Slouching Towards Gomorrah

In this influential 1996 work, former U.S. Court of Appeals judge Robert H. Bork presents his analysis of American cultural decline. The book examines how modern liberalism and the rise of the New Left have transformed society through what he identifies as radical egalitarianism and individualism. Bork traces the evolution of leftist ideology from the 1960s onward, focusing on its departure from traditional American political values. The text covers social movements, legal decisions, economic policies, and cultural shifts that have shaped modern American society. Through detailed examination of political and social developments, Bork constructs his argument about the deterioration of American institutions and values. He explores topics ranging from environmental policies to cultural expressions, building a comprehensive critique of contemporary liberal ideology. The work stands as a significant conservative critique of modern liberalism, drawing parallels between societal transformation and cultural decline. Its arguments about the relationship between political ideology and social order continue to influence contemporary political discourse.

Readers view this as a critique of modern liberalism and cultural decline, with conservatives typically rating it higher than liberals. Positive reviews highlight: - Clear historical analysis of cultural shifts since the 1960s - Documentation of specific court cases and social changes - Bork's legal expertise and Supreme Court background - Detailed examination of radical individualism's effects Common criticisms: - Overly pessimistic and alarmist tone - Cherry-picked examples to support conclusions - Limited solutions offered - Perceived bias against modern social movements One reader noted: "Bork backs up his arguments with data, but sees only negative interpretations." Another wrote: "His legal analysis is strong but he catastrophizes cultural changes." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (300+ ratings) Conservative book sites rate it 4.5+/5 Liberal-leaning review sites average 2-3/5 Most negative reviews come from readers who disagree with Bork's politics rather than his writing quality.

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🔷 Robert H. Bork served as Acting U.S. Attorney General during the "Saturday Night Massacre" of the Watergate scandal, when he carried out President Nixon's order to fire special prosecutor Archibald Cox. 🔷 The book's title alludes to W.B. Yeats's poem "The Second Coming" (1919), which was written in the aftermath of World War I and describes a world descending into anarchy. 🔷 In 1987, Bork's Supreme Court nomination became one of the most contentious in history, leading to the term "borking" - meaning to systematically oppose and defame a nominee. 🔷 The book spent 8 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list in 1996, despite (or perhaps due to) its controversial stance on modern liberalism and social movements. 🔷 Before his career in law, Bork served as a United States Marine Corps officer, and this military experience often informed his traditional views on American values and society.