A turning is a kind of era in history that is brought about by a combination of generations acting upon a time and place. In the latest saeculum of American history the First Turning was a high: the economic boom that occurred just after World War II. The GI generation of heroes won the war then settled down in suburbia and worked hard to construct a great society. In the 1960's the radical hippies were part of a spiritual renewal, yet it seems every 80 years or so in American History there is a similar renewal. In response to the self-infatuation and spiritual nature or the 60's generation, generation X has focused on material well being and security - the same thing happened in the early 1900's. Are all these movements an inevitable part of the cycle of American History? Can we get some idea of what is going to happen in the future? Find out in the modern classic by Neil Howe and William Strauss, "The Fourth Turning". They have discovered a cycle in American History in which we are deeply enmeshed and that has great consequences for our future.

Take a long look into our past and into our future in The Fourth Turning: An American Prophecy, by William Strauss and Neil Howe. These two gentlemen have discovered a rhythm in American History. First there is a period of high confidence and expansion as a new generation takes control. Then there is an awakening, a rebellion against the new order. This is followed by an unraveling of the social order, and finally a culminating crisis. Strauss and Howe have identified several of these cycles in American History and endeavor to prove that we are beginning the final stage (or fourth turning) of crisis. They specifically predict what is going to happen in the next several decades. Whether or not you agree with the premise, this book is a fascinating read.

This team of historians has also produced a celebrated work called Generations: The History of America's Future - 1584 - 2069 (pb, 538pp). It reviews the generations of America's past and expounds on the meaning of their history for the future.

In a past edition of the Conservative Monitor we had an interview with Neil Howe, one of the Authors of "The Fourth Turning". In it he answers questions about the generational history of our past and what bearing it has upon the future. Here he speaks of the basis of the historical theory he originated with William Strauss: "Our whole method is founded, really, on one simple and central insight: The way people behave (and the way their behavior changes as they grow older) is profoundly shaped by their formative lifecycle experiences. Much follows therefrom, including the identifying of discrete "generations," the mapping of historical parallels, lifecycle forecasting, and historical cycles. In fact, the applications are so limitless-making you think differently even about your kid's schooling or what to look for in old movies."

Indeed, it is an idea well worth investigating.

Browse the Aisles:

You can perform a keyword search for any one of over 2 million books through our search engine.

Search Now:

Recent additions
to our List!

There has always been a fascination with the idea that history repeats itself. The Fourth Turning substantiates this idea. The idea also caries over to business and economics. Check out The Great Wave, a book about price fluctuations and their impact upon society in our Money Aisle.