Would you rather live during the ascendency of a civilisation or during its decl!
Question: I would choose decline, and I'll tell you why.
For a civilisation to ascend, a great deal of economic exlpoitation is required. It's elementary economics. Economic growth in the fastest possible speed requires minimal, even non-existent regulation and leads to pollution, decline in health, etc.
During a civlisation's decline it has stopped growing and thus, the economic conduct is more genteel, people on average are more confortable and healthy and thus, more unaware of what troubles lie ahead due to no more growth.
The incidences associated with both rapid growth and the point past the peak were present in every defunct civilisation.
Answers: I would choose decline, and I'll tell you why.
For a civilisation to ascend, a great deal of economic exlpoitation is required. It's elementary economics. Economic growth in the fastest possible speed requires minimal, even non-existent regulation and leads to pollution, decline in health, etc.
During a civlisation's decline it has stopped growing and thus, the economic conduct is more genteel, people on average are more confortable and healthy and thus, more unaware of what troubles lie ahead due to no more growth.
The incidences associated with both rapid growth and the point past the peak were present in every defunct civilisation.
i think the word you are looking for is ascension or, ascent. (Ascendency may sound like a synonymn for ascent but it actually means something entirely different - having to do with governing powers)
Anyway, to answer your question I would still choose ascension because it is more important to me to live in society that is working toward something, even if it is a bit of a struggle. Such a life would be much more gratifying than being surrounded by these mindless lazy pigs of the decline. I'd trade a few worldly comforts, if meant I could in a society that actually thinks, and dreams... that actually cares about SOMETHING.
on its ascendency, if i am, say, a royalty.
but on its decline if i'm just sort of a vendor. :)
We are living in the decline and resurgence of Western civilization as it is not so simple, so black-and-white, as that.
Hmm, a different kind of question, and tough!
I suppose I'd rather live during the decline as well, as it will always be later and therefore more advanced.
Do you realise that when you're talking about the 'decline',you're describing modern America?THAT'S WHERE WE ARE,RIGHT NOW!As a matter of fact,it IS kinda nice,like riding in a convertible that's about to crash.Enjoying the ride...(can it be stopped?)