Thomas Sowell, May 2024
No small part of our social problems today come from miseducated degree-holders who have nothing to contribute to the wealth of the society but who are full of demands and indignation—and resentment of those who are producing. A study of the decline of great societies concluded that “disappearances of empires due to catastrophes have been extremely rare in history.” Rather, they slowly but steadily corrode and crumble from within. There is usually “a growing amount of wealth pumped by the State from the economy,” while “extravagances of fashion and license” develop among the people.
I think a better question would be, “Will America recover?”.
I don’t think that any historical comparisons can be made to previous civilizations – and we are speaking of Western civilization, not just America.
Yes, I think America can recover, even if it’s just hanging on by its fingers right now.