“First comes a High, a period of confident expansion. Next comes an Awakening, a time of spiritual exploration and rebellion. Then comes an Unraveling, in which individualism triumphs over crumbling institutions. Last comes a Crisis—the Fourth Turning—when society passes through a great and perilous gate in history.”

Strauss and Howe looked back through centuries of history and found a striking pattern: a four-phase cycle which repeats over and over through the centuries. (It also mimics the classic progressions of mythology: Artist, Teacher, Warrior, Leader.)

According to their theory, western society has entered the fourth turning, a period of chaos and upheaval which lays the groundwork for the next century.

It’s a fascinating read. Is it true? And if so, what can you do with the knowledge? I’m not sure—but it definitely makes you think.