Literary notes about Decline (AI summary)
In literature, "decline" serves a multitude of roles, reflecting both tangible and abstract processes. In historical narratives, authors describe the inevitable deterioration of once-mighty institutions and civilizations, as seen in the portrayal of the fall of Rome and the waning influence of empires ([1], [2], [3]). The term also captures a natural transition, marking the fading of daylight or the gradual diminishment of mental acuity ([4], [5], [6]). At times, it functions as a marker of deliberate refusal, where characters politely or firmly reject propositions or invitations ([7], [8], [9], [10], [11]). Furthermore, religious and moral texts invoke "decline" as a call to avoid evil and maintain virtue ([12], [13], [14], [15]). This versatile word thus delineates both a physical downfall and a conscious decision to abstain, enriching its significance across genres and eras.
- The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire HISTORY OF THE DECLINE AND FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE Edward Gibbon, Esq.
— from The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon - But the decline of Rome was the natural and inevitable effect of immoderate greatness.
— from The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon - 28 The Decline of Manila during the Next Century.
— from A History of the Philippines by David P. Barrows - A short gallop brought them to the road of Chaillot; the day began to decline, carriages were passing and repassing.
— from The three musketeers by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet - The wind was already strong, and increased with the decline of day.
— from The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne - The important stage is the one which precedes this, and in which a definite decline in mental power is not yet perceivable.
— from Criminal Psychology: A Manual for Judges, Practitioners, and Students by Hans Gross - If you shall still decline doing so, then use it at your own discretion to promote the cause of woman suffrage."
— from The Life and Work of Susan B. Anthony (Volume 1 of 2) by Ida Husted Harper - You must do as many copies as possible, for you’ll be asked for them from other places.” “No, excuse me; I can’t undertake such a … I decline.”
— from The possessed : by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - “I have told you that I decline to play.”
— from Dead Souls by Nikolai Vasilevich Gogol - “Miss Verinder begs to decline entering into any correspondence with Mr. Franklin Blake.”
— from The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins - For the same reason he will only accept such honours as will make him a better man; any others he will decline.
— from The Republic by Plato - The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to decline from the ruin of death.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - Decline from evil and do good, and dwell for ever and ever.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - 4:5. Get wisdom, get prudence: forget not, neither decline from the words of my mouth.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - According to his law; and thou shalt follow their sentence: neither shalt thou decline to the right hand nor to the left hand.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete