Generational Archetypes-DeFi-Crypto-contemporary Artists use

Throughout history, the rise and fall of currencies have followed a cyclical pattern, repeating themselves over the course of centuries. While this phenomenon may seem perplexing, historian William Strauss and consultant Neil Howe shed light on this intriguing trend in their book, “The Fourth Turning.” By introducing the concept of Turnings and generational archetypes, they provide a framework for understanding the repetitive nature of currency cycles, and how they continue to play out, from banking to the metaverse. Moreover, contemporary artists use these archetypes to visually narrate the ongoing shift from CeFi (Centralized Finance) to DeFi (Decentralized Finance). In this article, we will explore the authors’ theories on the Four Turnings, examine the generational archetypes, delve into the current state of the financial world, and consider the authors’ predictions for the Fourth Turning.

The Four Turnings and Generational Archetypes:

Anglo-American history can be divided into four recurring cycles known as Turnings, each lasting approximately 15 to 25 years. Distinct social, political, and economic moods characterize these Turnings. The authors identify four generational archetypes that play key roles in shaping these Turnings: the Hero, the Artist, the Prophet, and the Nomad.

The Hero archetype emerges during times of crisis and upheaval. They possess a strong sense of duty and are willing to sacrifice for the greater good. On the other hand, artists thrive during cultural awakening and social change. They challenge existing norms and usher in new perspectives and ideas; once woven into finance, it makes for quite the narrative. The Prophets are the moralistic and principled generation, often leading the charge for societal renewal. Lastly, the Nomads emerge during the institutional decline and focus on survival and adaptability.

Contemporary Artists and Visual Narratives:

In today’s financial landscape, contemporary artists draw inspiration from these archetypes to depict the transition from CeFi to DeFi.

Contemporary Artists use Sacred Designs to capture decentralized finance’s challenges, aspirations, and transformative potential through visual narratives. They aim to create a dialogue that resonates with the current generation and brings awareness to the ongoing paradigm shift in the financial world.

The Past Three Turnings and Predictions for the Fourth:

Strauss and Howe’s observations on the past three Turning provide valuable insights into the recurring patterns of currency cycles. The First Turning, or High, is characterized by a strong sense of community, robust institutions, and a rebuilding period. The Second Turning, or Awakening, witnesses cultural and social upheaval, challenging existing norms. The Third Turning, or Unraveling, is marked by institutional decline, individualism, and weakening social cohesion.

As for the Fourth Turning, Strauss and Howe predict it will be a period of intense crisis, akin to a winter season, where institutions and society will face significant challenges. They argue that the generational archetypes will play pivotal roles in shaping the outcome during this Turning. How society looks for the archetypal symbolist imagery and uses it to learn how to respond to the crisis; will determine the course of the future and potentially lead to a renewal of values and institutions.

Theory in the Context of History and Modern Society:

The authors’ theories on the Four Turnings provide a clear lens to view the repetitive nature of currency cycles and their impact on society. When examining history, we can observe how the behavior and characteristics of each generation contribute to the overall trajectory of a Turning.    In modern society, we can see parallels to past Turnings and the emergence of new challenges and opportunities within the financial sector.

The Current Currency Cycle: Exploring Recurring Patterns, Generational Archetypes, and Our Future

The currency cycle’s repetitive nature throughout history suggests patterns exist within currencies’ rise and fall. Strauss and Howe’s concept of Four Turnings and generational archetypes shed light on these patterns, inspiring contemporary artists to weave their visual narrative tale.