Book #29

I read "The Fourth Turning" for my 5 Pillar class and for a book club.  I started it back in September at the recommendation of my mentor, but stopped after the first section thinking I had gotten what she wanted me to get out of it.  I was a little reluctant to pick it back up--it is a difficult read.  Sometimes I read a difficult book and am so glad that I pushed through because of all the things I learned.  I'm not grateful that I read this book, but proud that I was able to finish it.  I didn't not like the book, but I didn't like it either. 

The authors believe that history is cyclical (as opposed to linear or chaotic) and that there are 4 turnings (High/Founding, Awakening, Unraveling, and Crisis) with similar characteristics that repeat themselves every 80-100 years (a saeculum).  There are also generational archetypes that are found in each turning: Prophet, Nomad, Hero and Artist.  A Prophet is born during a High, Nomads during an Awakening, Heroes during an Unraveling and Artists during a Crisis.  The authors share many examples from history to support the traits of the turnings and the archetypes.  I had a hard time with all the history.  I have a very small memory of learning about some of the events and people but I can't remember the details.  The authors assume that the reader has some historical background. 

There were a couple of things that rang true, though.  The idea that history is cyclical and that we can learn from past cycles.  Edmund Burke warns that "those who don't know history are destined to repeat it."  The kids and I have noticed the truth of that as we study world history.  We've seen patterns and can guess what will happen when a ruler starts acting like a tyrant or when a civilization begins to fight among themselves.  Knowing that history is cyclical can also help us prepare for the future.  Even though our future isn't set in stone, there are things we can predict will happen based on the past. 

Another theme that I liked was the idea that each generation is shaped by the previous generations, and a generation is what shapes the turning.  "Your generation isn't like the generation that shaped you, but it has much in common with the generation that shaped the generation that shaped you."  Each turning has a certain order of archetypes.  The layering of the archetypes is what produces the turning.  Every High has Nomads entering elderhood (63-83), Heroes entering midlife (42-62), Artists entering young adulthood (21-41), and Prophets entering childhood (0-20).  The attributes of each turning have to do with what life-cycle (elderhood, midlife, young adulthood, childhood) the archetypes are entering.  Along with that, people who were Heroes during an Awakening in the Millennial Saeculum have similar characteristics as people who were Heroes during other Saeculums.  The authors have charts and dates to help you figure out what generation you belong to, but they also say "there is not fixed formula for identifying the persona of a real-life generation.  But it helps to look for three attributes: first, a generation's common location in history; second it's common beliefs and behavior; and third, its perceived membership in common generation."   I am on the boarder of two generations--the 13th and the Millennial Generations.  I have characteristics from both. 

This book has been recommended by people that I trust and respect and has been used as a resource by other people that I respect.  For that reason I read it.  Unfortunately I discussed the book with people who hated it.  They had nothing good to say and even thought that the portrayal of historical events was skewed and false.  I tend to put my faith in the first set of people, but the second set of people has made me think:  How can I know for myself if a book is true and giving correct information? 

 

Surviving Winter

The Fourth Turning by William Strauss and Neil Howe is a history book that talks about the cycles of history.  The authors believe there are 4 cycles, or turnings, that have repeated themselves throughout all of recorded history. 

• The first turning is a High, an upbeat era of strengthening institutions and weakening individualism, when a new civic order implants and the old values regime decays.
•  The second turning is an Awakening, a passionate era of spiritual upheaval, when the civic order comes under attack from a new values regime.
• The third turning is an Unraveling, a downcast era of strengthening individualism and weakening institutions, when the old civic order decays and the new values regime implants.
• The fourth turning is a Crisis, a decisive era of secular upheaval, when the values regime propels the replacement of the old civic order with a new one.  (page 3)
 

The authors compare these turnings to the seasons, the first turning being spring and the fourth being winter.  According to the patterns they have seen in history, America is about to head into the 4th turning--winter.  They predict that "real hardship will beset the land."  There is a possibility of war and a ruined nation.  Reading these paragraphs scared me, but then I read this: "Yes, winter is coming, but our path through that winter is up to us."

 

That line made me think of The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder in which Laura and her family survive a 7 month blizzard.  How were they able to survive?  Can I use those principals to help my family and myself survive the future winter? 

 

One of the first things I notice about Laura's family is that they remained positive and grateful.  Pa started his morning singing, the older kids didn't complain for the sake of the the younger kids, and they were grateful for the little mercies like fresh butter or plenty of potatoes.  It is so hard to be positive when life is difficult, but the Ingalls family made a choice to be happy.

 

Laura's family also had ingenuity.  When they ran out of fuel, Pa and Laura braided hay to use in the stove.  Ma made a new lamp for light and sourdough instead of yeast for bread.  They lived on 2 meals and went to bed when it was dark to save food and light.  They found different ways to do things.  Ma commented that they had gotten dependant on new inventions.  I love having technology and modern conveniences, but I'm trying to become more self-reliant. 

When the Ingall's family learned that it was going to be a hard winter, they moved from their shanty to town.  They thought being closer to people would help.  Pa was able to hear news from the train, buy grain, share ideas and help others.  The girls were also able to attend school for a short amount of time.  But, most of the time they were stuck in their house, not even able to see past their front window.  They had to rely on each other.  They showed how having a strong family can help you survive difficult times. 

Another way they survived the winter was through hard work.  They stayed busy.  Pa did his outside chores and, on days with good weather, he hauled hay.  Ma and the girls did the inside chores.  The girls worked on school assignments, they read and recited, played games and did what they could to keep their minds off the terrible storm.  I think, if given the opportunity, they would have served the other members of their community.  I have been taught the importance of work and am grateful to parents and grandparents who have shown that example. 

Though I'm not looking forward to the difficult times I believe are ahead, I hope that with a positive attitude, some ingenuity, family and friends, and a little hard work I will be able to survive.