The definition of what is degenerate is not absolute but variable.
I regard degeneracy as behaviours which cause self-destruction and harm to others.
There has always been a certain proportion of degeneracy in any complex society, more common among those who have been severely traumatised as children. Wars and accidents also cause trauma - so degeneracy has a tendency to multiply unless the trauma is treated, which is expensive and few people can afford it.
In history, we see that powerful nations always reach a point of degeneracy. When this happens they go into rapid decline.
This post was edited by inky at March 15, 2020 5:00 PM MDT