The Fourth Turning
History doesn't just happen; it flows in cycles. According to the Strauss-Howe Generational Theory, Western history moves in 80-year "Saeculums," each composed of four "Turnings" (generations).
The Four Archetypes
- Prophet (The Boomers): Born after a crisis. They focus on values and self-actualization.
- Nomad (Gen X): Born during an awakening. They are pragmatic, cynical, and individualistic.
- Hero (Millennials): Born during an unraveling. They are community-oriented and institution-builders.
- Artist (Gen Z): Born during a crisis. They are sensitive, adaptive, and conformist.
Where Are We Now?
We are currently in a Fourth Turning (Crisis). The institutions built by the last "Hero" generation (the G.I.s) are crumbling, and it is up to the new Heroes (Millennials) and Artists (Gen Z) to build the new world order.
How the Math Works
The algorithm behind this timeline is based on calculating an 80-to-100 year generational cycle (a *Saeculum*), divided evenly into four roughly 20-to-25 year "Turnings".
When you select a generation, we identify their birth year boundary and calculate their coming-of-age demographic bracket (typically ages 18-25). We then cross-reference that specific mathematical timeframe against major geopolitical and cultural events in our database.
We don't just calculate your age—we mathematically isolate the exact *mood of the world* when you first stepped into it as an independent adult.