The stages of the rise and fall of great nations seem to be:  The Age of Pioneers, the Age of  Conquests, the Age of Commerce, the Age of Affluence, the Age of Intellect, and the Age of Decadence.

"The Age of Decadence is marked by: defensiveness, pessimism, materialism, frivolity, an influx of foreigners, the Welfare State, (and) a weakening of religion.  Decadence is due to:  a long period of wealth and power, selfishness, love of money, and the loss of a sense of duty."

This description of the stages of the demise of great nations and the characteristics of national decadence was written in 1977 well before the current state of affairs in our nation.

Author:  John Glubb, "The Fate of Empires" as quoted from "Defying Normal..." by Skip Heitzig.