The Decadent Society by Ross Douthat FTP: The Power of Metaphorical Writing

Metaphorical writing can root an argument. One way it roots an argument, we see the inner thoughts the author arrived at. Then we see where the author draws his line in the sand. What’s more, the metaphorical writing encapsulates history, philosophy, the cultural and intellectual currents of a period, and the philosophical and intellectual currents comprising the author's arguments, and hopefully brings the reader into the fold.

The Decadent Society by Ross Douthat argues that America is decadent. For our sake, before we get into decadence, Douthat argues that America is in a stationary, stagnant state, and has been for some time. That topic, that argument, naturally could take up volumes. Douthat, a heady, intellectual, and philosophical writer, I’m sure could fill those volumes. But he starts this book with gorgeous, reflective metaphorical writing. He also, between the lines, roots his argument without having to go to exhaustive lengths. Here’s how he brings the reader into the fold: