THE THEORY - THE ARCHETYPES - THE SAECULUM

THE HERO ARCHETYPE

Living Hero generations: G.I. (born 1901-1924), Millennial (born 1982-?)

We remember Heroes best for their collective coming-of-age triumphs and for their hubristic elder achievements. Their principal endowment activities are in the domain of community, affluence, and technology. A lifecycle outline:

• As Heroes replace Nomads in childhood during an Unraveling, they are nurtured with increasing protection by pessimistic adults in an insecure environment. 
• As teamworking Heroes replace Nomads in young adulthood during a Crisis, they challenge the political failure of elder-led crusades, fueling a society-wide secular crisis. 
• As powerful Heroes replace Nomads in midlife during a High, they establish an upbeat, constructive ethic of social discipline. 
• As expansive Heroes replace Nomads in elderhood during an Awakening, they orchestrate ever-grander secular constructions, setting the stage for the spiritual goals of the young.

To learn more about this theory, visit www.fourthturning.com.

From The Fourth Turning, William Strauss and Neil Howe, copyright 1996 Broadway Books.
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