The Idea of Decline in Western History

This IS the bridge and road over the excrement left by modern Marxist and Leftist subpar interpretations of the philosophy of History over the past several decades. What we see here is a continuation of serious and in-depth survey of the classic philosophy of cultural decline. A. Herman acts as an agent of true analytic interpretation of the highest quality and up to the standards of any Classic writers covered in this book. Unlike modern Marxist and Leftist authors, A. Herman goes well beyond the one-dimensional viewpoint so common in Leftist literature. His writing is exceptional and his dealing with the issues is phenomenal. Surprisingly, the style that he writes in is easy to digest (unlike some of the philosophers own works covered in this book). To present what the thoughts (of the people covered in this book) and their line of thinking was ... AND, then, attack them on their own intellectual playing field is fantastic. Although, some reading is desired before reading this book, it is not a requirement. Thanks to the brilliant summary of the philosophy at hand by A. Herman. A great Renovator Writer (my tag for geniuses like this) and a great Anti-Decliner of Western Culture and Civilization. This will get you interested in more literature of this type and kind; steer away from the Marxist/Leftist BS and, remember, to get a true sense of the state of mind of a philosopher, go to the Source. Then tune it in with another author's interpretation of his/her philosophy that projects rather than distorts the philosopher's message.

I first encountered the idea of decline, in the 1970's as a graduate student in physics, through the work of my professor, the historian of science Stephen G. Brush. Professor Brush associated the idea of decline with the discovery of the Second Law of Thermodynamics. In spite of my admiration for Brush (whose book, THE TEMPERATURE OF HISTORY, Herman does not mention), I think that Herman has done a better job in describing the history of the Idea of decline, which indeed arose long before the Second Law was discovered. Rather, I now believe -- in large part because of the evidence Herman has presented in this book -- that the Second Law was interpreted as a guarantee of ineviable decline BECAUSE the virus of the idea of decline was already infecting the Western mind. (The physicist Pierre Duhem pointed out in the late 19th century that the Second Law actually does not imply inevitable decline.) Herman has written what is probably the best defense of the Enlightenment ideals, namely progress through physicial science and rationality, that I have seen in many years. Herman describes at length the personal connections between the philosophers of decline, and I think this description is one of the book's greatest strengths. Herman emphasizes the remarkable fact that all the Decliners, Left and Right, were united by a deep hatred for both Newtonian mechanics and Christianity. On reflection, this common hatred is not surprising, since these are the foundation of modern human civilization which the Decliners also hate and aim to destroy, as documented by Herman at length in this book. An extraordinary achievement. I'm very pleased that there are still scholars like Herman. With men like Herman around, writing books like this, the Decliners may yet fail to destroy civilization.

Arthur Herman is a detail person and has undertaken massive research to produce this book. I learned a great deal about the history of pessimistic thinking by "intellectuals" looking for ways to have thier governments take care of them and "solve" societies ills. When applied to today's "intellectuals" I learned that there really is not much new thinking going on. Difficult read, but worth the effort.

The viewpoint of Spengler on the decline of the West is an insidious thesis whose continued popularity and beguiling appeal endures notwithstanding the severe flaws that emerge on closer examination. The same could be said for Toynbee's elaboration of the idea of the West's inevitable decline. Herman here joins the ranks of the critics and, despite a prickly bias in his viewpoint, makes a good case for the fallacy of the prophets of doom. And this via the history, e.g. such works as Nordau's Degeneration, of the constellation of ideas behind these first of the 'postmoderns'. In some ways the view of the classical liberal is an appropriate response to the cockeyed conservatism of Spengler, and here we have the correct suggestion the rise of the modern is a creative era in world history, and not the tail end of some Faustian civilization beginning in the year 1000 AD.Still, the issue of decline won't go away, if only because nothing lasts forever. But the latter is not an historical thesis or theory, and it is false to say that decline is inevitable, let alone that some invigorating barbarism will renew our esthetics. So far from being an aberration the Enlightenment brought into being a new age of history, and to foresee decline, and this unconsciously willed as some perverse progress, bespeaks only the idiotic epigone of Nietzche. Herman makes this basic point in a fashion that might not sit well with the mystique of the Spenglerian horde. As for Toynbee, his mechanics of history simply cannot deal with the facts of the rise of the West or its significance in any intelligent way, as if the author stepped from some medieval monastery to be appalled at the end times in the birth of freedom. Let's hope we don't go down fighting against this tide of willed self-destruction which seems attractive to the enemies of the Enlightenment. A bit 'thinktankish', but a useful work.

Herman provides an excellent introduction to the philosophy of history. The writing is exceptionally lucid for a topic so demanding. "Serious scholars" might not appreciate summary discussions of Spengler, Hegel, Toynbee, Chamberlain, Dubois, Garvey, Aquinas, and others, but the form of Herman's presentation suits his ultimate goal just fine. Furthermore, the willing reader will learn a great deal about classic works in the field AND be entertained. "The Idea of Decline" constantly challenges one to consider the value of clearly stated world views and, if readers share my experience, they will be encouraged to pursue further reading in the philosophy of history with vigor. In sum : A great, thought-provoking read.