The age of Lust and Depravity

 The Age of Lust and Depravity or a New Era of Social Development?

“Each generation imagines itself to be more intelligent than the one that went before it, and wiser than the one that comes after it.” — George Orwell

This thought perfectly captures the essence of debates on morality and ethics: every era sees itself either as a time of decline or as a period of progress. We might ask ourselves: has our time truly become an age of lust and depravity, or is it simply another stage in the historical development of society?

Lust and Depravity as Subjective Concepts

I believe that the idea of an “age of lust and depravity” is not an objective reality but rather a reflection of individual perception, shaped by personal experience, beliefs, and social context. Lust and depravity do not exist as universal categories; they are mental projections in which social norms, morality, and values are fluid. If the world is a construct of the mind, then the concept of “depravity” exists only within the bounds of personal interpretation, making its limits ambiguous. This means that the question of whether we live in an “age of lust and depravity” can only be considered in the context of how much significance the observer assigns to it. For some, it is a time of moral decay; for others, it is a liberation from dogma. However, if everything is a product of consciousness, then the very question of this “age” remains open—it is real only for those who believe in it.

Historical Examples as Reflections of Eternal Debates

To gain a broader perspective, it is useful to examine historical examples. Societies have frequently gone through periods of moral looseness and ethical decline, which contemporaries condemned as signs of depravity.

 1. Ancient Rome: The Roman Empire, particularly during the late Republic and early Imperial periods, is often described as a society drowning in excess. Sexual permissiveness, orgies, and widespread prostitution were common. Some argue that the moral decay of the elite contributed to Rome’s downfall.

 2. 18th-century France: The court of Louis XV, just before the French Revolution, was notorious for its decadence and sexual intrigues. Prostitution flourished, and libertine philosophy dominated aristocratic circles. This moral collapse arguably contributed to the revolution that shattered the old moral order.

 3. The 1920s and the Sexual Revolution: After World War I, social behavior underwent a radical transformation. The “Roaring Twenties” in the United States marked an era of jazz, alcohol, and sexual freedom, setting the stage for new moral standards.

 4. The 1960s and the Sexual Revolution: The advent of contraception and the hippie movement, with its slogan of “free love,” dismantled centuries-old taboos. Cinema and music embraced sexuality as a core cultural element, and society never reverted to previous norms.

Modernity: A New Peak of Depravity or the Evolution of Human Morality?

Drawing parallels with our time, we can see that contemporary society has absorbed elements of all these past eras. Sexual permissiveness, the hypersexualization of culture, the accessibility of pornography, and the decline of the family unit all bear similarities to Rome on the brink of collapse. Yet the crucial question remains: is this a new stage of societal degradation or an inevitable evolution of human morality?

Today, sexuality is no longer just a private aspect of life—it has become a central feature of culture, economics, and social policy. It is exploited in marketing, entertainment, music, and fashion. Modern advertising operates on the principle that “sex sells,” while pornography has become one of the largest industries. Progress is not limited to technology—it also reshapes human relationships.

Alarming Consequences for Society

This trend has serious consequences, the most critical of which include:

 1. The decline of the family institution – Marriage is losing its value, divorce rates are rising, and casual relationships are replacing deep emotional bonds.

 2.The devaluation of individuals – People are increasingly seen as objects, leading to emotional emptiness and loneliness.

 3. A rise in mental health disorders – Excessive sexualization contributes to depression, anxiety, and self-esteem issues, especially among young people.

 4. Distorted perceptions of love and relationships – Media and social networks create unrealistic expectations, making it difficult to build long-term, healthy relationships.

 5. The rise of loneliness – Despite increased accessibility to communication, society is becoming more fragmented, with virtual interactions replacing genuine human connections.

These effects are shaping a new kind of society where lust becomes the norm, and traditional values fade into the background.

Freedom or the Illusion of Freedom?

Modern “freedom” is often perceived as a natural progression of society, but in reality, it resembles an illusion more than an objective truth. The concept of freedom has evolved through historical and cultural shifts, from the struggle for human rights to certain forms of independence. However, contemporary constraints—such as economic inequality, media manipulation, and technological dependence—call its “naturalness” into question. In many cases, modern freedom comes with hidden controls and dependencies.

The Balance Between Freedom and Morality

The question of whether we live in an “age of depravity” or are simply experiencing a new phase of societal development has no definitive answer. On one hand, the freedom to express desires creates an impression of moral decline; on the other hand, these changes may be part of a broader evolution of society. The key question becomes: can we find a balance between freedom and morality? The future of society will likely depend on maintaining this balance—one where individuals have the liberty to make choices while upholding ethical principles.

Conclusion

We stand at a crossroads between old and new norms. The way we define and adhere to these norms will determine whether this “new stage” is progressive or destructive. It is essential to remember that any change requires responsibility and respect for others. Freedom and morality should not be opposites but complementary aspects that form the foundation of a healthy society.