The Fourth Turning: American Prophecy
Hightlight
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Geographical
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Historical
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Military
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Narrative Driven
The Fourth Turning: What the Cycles of History Tell Us About America’s Next Rendezvous with Destiny
Authors
William Strauss and Neil Howe
Published Date
1997
Page Count
400
Overview
“The Fourth Turning: What the Cycles of History Tell Us About America’s Next Rendezvous with Destiny” by William Strauss and Neil Howe presents a theory of historical cycles in American history. The authors argue that history unfolds in predictable cycles of roughly 80-100 years, each consisting of four “turnings” – distinct periods characterized by specific societal moods and behaviors. According to Strauss and Howe, these cycles repeat over time and can be used to anticipate future challenges and transformations in society.
- Strauss, William (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 400 Pages - 12/29/1997 (Publication Date) - Crown (Publisher)
Key Themes
- Generational Theory: The concept that history is shaped by recurring generational patterns.
- The Four Turnings: Identification and description of the four phases in each historical cycle.
- Predictions for the Future: Using the theory of turnings to predict future societal shifts and challenges.
- Historical Patterns and Cycles: Analysis of American history through the lens of generational cycles.
Historical Context
The book examines American history from the 15th century to the late 20th century, interpreting events and trends through the framework of the authors’ generational theory.
Authors’ Background
William Strauss and Neil Howe are historians and authors known for their work on generational studies and social history.
Impact and Legacy
“The Fourth Turning” has gained attention for its intriguing approach to understanding history and its potential implications for predicting future societal shifts.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths: The book offers a novel and compelling framework for viewing history and understanding societal change. Weaknesses: Some critics argue that the theory is overly deterministic and simplistic, and the predictive aspect may not hold up under scrutiny.
Who Should Read This?
Ideal for readers interested in social history, generational studies, and those intrigued by theories that seek to identify patterns in historical and societal change.
Similar Books
- “Generations: The History of America’s Future, 1584 to 2069” by William Strauss and Neil Howe: An earlier work by the same authors, introducing their theory of generational cycles in American history.
- “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari: A broad overview of the history of human evolution and its impact on the world.
Final Thoughts
“The Fourth Turning” is a thought-provoking exploration of history through the lens of generational cycles, offering a unique perspective on the forces that shape societies and their potential future trajectories.
- Strauss, William (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 400 Pages - 12/29/1997 (Publication Date) - Crown (Publisher)