I recently read a book I’d been curious about called The Fourth Turning by William Strauss and Neil Howe. The book theorizes that history changes through generational shifts, and that these changes happen in predictable and repeatable patterns. One of the big questions the book poses is the nature of time. The authors present three theories for how time functions:
This book works hard to establish that there are "patterns" in American history / American society. In that way, it struggles mightily for credibility, just as its underlying cultish theories of numerology do.
The bottom line is that there is no wisdom here. Just a lot of pseudo-science referencing pseudo-factual information. I too read about 25%, then skipped around a bit looking for something credible that reveals why this numerology thing has any credibility and (in this tome) only applies to America, and not the rest of the planet.
Unless you are a disciple of Numerology or Steve Bannon / Brietbart.com, the book is a waste of your time.
I find the spiral theory interesting -- maybe time moves forward but our narratives repeat?
I have a hard time with this book, I get triggered by Steve Bannon's cult like devotion to the framework -- Bannon believes we are in a fourth turning and hence we should everything down. He talks also about is the numerology in the book -- Does the book indeed delve into numerology? I recall him claiming the "numbers" say we are due for a turning?
This book works hard to establish that there are "patterns" in American history / American society. In that way, it struggles mightily for credibility, just as its underlying cultish theories of numerology do.
The bottom line is that there is no wisdom here. Just a lot of pseudo-science referencing pseudo-factual information. I too read about 25%, then skipped around a bit looking for something credible that reveals why this numerology thing has any credibility and (in this tome) only applies to America, and not the rest of the planet.
Unless you are a disciple of Numerology or Steve Bannon / Brietbart.com, the book is a waste of your time.
I find the spiral theory interesting -- maybe time moves forward but our narratives repeat?
I have a hard time with this book, I get triggered by Steve Bannon's cult like devotion to the framework -- Bannon believes we are in a fourth turning and hence we should everything down. He talks also about is the numerology in the book -- Does the book indeed delve into numerology? I recall him claiming the "numbers" say we are due for a turning?
ps: I read 10% of the book and put it down!