This book chronicles the years 146-78 BC, a period marked by the rise of economic inequality, social and ethnic prejudice, and rampant corruption, which ultimately led to the collapse of the Roman Republic. Duncan explores how men like Marius, Sulla, and the Gracchi brothers set new precedents that undermined the traditional principles of the Republic, leading it towards destruction. The book also draws parallels between the decline of the Roman Republic and contemporary political issues, highlighting the importance of maintaining democratic norms and addressing social and economic inequalities.
In 'The Fourth Turning Is Here,' Neil Howe expands on his earlier theory of historical cycles, which posits that modern history moves in cycles lasting roughly 80 to 100 years, each cycle composed of four eras or 'turnings.' The current era, the fourth turning, is characterized by polarization, civil conflict, and global tensions, but also holds the promise of a new golden age for America. The book delves into the collective personality of each living generation to make sense of the current crisis and explores how different generations will be affected by the upcoming political, social, and economic challenges. It also provides insights on how the country, communities, and families can prepare to meet these challenges[2][4][5].
The Fourth Turning illuminates the past, explains the present, and reimagines the future based on a provocative theory of American history. The authors identify a distinct pattern where modern history moves in cycles, each lasting about the length of a long human life, composed of four twenty-year eras—or 'turnings'—that comprise history's seasonal rhythm of growth, maturation, entropy, and rebirth. The book offers bold predictions about how America’s past will predict what comes next, particularly focusing on the roles of Boomers, Generation X, and Millennials during times of upheaval.
Das Kapital is a comprehensive critique of capitalism written by Karl Marx. The work is divided into three volumes. Volume I, published in 1867, focuses on the production process of capital, introducing the concept of surplus value and the exploitation of labor. Volume II, published posthumously in 1885, examines the circulation of capital, while Volume III, published in 1894, discusses the capitalist process as a whole, including the internal differentiation of the capitalist class and the tendency of the rate of profit to fall. Marx argues that capitalism is characterized by the exploitation of labor, leading to class conflict and eventual crises that necessitate the emergence of a new mode of production[1][4][5].
In the second episode of The Hundred Year Pivot, Demetri and I talk with the man whose work inspired us to set off on this journey together – the co-author of seminal book The Fourth Turning and author of The Fourth Turning is Here, Neil Howe.
What follows is a timely and thought-provoking conversation on generational theory and the turbulent state of not just the United States, but the entire world today. From rising partisanship and institutional decay to shifting cultural norms around religion, gender, and substance use, Neil unpacks the patterns he sees repeating—and what they might mean for the road ahead.
We explore the defining characteristics of a Fourth Turning, why America and the rest of the world may already be deep into one, and what the implications could be both at home and on the world stage—including the possibility of a major confrontation with China.
This is a deep dive into the forces reshaping our society with one of their keenest observers—and a disturbing look at what history tells us might come next.
Every episode of the Grant Williams podcast, including This Week In Doom, The End Game, The Super Terrific Happy Hour, The Narrative Game, Kaos Theory and Shifts Happen, is available to Copper, Silver and Gold Tier subscribers at my website www.Grant-Williams.com.
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