"Decadence is usually understood as a state of cultural or moral decline, often marked by excess, indulgence, and loss of vitality. A few core aspects:
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Origin: From Latin decadentia (decay, decline).
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Cultural sense: Periods where art, society, or politics are seen as overly refined, detached, or self-indulgent, losing earlier strength or purpose.
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Moral sense: Lifestyles of luxury, hedonism, and disregard for restraint or responsibility.
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Historical use: Roman Empire’s late phase is often described as “decadent” — wealth, spectacle, and corruption overshadowing civic duty.
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Art/literature: Also a movement (19th century) where “decadent” artists embraced artificiality, beauty, and sensuality over traditional values.
In short: decadence is decline disguised in refinement — a glittering surface covering inner weakness."
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