Generations

The History of America’s Future, 1584 to 2069

By: William Strauss, Neil Howe

Narrated by: Mike Chamberlain

Hailed by national leaders as politically diverse as former vice president Al Gore and former House speaker Newt Gingrich, Generations has been heralded by reviewers as a brilliant, if somewhat unsettling, reassessment of where America is heading.

William Strauss and Neil Howe posit the history of America as a succession of generational biographies, beginning in 1584 and encompassing every one through the children of today. Their bold theory is that each generation belongs to one of four types and that these types repeat sequentially in a fixed pattern. The vision of Generations allows us to plot a recurring cycle in American history - a cycle of spiritual awakenings and secular crises - from the founding colonists through the present day and well into this millennium.

Generations is at once a refreshing historical narrative and a thrilling intuitive leap that reorders not only our history books, but also our expectations for the 21st century.

©1991 William Strauss and Neil Howe (P)2021 Tantor

Astonishing accuracy

Absolutely incredible theories that seem to hold up over time. I find myself wanting to study generations further to see what I can glean for myself of possible futures. 2020 as a probable crisis year? Quite simply, prophetic…

Multiple Frameworks

This book was more important than I thought it would be. The detail in which it was able to predict the nature and processes of past and upcoming generations.

Probably better w book in hand

I love this book and the amount of research that was put into it, however, listening to this audible without the book in hand made it sometimes confusing to follow. I think it would be good to listen to the book while also having the book in hand for reference and to pause moments.

Need illustrations from hard copy book

The book seems fascinating. Unfortunately the authors make frequent references to names and events (from history) that leave me cold. Tried to use their support material (illustrations etc) to help my understanding, but they are not available for the audio book.

A great theory and excellent history

I liked it... didn't love the audio. It would probably be better as a paperback due to the overwhelming facts presented.

Roger L Conner

Great read as a history aficionado this gives a great perspective of how America's four seasons known as Turnings are literally more relatable than some of the stale history books have to offer. As a recommendations with how historical events HAVE changed despite what the book displayed with a much needed update with everything has transpired, how micro generations within a generation play bigger impacts on history as well as how Millennials might be an Anti-Hero Generation.

Fascinating

Fascinating information. I am so intrigued by this topic and concept and have never heard of this idea before

Good

I think important for anyone interested in this stuff. Definitely worth the read if you like it.

Eye Opening

Remarkable, need the charts to get the full impact! Sharing with everyone I know. Awesome.

Incredible book BUT Audible didn’t include PDF files

Research looking back at history and bringing it forward in time. Why does society respond to the same situation differently at different times? It’s all here.
Some have said “Their predictions weren’t accurate” What? First, they state they are not predicting the future. Second, written in 1990, their scenarios are hypothetical. The government reaction and policies (BOTH political parties) since 2000 are frighteningly accurate, only political bias keeps one from acknowledging this.
My only complaint is that the charts in the book are absolutely necessary and not included as pdf files. I ended up buying a used copy to review the charts in the first few chapters, this allowed easier listening going forward.