Feed the inner duck

Not with human news 

Or greedy things that suck,

But give it quiet views;

Comments from the moon.

Opinions from the sky.

The insights of a tune.

The wisdom of a sigh.

-Michael Leunig

History Doesn’t Repeat, But It Rymes 

In a world hurtling toward what feels like an inevitable cliff, our daily algorithmically fed news cycles have evolved from continuous to relentless, reaching a brutal intensity that leaves many feeling shell-shocked and powerless. We may be shell-shocked, but we are not powerless.

In this episode, I explore parallels between our current political moment and historical patterns of crisis, highlighting the work of William Strauss and Neil Howe, who proposed the Strauss-Howe Generational Theory and the concept of “The Fourth Turning,” as described in their 197 best-selling book of the same name (and expounded upon in a 2023 sequel, The Fourth Turning is Here. The theory defines a Fourth Turning as a crisis period, a decisive era of upheaval that reshapes societies every 80 to 100 years. World War II ended 80 years ago. 

As we navigate what appears to be a contemporary Fourth Turning, characterized by authoritarian challenges, democratic erosion, and an alarmingly tepid response to the climate crisis, the question becomes not whether we can survive these historical forces, but how we can respond with wisdom and resilience.

Seeking Our Inner Duck and the Work of Michael Luenig

From here, my discussion takes a whimsical turn as I explore the wisdom of ‘following your inner duck.’ Australian artist and philosopher Michael Leunig renders a simple image of a humble man praying to a caring duck—his inner duck. The image is poignant in its simplicity.  

Amidst the noise, the notion of following our inner duck emerges as a whimsical yet profound metaphor for grounding ourselves in intuition and authenticity, reminding us to seek beauty and connection rather than get lost in the chaos. Leunig’s Duck invites a sincere approach to life, suggesting that by connecting with our inner selves—our ‘ducks’—we can navigate life’s storms and the historical forces bearing down with clarity and purpose.  

By prioritizing beauty, humility, and connection, we can cultivate a quiet resilience rooted in peace and empathy that not only helps us endure the present but also empowers us to navigate crises, a Fourth Turning, toward a brighter future. 

Ultimately, this episode is a thoughtful blend of history, philosophy, and practical wisdom, inviting us to reflect on our capacity for hope and action in the face of adversity.

 

Takeaways:

• The relentless nature of today's news cycle can leave us feeling overwhelmed and disoriented, much like historical political blitzkriegs.
• Understanding historical patterns, such as Strauss and Howe's generational theory, can offer insights into our current societal crises and challenges.
• The importance of finding calm and balance, symbolized by the metaphor of following our inner duck, is crucial in navigating chaotic times.
• The Fourth Turning, as articulated by Strauss and Howe, suggests we are in a decisive era that will shape our society for decades to come.
• Even in the bleakest moments, maintaining hope and resilience is essential, as history shows us that crisis can lead to renewal and transformation.
• Engaging with our values and seeking beauty amidst chaos can help us remain grounded and effective in our responses to societal challenges.

Resources:

• The Fourth Turning
• The Strauss-Howe Generational Theory
• Michael Leunig
• The School for Duck Whisperers Podcast
• TSDW on LinkedIn
• GlobalWarmingisReal.com