We Are In A "FOURTH TURNING," What Does That Mean?

Summary

This video script explores the cyclical nature of history, based on the theory of 80-year generational blocks called saculum, which consist of four turnings: high, awakening, unraveling, and crisis. The script traces America's historical cycles, from World War II to the present, positioning the current era as a crisis phase. It discusses the roles different generations play in each turning, with Gen X identified as the 'repair generation,' tasked with fixing the damage from previous eras. The message encourages individuals to contribute to societal healing, emphasizing the importance of action during times of upheaval.

Takeaways

• 😀 History operates in 80-year cycles, known as saculum, where each cycle has four distinct phases or 'turnings'.
• 😀 We are currently in the fourth turning, which is a crisis phase, similar to past periods like the Great Depression and World War II.
• 😀 The first turning is a 'high'—a time of prosperity and stability, such as post-WWII America.
• 😀 The second turning is an 'awakening'—a passionate era marked by social movements and growing individualism.
• 😀 The third turning is an 'unraveling'—a time of social decay, economic instability, and political turmoil.
• 😀 Each generation has a specific archetype that shapes their role in the cycle: Boomers as 'Prophets', Gen X as 'Nomads', Millennials as 'Heroes', and Gen Z as 'Artists'.
• 😀 The Boomers predicted societal shifts and crises, and they played a key role in the earlier awakenings of history.
• 😀 Gen X, the 'Nomad' generation, is seen as the repair generation, tasked with fixing the problems left behind by others.
• 😀 Millennials, raised during the unraveling, are expected to emerge as the 'hero generation' in the current crisis, playing a pivotal role in recovery.
• 😀 Gen Z, although not yet defined in the context of this cycle, will likely become the 'Artist' generation, reshaping culture and society after the crisis.
• 😀 The history blocks demonstrate the cyclical nature of society's progress, with each generation preparing the ground for the next high, despite the ongoing crises.

Q & A

What is the central concept presented in 'The Fourth Turning'?

The central concept of 'The Fourth Turning' is that history repeats itself in 80-year cycles, divided into four distinct 'turnings' or phases: high, awakening, unraveling, and crisis. These phases are believed to be predictable and reflect societal shifts over time.

What is the significance of the 80-year cycle in history?

The 80-year cycle, referred to as a 'saculum,' represents a complete historical block. Each cycle is roughly the length of a human lifetime and is made up of four turnings, with each turning reflecting a different societal mood or phase, such as periods of growth, upheaval, or crisis.

How are the 'turnings' or historical phases described in the script?

The four turnings are described as: 1) The High: a period of stability and growth, 2) The Awakening: a passionate era of reform, 3) The Unraveling: a time of social and political decay, and 4) The Crisis: a transformative period of upheaval, often leading to a new societal order.

Which generation is referred to as the 'Prophet' generation and why?

The Baby Boomer generation is referred to as the 'Prophet' generation because they are seen as visionaries who predict crises and shape society’s values. Prominent examples include Bill Gates and Steve Jobs, who foresaw the widespread use of personal computers.

What role is Gen X expected to play during the current crisis?

Gen X, described as the 'Nomad' generation, is expected to take on the role of repairers during the current crisis. They are seen as the generation tasked with cleaning up the messes left by previous generations and guiding society through turbulent times.

How does the script describe the millennials' role in the current crisis?

Millennials, often referred to as the 'Hero' generation, are expected to emerge as the leaders during the crisis. Similar to the 'Greatest Generation' of World War II, they are anticipated to rise to the occasion and play a significant role in confronting and overcoming the challenges posed by the crisis.

What does the script suggest about Gen Z's role in the future?

Gen Z is described as the 'Artist' generation, though their role is still unfolding. The script implies that Gen Z will play a key role in cultural expression and creative leadership, similar to the influential artists of previous crisis periods.

What metaphor is used to describe the current crisis phase?

The current crisis phase is likened to a forest fire—an unpleasant but necessary event that clears the old to make way for new growth and societal renewal. It emphasizes that while the crisis is challenging, it will eventually lead to the emergence of a new societal order.

How does the script link historical events to the cyclical nature of crises?

The script draws parallels between past crises, such as the Great Depression, World War II, the Civil War, and the Revolutionary War, all of which occurred roughly 80 years apart. It suggests that each major crisis leads to a transformative period in history, and the current crisis is the next in this cycle.

What personal role does the 'spirited man' contemplate during the current crisis?

The 'spirited man,' a representative of Gen X, reflects on his role in the current crisis. As a member of the 'Nomad' generation, he believes his task is to repair the damage caused by previous generations. The metaphorical example of fixing a broken zip line at a community center illustrates his personal commitment to rebuilding and repair in a tangible, hands-on way.