Cycle | Turnings | Life Phases | Generations | Archetypes
Prophet | Nomad | Hero | Artist
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.
From The Fourth Turning, William
Strauss and Neil Howe, Copyright 1996 Broadway Books. All rights
reserved. To learn more, visit www.fourthturning.com.