The Generation Myth

“Bobby Duffy is among the most creative and prolific generational analysts anywhere in the world. Duffy’s scientific approach enables him to discount the glib generational stories that obscure our understanding at the same time that he spots deeper generational truths. These virtues make this book indispensable both for national leaders trying to navigate their countries through today’s unpredictable political currents and for ordinary citizens trying to navigate themselves and their families through uncertain times.”—Robert Putnam, author of Bowling Alone

“Engaging and vital. Anyone trying to understand social change has to distinguish the effects of generations, periods, and ages.”—Steven Pinker, author of Enlightenment Now

“Highly readable and insightful. This book cuts through all the spin that caricatures generations and presents the facts we need to know. Bobby Duffy has combined statistics, analysis and a wry sense of humour to give it to us straight so we can think more clearly about building a better future. An essential read for anyone who truly wants to understand our world.”—Julia Gillard, former prime minister of Australia

“Bobby Duffy shows that serious generational analysis is indispensable in spotting the fundamental social trends shaping the future. This is a book for anyone, of any generation, who hopes to live and prosper in that future."—Dan Gardner, New York Times–bestselling coauthor of Superforecasting

“The most comprehensive, compelling, and careful account for how and why the generations diverge, come together, and can better connect.”—Danny Dorling, Oxford University

“Startling, witty, and erudite. This is a must-read, complete analysis of our times—a portrait of the way we live now in all its changing confusions down the generations. Read this to explode the myth of manufactured generational wars.”—Polly Toynbee, Guardian columnist