People Moving Through Time Summary and Analysis

There are four generational types that can be given more permanent labels - Idealist, Reactive, Civic and Adaptive. During times of crisis, Civics are moving into adulthood and Adaptives are children. During times of "spiritual awakening," Idealists are into adulthood and Reactives are children. When all four generations pass through their life cycles, a full generational cycle is completed. In American history, five complete generational cycles have occurred.

It also appears that each generational type alters its expression as its life cycle progresses. Idealists generally attack the senior generation's thought and institutions as it comes of age, then moves into a period of self-absorption during middle life and then into strict moralists as elders. Reactives become risk-takers but become much calmer and realistic as seniors. Civics are focused on establishing strong institutions and then are...