Timothee Chalamet, represent a generational shift away from the creativity and innovation of the 1960s, marking a slowing cultural evolution. The author notes the lack of new trends compared to the vibrant cultural landscape of previous decades, signaling a deep sense of loss and stagnation.
In his book The Decadent Society, American journalist Ross Douthat argues that the US has been in decline ever since Neil Armstrong got back from the moon.
Houellebecq, with his limitless melancholy, gives the west's doom an unexpected pop-cultural twist here, seeing nothing short of the abyss in the deceleration of teen trends.
Collection
[
|
...
]