[archivist1]

The psychological effect of being a member of a formerly great civilization that has decayed in significance is not trivial. I wonder how societies deal with this "cultural status anxiety" through art.

Italians these days seem to emphasize how they are experts at "enjoying life". I wonder if this was always the case, or if this is in some sense a compensation for lost glory.

[easytiger]

Portugal is interesting too. Lisbon, formerly a great port now a tourist jam packed nightmare.

I wonder if "new industrial" cities in asia will have the same artefacting 200 years