We’re long overdue for another Renaissance.

There’s a fascinating book called “The Fourth Turning” that, among other things, discusses how each generation of humans evolves and rejects the values and beliefs of the generation before them.

While I’ve yet to read the book, the overarching theme theorizes that our beliefs are cyclical.

WW2 created individuals with a can-do attitude, willing to do anything it takes to fight for their country.

Following this generation, the baby boomers rejected the beliefs of their parents, creating the hippie movements and choosing to live freely.

Next, the children of this generation rejected hippie values, transitioning into people who prioritized consumption and materialistic things.

So, we ask ourselves: what comes next after those who’ve acquired everything they could possibly want?

As of April 21, 2024, I theorize we’re sitting in the post-consumerism generation.

A generation who’s slowly awakening to the fact that the things they’re buying aren't fulfilling, leading them to go from wanting physical things to wanting things that satisfy their ego, give them purpose, and right their wrongs.

Whether through YouTube videos or self-help books, the consumption and creation of content that gives us validation or the illusion of making progress is where we’re at; satiating our minds and ego, upon which the physical relies.

The reason I’m explaining all this is because the generation that follows the current attention-economy consumers is one I’m optimistic for.

I theorize there’ll be an awakening that our validation and existence were never found in the external.

Although I can’t say when, the next generation will pivot into those who reject everything that is today and find their sense of self-worth internally through creative and professional expressions.

These new innovators, pioneers, and trailblazers will be responsible for the Renaissance that takes place in the 2030s and 2040s.

A generation that puts aside their ego, pursuing a life filled with compassion, empathy, and creating art for the sake of the craft, not to shock or persuade.

Anyway, this is all just theory; take what is of value, discard what is not.

— George