Can Anyone Explain Why ....., page-6

The collapse of every great civilisation over thousands of years was preceded and accompanied by a descent into and celebration of every kind of counter cultural and licentious excess.

I don't know if what for present purposes might be called Western civilisation deserves to be classed as great, given it has been more plagued by wars among its members than perhaps any other, but it's what we have. For all the great literature, art and industrial achievements it can pat itself on the back for there is yet the same signs of inner decay that, from what ancient records and other evidence are able to show us, are an inevitable pointer to collapse.