--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: One defining symptom of decadence is a…" description: "\"One defining symptom of decadence is a fondness for vast and nonsensical extravagance.\" — Robert Silverberg" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/db3/robert-silverberg-14952_decadence_one-defining-symptom-of-decadence-is-a-f_3873.jpg" --- # One defining symptom of decadence is a fondness for vast… ![“One defining symptom of decadence is a fondness for vast and nonsensical extravagance.” quote by Robert Silverberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/db3/robert-silverberg-14952_decadence_one-defining-symptom-of-decadence-is-a-f_3873.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/db3/robert-silverberg-14952_decadence_one-defining-symptom-of-decadence-is-a-f_3873.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/db3/robert-silverberg-14952_decadence_one-defining-symptom-of-decadence-is-a-f_3873.jpg) > “One defining symptom of decadence is a fondness for vast and nonsensical extravagance.” [Robert Silverberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-silverberg/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Decadence reveals itself through an obsession with grand, meaningless displays that prioritize excess over substance. **In simple terms:** Decadence = lavish emptiness. Key Takeaway Extravagance signals decay. Themes cultural decay aesthetic excess meaninglessness social critique Mood cynical reflective Type cultural philosophical When to use this quote - art criticism - sociological studies - media analysis Key Concepts decadence extravagance value judgment Practical Applications - cultural trend reporting - educational curricula on aesthetics Questions to Reflect On - What drives societies toward empty grandeur? - How does extravagance erode genuine value? ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Decadence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/decadence/) [Extravagance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/extravagance/) [Fondness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fondness/) ## Related quotes > [I never had a fondness for gems or the extravagance of Harry Winston or Van Cleef & Arpels. 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In Volaria, no-one goes hungry, slaves are no use when they starve. Those freeborn too lazy or lacking…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anthony-ryan/your-realm-is-an-insane-place-in-volaria-no-one-goes-hungry-slaves/) [Anthony Ryan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anthony-ryan/) > [Seen from the point of view of the composer, the most nonsensical practice is that of casting people in musicals who are unable to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ernest-gold/seen-from-the-point-of-view-of-the-composer-the-most-nonsensical/) Ernest Gold ## More by Robert Silverberg > [It has been suggested that Tiptree is female, a theory that I find absurd, for there is to me something ineluctably masculine about Tiptree’s…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-silverberg/it-has-been-suggested-that-tiptree-is-female-a-theory-that-i-find/) [Robert Silverberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-silverberg/) > [Never pass by a chance to shut up.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-silverberg/never-pass-by-a-chance-to-shut-up/) [Robert Silverberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-silverberg/) > [“I'm not ready to fuck an empress just yet”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-silverberg/i-m-not-ready-to-fuck-an-empress-just-yet/) [Robert Silverberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-silverberg/) > [Three Rules for Literary Success: 1. 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