##### The Fourth Turning: A Glimpse into Generational Cycles >*The Fourth Turning*, a concept introduced by historians William Strauss and Neil Howe in their 1997 book _The Fourth Turning: An American Prophecy_, outlines a recurring generational cycle in Anglo-American history. The authors argue that history moves in a series of generational "turnings" that repeat every 80 to 100 years, roughly the length of a long human life. ### The Four Turnings Strauss and Howe define four distinct generational eras or "turnings": 1. **The High** – A period of rebuilding and strong institutions following a crisis. Society is confident and collective goals dominate. 2. **The Awakening** – A time of spiritual unrest and challenge to the established order. Individuals seek personal authenticity and meaning. 3. **The Unraveling** – Institutions weaken and individualism rises. Social trust erodes, and divisions grow. 4. **The Fourth Turning (The Crisis)** – A decisive era of upheaval, when society confronts a major threat. This is a time of transformation, out of which a new order emerges. Each turning lasts around 20–25 years and is driven by the generational archetypes that grow up during these eras: Prophets, Nomads, Heroes, and Artists. ### The Current Fourth Turning According to [Strauss and Howe](https://www.cdamm.org/articles/strauss-howe), America entered its current Fourth Turning around 2008 with the financial crisis. If the cycle holds true, this era may culminate in the late 2020s or early 2030s with a climactic event—economic, political, or even military—that reshapes the nation's institutions and values. ### Why It Matters Understanding the [Fourth Turning](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkmXwcglQhE) framework can offer insight into long-term historical trends and help explain today's societal challenges. While controversial and debated among scholars, the theory remains influential in political, economic, and cultural discussions. > "History is seasonal, and winter is coming." — *The Fourth Turning* ### Further Reading - [Strauss, William & Howe, Neil. _The Fourth Turning: An American Prophecy_, 1997.](https://ia804506.us.archive.org/0/items/the-fourth-turning-an-american-prophecy-what-the-cycles-of-history-tell-us-about/The%20Fourth%20Turning%20An%20American%20Prophecy%20-%20What%20the%20Cycles%20of%20History%20Tell%20Us%20About%20Americas%20Next%20Rendezvous%20with%20Destiny%20by%20William%20Strauss,%20Neil%20Howe%20(z-lib.org).epub.pdf) - [Howe, Neil. _The Fourth Turning Is Here_, 2023.](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62917609-the-fourth-turning-is-here)