Chapters Sixteen, Seventeen, and Afterword Summary and Analysis

In order to become a full fledged Hero Generation, Millenials must be faced with a significant crisis to meet, and with Millenials' compliant nature, the United States may take more risks that will provoke this crisis.

Currently, the generational power structure has Boomers in charge of most American institutions, and they are the generation most inclined to use military force. In a crisis, Generation X will serve as excellent managers and engineers, but it is the loyal and compliant Millenials who must serve as the foot soldiers during the crisis.

Analyzing recurring generational trends, Howe and Strauss predict that some time in the middle oh-ohs, the social mood will change as it has in America every twenty years or so. After this change occurs, the next crisis will likely thrust Millenials into the...