“Four score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.” — Abraham Lincoln.
About 160 years ago, on Nov. 19, Abraham Lincoln delivered the iconic Gettysburg Address. As we deal with the aftermath of this year’s election, I find myself reflecting on our nation's history and the striking parallels between Lincoln's time and our current moment. The mood of the country during Lincoln’s address — marked by angst, uncertainty, fear, and division — feels eerily similar to where we are today.
Just as Lincoln faced a deeply fractured nation, we, too, are grappling with widespread unrest and tension. His words resonate now as much as they did then and remind us of the enduring struggles and resilience of our democracy.
Here is the full address:
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate—we can not consecrate—we can not hallow—this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
—Abraham Lincoln
By the time you read this, at least half of the country are upset by the results of the 2024 election, adding to the growing sense of outrage we’ve seen year after year. While things feel particularly polarized right now, it's important to remember that we’ve faced similar challenges before. History shows us that humans go through periods of intense conflict and change, but these "spasms" are often part of a larger transformation. If we stay focused and grounded, we can get through these turbulent times and come out stronger on the other side.
If you look back as far as the Bush vs. Gore election, each electoral cycle since has grown more contentious, with increasing outrage and division feeding into a sense of aggression. So, where does this lead us, and how does it impact us and our clients?
Every day, I wrestle with this question and how to best guide and advise my clients through what’s shaping up to be a turbulent period. The aftermath of this election will be telling. Half the country is enraged and navigating the fallout from that will be challenging for us all. It may well feel like a new Civil War is brewing.
To gain some perspective, I’ve been reading the New York Times bestselling, “The Fourth Turning Is Here” by Neil Howe, a fascinating book that looks at our nation’s history to help forecast its future. It explores cycles of history and how societies go through four distinct phases, with the fourth often culminating in some kind of major upheaval or revolution. In his analysis, we are in the crises phase that he calls the “Millennial Crises” which started with the September 11 attack. He predicts we have a few more years until this “Turning” reaches its conclusion leading to the “awakening” or start of the next period of renewal and growth.
What history shows is that the next phase, or "first turning," that comes after this period will approach things with a fresh perspective. Historically, whether it was after the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, or World War II, this new outlook has often been filled with optimism and renewal.
As we navigate the current political and economic landscape, coupled with the incredible pace of technological change, I can’t help but think of that catchy Disney tune: “There’s a great big beautiful tomorrow shining at the end of every day.”
Unfortunately for the 401k generation this crises period may have a devastating impact on the unprepared before reaching that tomorrow. This is what drives me in my March to a Million to spread this message and help people prepare.
Yes, things may get rough, but I truly believe that better days are ahead. Prepare and hang onto your seat!
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