The Silent
Generation
Edited 3/1/26
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The Silent
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Nearly fifty million Americans were born to the Silent Generation in America from the beginning of 1925 through 1942. Before them were the so-called the Lost Generation, then G.I. Generation and after them the Boom Generation, then the X, the Millennial (or Y), Z, now Alpha. The boundaries of generations are approximate and cannot be resolved, probably for many years after they are gone. Likewise with names as the cryptic x, y, z, and alpha clearly indicate. Generations are usually named by significant people in other generations, so the names are not necessarily nice. No generation has as small a reputation as does the Silent. No generation since the American Civil War has been so misunderstood and underestimated. For future "generationalogists" it is important when naming or dating generations that you have chosen historial events that swept through the whole society and changed their posture and point of view. I think the authors, Straus and Howe, over emphasized religious enthusiasms because they were a lot more important before radio and television. I think September 11th 2001 is such a turning point, and yet the Great Resession of 2008 was a turning point for millions. Generationalogy is a slow discipline, so be modest. Silents are about 100% retired at this point. No Silent commands an industry, a battlefield, anything at all. They will have gone well into the background. So, who were these strange folk named "Silent," these people who could not be the clamorous folk who preceded them nor the next group--the inward-looking Boomers? This website is now thirty years old. It is for the Silents, the "beats" and the "beatniks," for Philip Wylie's generation of unappreciative "vipers," but more appropriately, it is for this "bridge" generation of "somewhat" quieter but nevertheless industrious people. Take a good look at the Silents: these people who finally brought you civil rights, an unparalleled national wealth in the arts and commerce, and unimaginable advances in science and technology. You might notice some of the quality of the Silent generation, and you might infer that the loudest drums are not necessarily the best. I ask you to take this visit seriously. According to the theory presented here, big trouble is headed our way. Knowledge about generations will play an enormous part in the outcome. On the left you will see the theory of generations as expressed by William Strauss and Neil Howe. On the right you will find lists of Silents. Much of the information and many of the ideas in this site have been taken directly from Generations: A Future History of America from 1584 to 2069 by William Strauss and Neil Howe. Persons who wish to link to this site may do so, on the condition that they provide a standard acknowledgement at their own site of the book, its authors, and of the additional contributions of yours truly.
Copyright © James R. Brett: 1996-2026. |
Silents in Government and Politics
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