The Fourth Turning: What the Cycles of History Tell Us About America's Next Rendezvous with Destiny

by William Strauss

As expansive Heroes replace Nomads in elderhood, they orchestrate ever-grander secular constructions, setting the stage for the spiritual goals of the young. At last unconstrained by the caution of older Nomads, aging Hero generations enter the Awakening at their height of public power. The threshold of old age does not slow down their energy and collective purpose; instead, it spurs them to ever grander constructions. When their hubris is attacked by young zealots, they first battle against the new values, then accede to them. Afterward, they retain institutional power, through which they seek and receive economic reward from the young. During the latter stages of an Awakening, public coffers shower benefits on the war veterans who once sacrificed themselves for posterity. Aging Heroes are associated with optimism, teamwork, and civic trust at a time when younger generations appear to lack those qualities.