Ten-Year Time Cycles

Emre_1974tr

Graduate Poster
Joined
Apr 19, 2007
Messages
1,399
Location
Turkey
A Theory Based on My Observations

Humanity experiences successive ten-year time periods, which I categorize into two main types: "mystical" (introspective) and "outward-oriented" periods. Mystical periods are characterized by abstract, intuitive, and deeply reflective thought processes, where feminine energy takes precedence. In contrast, outward-oriented periods are defined by action, dynamism, and the dominance of masculine energy.

Mystical Periods

Mystical periods are times when introspection and spiritual pursuits dominate. During these periods, art is marked by hazy color palettes, symbolism, and atmospheric compositions. Literature focuses on the inner world of the individual, emphasizing existential questions and deep reflections. Music carries a slow tempo, meditative qualities, and emotional depth. In medicine, there is an increased interest in natural remedies and holistic cures.

This period exhibits a feminine character. Films, series, and novels tend to have a slow-paced narrative style. Visuals offer an aesthetic enriched with mist and shadows, creating a dreamy atmosphere that permeates daily life, regardless of day or night. This same mood is evident in photography and cinema. According to my observations, the 1950s, 1970s, 1990s, and 2010s were introspective, mystical periods. Additionally, spiritual approaches like Far Eastern teachings gained prominence during these times.

Outward-Oriented Periods

Outward-oriented periods, on the other hand, are defined by the dominance of energy, movement, and external expression. Art features bright and vibrant colors with dynamic compositions. Music is energetic, rhythmic, and upbeat. Films and novels abound with fast-paced, action-packed stories. These periods carry a masculine character.

In medicine, natural remedies are often replaced by technological methods of Western medicine. Visuals are sharp, bright, and filled with light. In both real life and films, vibrant colors and lighting effects stand out. Interest in mystical teachings diminishes. Examples of outward-oriented periods include the 1960s, 1980s, 2000s, and 2020s.

The Cycle of Periods

These periods follow a ten-year rhythm: one introspective period followed by one outward-oriented period. For example, the 1960s were outward-oriented, the 1970s were introspective, the 1980s were outward-oriented, and the 1990s were introspective. The 2000s were outward-oriented, while the 2010s once again carried a mystical character. This cycle progresses with a consistent rhythm when examined carefully.

The Real New Year: September 17

Based on my observations, the real New Year is September 17. On this exact date every year, there is a noticeable shift in the characteristics of people and events, marking the beginning of a new tone that persists throughout the year. For example, the 1990s did not actually begin on January 1, 1990, but rather on September 17, 1989.

Emre Karaköse (Emre_1974tr)
 
They are called decades and aren't mystical at all. They exist because "ten is the base of the decimal numeral system, the most common system of denoting numbers in both spoken and written language." (Wikipedia) If you wonder why that's the case, place your two hands on the table in front of you and count your fingers. If you don't count ten, ask somebody to count for you.
And historical documentary series on TV love decades! The Best Documentaries about American Decades (IMDb)
 
This "theory" screams confirmation bias so loudly, it probably needs to be sectioned.

I especially like the implication that punk rock was a slow, meditative music full of emotional depth.
 
This "theory" screams confirmation bias so loudly, it probably needs to be sectioned.

I especially like the implication that punk rock was a slow, meditative music full of emotional depth.
Maybe his record deck is stuck on 331/3 rpm?

Anyway, the Thames in Staines flooded this January, 10 years after the last flooding. Come back in another 10 years and we can see if it's regular thing...
 
I might have contemplated demarcations based on real, physical periods, like the 11-year sunspot cycle or the 13/17-year emergence of cicadas. But based on the arbitrary count of orbits around the Sun, no.
 
Cognitive illusion.

Choose a time interval. Choose a thing to measure or estimate or otherwise "observe" for each time interval. Compare each observation with the long-term mean or long-term trend, long-term meaning a time scale much greater than the chosen time interval.

Some observations will be above the long-term trend, and some will be below it. Furthermore, an observation above the trend will usually be followed by one below it, and vice versa.

This can give the impression that there's some consistent underlying "cycle" with a period of twice the chosen time interval. Astrologers find these for all sorts of periods based on the periods of certain planetary movements. Especially, 7 year and 12 year intervals.
 
A Theory Based on My Observations

Humanity experiences successive ten-year time periods, which I categorize into two main types: "mystical" (introspective) and "outward-oriented" periods. Mystical periods are characterized by abstract, intuitive, and deeply reflective thought processes, where feminine energy takes precedence. In contrast, outward-oriented periods are defined by action, dynamism, and the dominance of masculine energy.

Mystical Periods

Mystical periods are times when introspection and spiritual pursuits dominate. During these periods, art is marked by hazy color palettes, symbolism, and atmospheric compositions. Literature focuses on the inner world of the individual, emphasizing existential questions and deep reflections. Music carries a slow tempo, meditative qualities, and emotional depth. In medicine, there is an increased interest in natural remedies and holistic cures.

This period exhibits a feminine character. Films, series, and novels tend to have a slow-paced narrative style. Visuals offer an aesthetic enriched with mist and shadows, creating a dreamy atmosphere that permeates daily life, regardless of day or night. This same mood is evident in photography and cinema. According to my observations, the 1950s, 1970s, 1990s, and 2010s were introspective, mystical periods. Additionally, spiritual approaches like Far Eastern teachings gained prominence during these times.

Outward-Oriented Periods

Outward-oriented periods, on the other hand, are defined by the dominance of energy, movement, and external expression. Art features bright and vibrant colors with dynamic compositions. Music is energetic, rhythmic, and upbeat. Films and novels abound with fast-paced, action-packed stories. These periods carry a masculine character.

In medicine, natural remedies are often replaced by technological methods of Western medicine. Visuals are sharp, bright, and filled with light. In both real life and films, vibrant colors and lighting effects stand out. Interest in mystical teachings diminishes. Examples of outward-oriented periods include the 1960s, 1980s, 2000s, and 2020s.

The Cycle of Periods

These periods follow a ten-year rhythm: one introspective period followed by one outward-oriented period. For example, the 1960s were outward-oriented, the 1970s were introspective, the 1980s were outward-oriented, and the 1990s were introspective. The 2000s were outward-oriented, while the 2010s once again carried a mystical character. This cycle progresses with a consistent rhythm when examined carefully.

The Real New Year: September 17

Based on my observations, the real New Year is September 17. On this exact date every year, there is a noticeable shift in the characteristics of people and events, marking the beginning of a new tone that persists throughout the year. For example, the 1990s did not actually begin on January 1, 1990, but rather on September 17, 1989.

Emre Karaköse (Emre_1974tr)
Rather than a theory based on observation, the above is unevidenced assertions made by the random thoughts of a crank.
 
This "theory" screams confirmation bias so loudly, it probably needs to be sectioned.

I especially like the implication that punk rock was a slow, meditative music full of emotional depth.
You've obviously not written a PhD on the meaning of Fergal Sharkey's cousin calling him a cabbage. Quite a depth of meaning there, and that was one line from one song.

And you call yourself an intellectual?
 
Yeah, I like to do worldbuilding too. Mostly stick to doing it for fictional worlds, though. The one we live in is pretty fleshed out already.
 
The first three years of each decade carry traces of the previous period, while the last three years reflect characteristics of the upcoming one. In other words, the first and last three years also bear transitional traits to some extent. The middle four years, however, fully embody the tone of that decade. For example, the purest and most unadulterated version of the 1990s was experienced between the years 1993 and 1996 (93-94-95-96).
 
Last edited:
Both Diet and Parenting advice books tend to invert every ten years, which is as long as it takes everyone to realize that the last solution didn't actually solve the problem.
 
The first three years of each decade carry traces of the previous period, while the last three years reflect characteristics of the upcoming one. In other words, the first and last three years also bear transitional traits to some extent. The middle four years, however, fully embody the tone of that decade. For example, the purest and most unadulterated version of the 1990s was experienced between the years 1993 and 1996 (93-94-95-96).
What about the decade from 1985 to 1995? Post-punk was a golden era!
 

Back
Top Bottom