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The cycle of generational archetypes and turnings -

Each cycle spans a lifetime, divided into four "turnings," each bringing a major shift in the national mood and culture. Strauss and Howe argue that these cycles are shaped by four generational archetypes in a recurring order throughout modern history. 

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Cycles of history -

The past 500 years can be seen as cycles, each lasting 80 to 100 years and consisting of four turnings, each lasting 20 to 25 years. These turnings bring distinct moods, cultures, and relationships with institutions.

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Embracing cyclical history -

At the time of writing in 1997, Howe and Strauss argued that the Western world, especially the United States, had increasingly prioritized individualism over community. This shift resulted in material comfort but also a pervasive sense of unease.

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Embracing cyclical history -

History may follow a cyclical pattern, but our education systems often emphasize a linear perspective. This linear focus affects how we anticipate events and experience our societies and lives. "When we deem our social destiny entirely self-directed and our personal lives self-made, we lose any sense of participating in a collective myth larger than ourselves," says the book.

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The four turnings -

Each cycle begins with a post-crisis "High" (First Turning), characterized by a revival of community life, rebirth of nature, overall stability and prosperity, and a renewed appreciation for the things that were lost during the previous crisis. 

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The First Turning: High -

During a High, community life is revitalized. The preceding crisis brings about a new civic order, and people are eager to move past the crisis, feeling a collective sense of accomplishment.

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The First Turning: High -

The survival fear defining the crisis now drives desires to invest, grow, and strengthen, leading to economic prosperity and political stability. As the High progresses, a growing desire to fill a spiritual void emerges.

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The First Turning: High -

Historically, these periods are characterized not by major crusades or wars but by stable communities and happy family life. High periods have included the post-World War II American High and the Tudor Renaissance, with four other Highs in between.

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A period of defiance and discovery -

Next comes the "Awakening" (Second Turning), a time when the national mood shifts toward defiance, spiritual growth and discovery, and general interest in the depths of the human soul and mind. 

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The Second Turning: Awakening -

Marked by a dramatic shift from an external focus to an internal one, this period brings spiritual and social ideas to the forefront of cultures. Howe and Strauss describe it like this: “A society searches for soul over science, meaning over things.”

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The Second Turning: Awakening -

During an Awakening, youth-led attacks on the established order begin to surface, sparking a gradual shift from collectivism to individualism. Crime and substance abuse increase, gender distinctions narrow, and children receive minimal protection.

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The Second Turning: Awakening -

Periods marking Awakenings stretch from the Consciousness Revolution (1964-1984) back to the Protestant Reformation (1517-1542). The Consciousness Revolution was characterized by a shift away from outer discipline towards inner spiritual yearnings. This spiritual upheaval significantly impacted the Boomer generation raised during this time.

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A shift towards individualism -

Next comes the "Unraveling" (Third Turning), an ego-driven phase where people grow increasingly distant from one another, become more individualistic, and isolated from the community.

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The Third Turning: Unraveling -

This period begins with a strong emphasis on liberties and freedoms, driven by the individualism surge from the Awakening. The cultural focus shifts from spirituality to pragmatism, with a growing emphasis on sustainability and self-reliance.

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The Third Turning: Unraveling -

During the Unraveling, personal satisfaction remains high, but cultural fragmentation sets in. Moral debates become common, and decisive public action becomes increasingly difficult. As the Unraveling continues, a growing sense of pessimism about the future takes hold.

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The Third Turning: Unraveling -

When Howe and Strauss wrote the book, they identified the Third Turning starting in 1984, which they termed the "Culture Wars." This period was marked by a push towards more libertarian policymaking and a further shift toward individualism. And now, as we head into the Fourth Turning, the public is waiting for something to spark a new era.

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From individualism to civic duty -

Finally, the Crisis (Fourth Turning) arrives, where a significant threat to lives and livelihoods propels a shift from individualism to collective civic duty. It is a time of responsibility and solidarity. 

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The Fourth Turning: Crisis -

A Crisis period begins with a sudden, startling catalyst. As society faces an existential threat, survival and success become the primary imperatives. This leads to a "regeneracy," where people unite for an organized national effort, support for greater public authority grows, and the perceived successes of these policies justify further interventions.

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The Fourth Turning: Crisis -

“What makes a Crisis special is the public’s willingness to let leaders lead even when they falter and to let authorities be authoritative even when they make mistakes. Amid this civic solidarity, mediocre leaders can gain immense popular following; bad policies can be made to work (or, at least, be perceived as working); and, as at Pearl Harbor, even a spectacular failure does not undermine public support," says the book.

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The Fourth Turning: Crisis -

Previous Fourth Turnings include the War of the Roses (1459-1487), the Armada Crisis (1569-1594), the Glorious Revolution (1675-1704), the American Revolution (1773-1794), the Civil War (1860-1865), and the Great Depression and World War II (1929-1945). Crises conclude with a dramatic climax and a resolution, which can be either triumphant or tragic. 

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The four pillars of history -

The book also features four recurring generational archetypes in a consistent order: Prophets, Nomads, Heroes, and Artists. Each archetype possesses distinct characteristics and endowments, contributing to the self-fulfilling nature of the four turnings.

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Nomad generation -

Growing up as under-protected children during an Awakening, this generation feels alienated as young adults in an Unraveling. During a Crisis, they evolve into pragmatic, hands-on leaders. As they age, they become resilient in the post-Crisis era. Their main strengths are liberty, survival, and honor.

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Prophet generation -

This generation grows up pampered after a crisis. As young adults during an Awakening, they tend to be narcissistic. Later, in the Unraveling phase, they adopt a moralistic stance as mid-lifers. Finally, in the Fourth Turning's Crisis, they emerge as wise elders. Their main strengths lie in vision, values, and religion.

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Hero generation -

This generation grows up with increasing protection during the Unraveling. They come of age as collaborative team players during the Crisis and evolve into dynamic post-Crisis leaders during the High. As they age, they become powerful elders, and their main strengths are community, affluence, and technology.

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Artist generation -

Growing up as overprotected children during a Crisis, the Artist generation matures into sensitive young adults in the post-Crisis world. They become indecisive leaders during the Awakening and evolve into empathetic elders post-Awakening. Their main strengths lie in pluralism, expertise, and creativity.

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A prophecy for the next fourth turning -

Howe and Strauss predicted that by 2025, America would encounter the Fourth Turning; each fourth turning has witnessed an escalation in destructive technology and humanity's readiness to use it. This time, America might face unimaginable horrors and potentially confront adversaries with equal capabilities.

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Building resilience in uncertain times -

By grasping the concept of cyclicality, we can brace ourselves for major crises. During each phase of the cycle, it's crucial to focus on strengthening ourselves and communities, and diversifying our skills and expectations to be better prepared.

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Building a collective spirit -

Howe and Strauss also suggest that, in order to prepare for a Fourth Turning, institutions and individuals must embrace a collective spirit. Institutions should prioritize forming pragmatic alliances and nurturing a culture of community spirit to anticipate any crisis.

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Building a financial plan -

To prepare for a Fourth Turning, the book also suggests practicing good financial habits and establishing a financial safety net. We should assume the worst-case scenario where all government efforts have failed, so we have to enter the crisis with reliable cash flow, diversified savings, and some liquid assets that will help ensure stability.

Sources: (Hustle Escape) (Corpus Christi for Unity) (Medium) 

See also: Find balance in 2025 with the "pendulum lifestyle"

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