The Past as Prologue Summary and Analysis

What a generational cycle view of American history shows is "when and why different generations apply different standards in working toward progress" (p.349). And what each generation views as progress actually keeps us balanced, so that materialistic, outward-looking cohort groups are followed by those seeking spiritual and inner growth. Thus, the cycles can be seen as spirals, with attitudes, values, and social moments repeating themselves as Americans continue to move forward.

Constellational eras are defined by which generation is in each position of the cycle, and each era type has a typical "mood." To establish a pattern or "mood," it is necessary to strip away the institutions and chance events, and get down to the social indicators that truly define generalized moods.

An Awakening Era occurs with youth reactives, rising adult Idealists, midlife Adapters, and...