Generational Dynamics: Forecasting America's Destiny

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Summary: Elegant and Proved Out
Review: The concept of Generational Dynamics is both elegant and proved out time and again. The elders of any generation have accrued through experience wisdom which helps to govern society and keep it on the most productive course. AS the oldest generation ages away, a vast pool of knowledge fades away with them because replacement generations are overly confident and need to find things out for themselves. As a working example of this the latest statements in hindsight of Robert McNamara regarding the conduct of war could provide important lessons for today. Unfortunately we are prone to repeating the same mistakes as before. You will find Generational Dynamics to be a useful and interesting analytical framework therefore its highly recommended.

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Summary: The role of psychodynamics in history
Review: This is an interesting book by a talented amateur. I think that the basic idea - that "moods" of societies alternate from generation to generation - is basically correct, although I take issue with some of the more specific predictions (for example, the 80 year cycle). The "amateur" part comes through in Xenakis' too cavalier treatment of historical record. There are several places where he clearly stretches the historical fabric to fit his theory. Nevertheless, I think that Xenakis identified a real process affecting the dynamics of societies. Overall, it's a fun read.