![]() ![]() A uniquely pessimistic framework at that, one inspired by Goethe and Nietzsche, and one best remembered for Spengler's view that grim determinism will bring an end to Western Civilisation. ![]() It is nothing less than a monumental attempt at fitting the sum of human learning into a particular historical framework. His interests were spectacularly broad, and he is not afraid to show it - The Decline of the West is not a history book in any conventional sense, nor is it even a philosophical text (though that is a better fit). In recent years it has even become strangely topical - but we'll get to that.Īs a background, Spengler was a German polymath, moonlighting as a school teacher. But it is unquestionably interesting reading, so I thought I would review a work few now bother with. It's not light reading, not at all, and the sheer size of the combined volumes makes it a proverbial door-stopper. ![]() After a good fortnight's reading, I have managed to work through the two volume, unabridged, edition of Oswald Spengler's Decline of the West (1918-1923). ![]()
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