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

by William Strauss

By the mid-2020s, the generational archetypes will be ready for something new. The Fourth Turning will be ready to expire when old Prophets weaken, Nomads tire of public urgency, and Heroes feel hubris. This occurs around the time each archetype stands on the brink of a new life phase: ■ The elder Prophets, still leading the culture while vacating institutions, now worry about a society whose new materialism they find alien. ■ The midlife Nomads, sensing that the old crusades have run their course, now plan to fortify community discipline and narrow the scope of personal choice. ■ The young-adult Heroes, energized by the success of collective action, now want to change society from the outside in. ■ The child Artists, credulous youths in a world of powerful adults, learn to trust conventions and prepare for ways to help others. By the middle 2020s, the archetypal constellation will change, as each generation begins entering a new phase of life.