Degeneration

"Degeneration" by Max Simon Nordau is a study that examines the idea of decay in late 19th-century society, especially in art and literature. It claims that numerous modern artists and writers show signs of mental and moral deterioration. Nordau critiques the art movements of his time and how they might affect society, starting with a dedication to Cæsar Lombroso. The "fin-de-siècle" mood, which reflects the era's worries and confusion, is presented as a sign of societal decline, seen in behaviors, fashions, and the arts. Psychological issues like hysteria and moral insanity are said to cause these trends, warning readers about the serious effects of cultural trends.