Degeneration

Brief Overview

«Degeneration» is a book written by Austrian doctor and social critic Max Nordau at the end of the 19th century. In it, Nordau analyzes the cultural, social, and political trends of his time, viewing them as signs of the moral and physical decline of European society. He examines phenomena in art, literature, and philosophy, such as symbolism, decadence, and Nietzscheanism, as manifestations of «degeneration». Nordau criticizes contemporary writers and artists for abandoning classical values and rationality, believing this leads to societal decay. He also presents ideas about the loss of instinct and the degeneration of the human type, analyzing various forms of mental disorders among creative individuals. The book sparked widespread discussion and debate among the public and intellectuals at the turn of the 20th century.