Two great civilizations slowly fell into decay.

Briefly stated, Hobsbawm's thesis is that the history of the twentieth century is that of the decline of civilization.

Although 475AD is the year that shows the 'decline' of the Roman Empire, it is not the year of its 'fall'.

The decline can be traced to the 1950s.

But it's the rhetoric of failure.

Will humanity be able to prevent the degradation of ecosystems?

If we continue like this, it's as clear as day that the Japan of five years on will be in decline.

We can't sit there looking wistfully on as this city falls into decay.