I remember back in grade school, learning/hearing a term or phrase that describes the beginnings of failures of a system of processes. Not sure if that makes any sense. I'm trying to associate it with the downfall of a civilization. Lets take the United States of America for instance. We started out a small and slowly building nation. Then the industrial revolution, then the space age, now advanced computers. Our infastructure has grown so large it can not sustain itself anymore. And all the pieces are starting to fall apart. One by one, the end is coming near. I don't ask this as an "end of the world" question, but more of a premonition. I sit back and see the stitches ripping from the seems. Anybody have any clue what this is called?
"Downfall of civilization" is just too obvious of an answer to make sense.
Regards
2006-09-01 06:18:21 · 6 answers · asked by cjz282002 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
"decadence' or 'decay'. I think that's what you're thinking about.
2006-09-01 06:26:29 · answer #1 · answered by robert2020 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with the others answering this question that the word is "decline." We have not fallen (just yet.) We know what happened to the Roman and Greek Empires, for example. Therefore, we can say that they "fell." However, the U.S. of A, for all of its problems, is still a superpower on this Earth.
I would agree with you that things look bleak; however, keep in mind that this country has kept itself together during extremely difficult times such as the Civil War, the Great Depression, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and other world events which could have done us in. We do not know the future, so let's just say that we're in a decline for the moment.
2006-09-01 07:20:59 · answer #2 · answered by rckrllrfg 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How about. 'This is the age of democracy. We will spread our democracy throughout the known world, whether they like it or not. And I take this opportunity to thank our sponsors, McDonald's and Coca Cola. Amen'
2006-09-01 06:27:06 · answer #3 · answered by cymry3jones 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some people say "rise" and "fall," as in "the rise and fall of the Roman Empire."
2006-09-01 06:28:40 · answer #4 · answered by johntadams3 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Possibly, alpha and omega.
2006-09-01 06:26:09 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
decline and fall
2006-09-01 06:33:25 · answer #6 · answered by beast 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋