The idea of degeneration goes back to the 18th century, and had significant influence on science, art and politics from the 1850s to the 1950s. The social theory developed consequently from Charles Darwin's Theory of Evolution. Evolution meant that mankind's development was no longer fixed and certain, but could change and evolve or degenerate into an unknown future, possibly a bleak future that clashes with the analogy between evolution and civilization as a progressive positive direction.
As a consequence, theorists assumed the human species might be overtaken by a more adaptable species or circumstances might change and suit a more adapted species. Degeneration theory presented a pessimistic outlook for the future of western civilization as it believed the progress of the 19th century had begun to work against itself.
Famous quotes containing the word degeneration:
“I think middle-age is the best time, if we can escape the fatty degeneration of the conscience which often sets in at about fifty.”
—W.R. (William Ralph)
“In marriage, a man becomes slack and selfish, and undergoes a fatty degeneration of his moral being.”
—Robert Louis Stevenson (1850–1894)
“Where does one not find that bland degeneration which beer produces in the spirit!”
—Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900)