USA TODAY  BESTSELLING & AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR

In 2015, while I was writing Those Who Remain, the seventh book in The New World series, I found myself delving deeply into generational theory. My research led me to The Strauss-Howe Generational Theory, particularly as outlined in their books Generations and The Fourth Turning. This research inspired me to include the quote, "Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. And weak men create hard times." Although this quote simplifies generational theory, it encapsulates the idea that as a society progresses from hardship to prosperity, the generation that has been shielded from struggle—the so-called "weak men"—may become complacent, leading to a return of difficult times. These "weak men" often lose sight of the sacrifices made by their predecessors to create those good times and may even challenge the very norms that brought about the nation's success.

 

The sentiment behind this quote is not new; in fact, it is ancient. Every generation tends to view the succeeding ones as weaker. Given the age-old nature of this concept, it's not surprising that it has been expressed in various forms throughout history and has even resurfaced as memes in the internet age. The core idea is timeless and can be traced back to the 14th-century philosopher Ibn Khaldun, and even further back to Plato himself.

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When you study history through the lens of generational theory, it becomes evident that each generation is shaped not only by how they were raised but also by their unique place in the historical timeline. To delve deeper into generational theory, I highly recommend exploring this resource to gain a better understanding.

 

In the quote, the term "men" is used to refer to "mankind" as a whole. With that in mind, let's explore what it means to be a "strong man." A strong man is not just physically capable, although physical strength is important, as it reflects discipline and a commitment to maintaining one's health for the sake of both oneself and loved ones. Beyond physicality, a strong man embodies virtues such as discipline, focus, drive, and selflessness. Their purpose is to care for those around them and to contribute to building a sustainable, value-driven society founded on shared beliefs. They are individuals guided by purpose and a dedication to the greater good.

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A weak man is someone who is often selfish and even narcissistic, driven primarily by their own pleasure and desires. They stand in stark contrast to a strong man, as their values center on putting their own needs above all else. Such individuals tend to feel entitled to the benefits of a prosperous society without ever contributing to it. Paradoxically, they may complain that the system has failed them, despite enjoying a life of relative comfort. Picture someone sipping a Starbucks coffee, using their iPhone to criticize capitalism on Instagram or Facebook. These individuals have lost touch with history and have little understanding of how the world around them came to be. In fact, they might call for the dismantling of the very system that supports their lifestyle. This mindset often paves the way for the arrival of "hard times."      

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Many believe we are currently living in perilous times, and I share that sentiment. According to the concept of the Fourth Turning, we are in a period of crisis that will likely lead to conflict, war, and a significant transformation or restructuring of our existing systems. While this prediction may seem daunting, it also holds the potential for positive change. It is essential that we prepare ourselves for what lies ahead, as failing to do so would mean neglecting our responsibilities to ourselves and our families. The times are indeed changing, and we must ask ourselves: Will we choose to be strong or weak in the face of these challenges?