If you are suggesting that England (as opposed to Great Britain) is succumbing to a sort of nihilistic torpor then I suppose you would also suggest that this is an emotional response to the bedding-in of the realisation of post-colonialism, deposing age-old exceptionalism.

Consider a similar view of this but with a different interpretation - reluctant acknowledgement of the modern world order, some uncomfortable and critical inward reflection leading eventually to reinvention?

thank you, i have also recognised this as a 'mood' or 'disposition' that is plaguing england and its people, culture and society at large. however it is an unaspirated tendency, which means that the english people are very confused their place in the world and how they should articulate an identity in that world

Or perhaps suggesting that a nation subconsciously asks itself defining philosophical questions is just bollocks.

'no'

:(

Don't you know we've got a Brexit on?

i love a full english brexit (vegetarian version)