I’m sure I’ll unpack this idea in more detail in a later post, but for now, as I’m wrapping up a long day with one last ride on the subway, let me simply say that we’d be wise to look beyond the season, and look for the reason.

Culture moves in cycles, and the smart ones in culture take the time to learn about them. Neil Howe and the late William Strauss do an outstanding job highlighting how history tends to repeat itself in their classic book, The Fourth Turning. I remember reading it a few years back, and thinking about how the seasons they described from centuries ago sounded so very similar to the seasons we’re in now.

Sometimes, we’re a little too quick to think that we’re the first generation to do what we’re doing. Or maybe a little too prideful. Or just blind. But culture moves in cycles, and when we take the time to study the why, we might be better equipped to deal with the hows and whats and whos.

Culture moves in cycles, and every season is fueled by a reason. Maybe the generation before was too heavy on information, and so the next generation (or, two) relies more heavily on emotions and creativity.

Learn the cycle, understand the culture. Lean into the reason, and be better equipped to weather the season.

That’s all for now. My subway ride is over.