Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✩ (4 out of 5)
Summary:
The Fourth Turning by William Strauss and Neil Howe is far more than a history book – it's a way of rethinking the world and our place in it. The authors look back 500 years into American history and identify a clear pattern: modern history unfolds in cycles, each lasting roughly the length of a human life. Every cycle is made up of four distinct “Turnings,” each lasting around 20–25 years, always appearing in the same sequence.
It begins with a High: a post-crisis era of growth and confidence in new institutions. Then comes the Awakening: a time of spiritual upheaval and rebellion against established norms. Next, the Unraveling: a more turbulent period dominated by individualism and weakened institutions. Finally, the Crisis – the Fourth Turning – a decisive, dangerous period when society crosses a historic threshold.
According to Strauss and Howe, we are now in the final stretch of that Fourth Turning. But what does that mean? Was the COVID-19 pandemic the trigger event? Or is the true reckoning still ahead of us? The book doesn’t give clear answers, but it builds an eerie tension that makes it feel like a historical thriller.
My Take:
The idea of cyclical history really struck a chord with me. It made me pause and reflect – about society, the times we live in, and my personal role in the larger narrative. The Fourth Turning is well-researched, smartly argued, and a compelling read, especially for those who enjoy spotting patterns in history.
While the book focuses on American history, I kept wondering: what would a similar analysis look like for Europe, or even Germany specifically? That would be fascinating to explore.
One thing’s for sure: this book has the potential to make you a little uneasy – and maybe that’s the point. Sometimes, fear wakes us up more than comfort ever could.
Ciao Kakao, your Morticia
🇩🇪 Morticia's Book Review: The Fourth Turning
Bewertung: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✩ (4 von 5)
Inhalt:
The Fourth Turning von William Strauss und Neil Howe ist kein gewöhnliches Geschichtsbuch – es ist eine Linse, durch die wir die Welt plötzlich mit ganz anderen Augen betrachten. Die Autoren werfen einen 500-jährigen Blick auf die amerikanische Geschichte und entdecken dabei ein wiederkehrendes Muster: Geschichte verläuft in Zyklen, die jeweils etwa ein Menschenleben – rund 80 bis 100 Jahre – dauern. Diese Zyklen bestehen aus vier sogenannten "Turnings", also Wendungen, die in einer festen Reihenfolge aufeinander folgen.
Zuerst kommt das Hoch: eine Ära des Aufbaus, des Optimismus, in der nach einer Krise eine neue Ordnung entsteht. Darauf folgt das Erwachen: eine Phase des spirituellen Suchens, der Infragestellung des Status quo. Danach der Aufbruch: eine zunehmend unruhige Zeit, in der individuelle Selbstverwirklichung wichtiger wird als kollektive Strukturen. Und schließlich: die Krise – die vierte Wendung. Eine Phase fundamentaler Erschütterung, die das System erneut radikal verändert.
Laut Strauss und Howe befinden wir uns gerade in dieser vierten Wendung. Doch was genau ist damit gemeint? War es bereits die COVID-19-Pandemie – oder kommt der große Knall erst noch? Genau diese Frage bleibt offen und erzeugt eine unheimliche Spannung, die das Buch wie ein Geschichtsthriller wirken lässt.
Meine Meinung:
Das Konzept der zyklischen Geschichte hat mich fasziniert. Es regt zum Nachdenken an – über unsere Gesellschaft, über unsere Zeit, und über unseren eigenen Platz in der Geschichte. The Fourth Turning ist hervorragend recherchiert, klug erzählt und besonders spannend für Menschen, die historische Muster lieben. Der Fokus auf die amerikanische Geschichte ist verständlich, aber ich hätte mir sehr gewünscht, eine ähnliche Betrachtung für Europa – oder speziell Deutschland – zu lesen.
Das Buch hat definitiv das Potenzial, einem ein wenig Angst zu machen. Aber genau das ist vielleicht auch notwendig, um uns aus unserer kollektiven Selbstzufriedenheit zu rütteln.
Ciao Kakako,
Eure Morticia
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I haven't read it, but this idea that history moves in cycles and that each person has those four stages... wow! It sounds like a totally different way of understanding the past and even what we're experiencing right now. It definitely sounds like a book that will leave you reeling, and although you say it can be a little scary, maybe you're right and sometimes you just need that jolt to wake up. You've got me curious! Thanks for sharing. Ciao!
I'm so glad the idea resonated with you! That cyclical view of history really is a game changer—it challenges the usual linear way we’re taught to think about the past and the future. What struck me the most was how the patterns apply not just to nations, but even to individual generations. It’s eerie how closely it can mirror what we’re living through right now.
And yes, it is a bit unsettling at times, but like you said—it’s the kind of jolt that doesn’t paralyze you, it wakes you up. Makes you more alert to the bigger picture, and more reflective about where we might be headed next. If you do end up reading it, I’d love to hear what you think! Ciao and thanks for the lovely comment 😊📚✨
The notion you mentioned there had me thinking about this meme, am I the only one??
Anyway, on a more serious note, with everything that is going on in the world it's hard to imagine that the hard times are behind us. Sadly.
Hopefully history will prove me wrong.
Thanks for sharing this book. I hope I won't get it mixed up with the similarly titled "The Turn of the Screw" as someone made a post about that recently.
Haha, you’re definitely not the only one thinking in memes—honestly, it’s how I process half of what’s going on in the world lately 😄
But yes, on a more serious note, I totally get what you mean. It really does feel like we’re still deep in the storm rather than coming out of it. That’s one of the things The Fourth Turning touches on: how each crisis phase can feel overwhelming and endless, especially when you're in the thick of it. But it also offers the perspective that these turning points are often followed by renewal and rebuilding—so maybe, just maybe, there’s hope on the other side of all this mess.
And yes! Easy to mix up with The Turn of the Screw—totally different vibes 😅 One leaves you haunted, the other leaves you existentially unsettled. Either way, good luck!
Thanks for reading and reflecting with me 🌍📖✨
I don't find myself in reading history books. But, I think what you said is right. They say, history repeats itself.
When one is reading about societies, they often understand that they go through ups and downs. It can't be one way forever.
"Change is the only constant"
I'm so glad that idea resonated with you! 🌱
"Change is the only constant" really is the perfect quote to sum it all up—and it's exactly what The Fourth Turning tries to make us see: that no era, no challenge, no high or low is permanent. Societies shift, evolve, collapse, rebuild... it's humbling and strangely comforting too.
I totally understand not always reaching for history books—this one is definitely a different kind. It reads more like a lens for looking at the present and future than a list of past events. It makes you think about your own role in all of it, which is part of what made it so memorable for me.
And I just wanted to say—I'm loving this whole conversation! 🖤
I'm glad that you are liking this conversation.. =D
I do check this community from time to time. One of the articles that caught my eyes, was this one. I have not heard of the book before. Which makes it a good choice for me. As I don't usually go for best sellers.
I don't know if you agree with me on this one. But, I think if we all read what everyone reads, then we will not have anything to add to what have been said.
So, what you're saying it's not a history book per-sei. It has the writer's opinion on society and their evolution. It is nice when you find a book that touches you. It creates a connection between you and the author.