a theory of everything

A magnificent presentation of Ken Wilber’s “A Theory of Everything” was concluded on September 30th, very capably provided in three installments by Margaret Lulic.

As background, Margaret explained how Ken Wilber worked closely with Don Beck (a “Spiral Dynamics” author) to develop a theory explaining major stages of consciousness within human development; for individuals, groups of individuals, as well as entire cultures over the history of humanity. The objective of the presentation was to provide a better understanding of eight major world views identified to facilitate change; individually as well as collectively.

In this approach to differing values and underlying views, Margaret discussed the extent to which our individually filtered perceptions of the outside world can account for such differences; and how only being open to new and different information or perceptions allows us to change overall views of our world . There was further explanation of how some world views are primarily ego or “I” oriented while others are community or “we” concerned. Accepting both these differences and polarities within human viewpoints can greatly reduce strain and conflict for individuals, families, organizations and nations.

Just as “A Theory of Everything” emerged from work done by Don Beck and Chris Cowan in “Spiral Dynamics”, that work was built upon research conducted by psychologist Clare Graves, a colleague of Maslow. Graves identified core packages of human thought patterns that have been evolving over human history and within individual lives. Different thought elements reflecting our values are activated which constitute our world Views as the spiral of life unfolds. An example Margaret provided in an article (What Are We Really Doing Here?) illustrates the need for recognizing differing views: A Holistic View sees a synergy of life, has a sense of family that is global, and a purpose in being here. In contrast, a Power View will build ‘us versus them’ walls, seek to win, and use power with limited conscience. Persons with such divergent views attempting to converse find that they cannot; as if they were from two different worlds.

Six different world views have dominated global thinking throughout history. These are defined in a color-coded breakdown which originated in Spiral Dynamics:

• Beige: Originating in our Stone Age. Preliterate; not too verbal. Survival oriented; following animal herds.
• Purple: Clan oriented, with sacred places and rituals; allegiance to elders, in harmony with nature and magic.
• Red: Impulsiveness; defiant; self-gratification; fighting for the safety and security of the family. (20% of the current world population.)
• Blue: Law and Order; control from authority, honor codes, security conscious; Divine Plan puts people in proper places; military order. (40% of present world population.)
• Orange: Autonomy; Independence; abundance and the ‘good life’; technology, big companies; competition and winning. (30% of world population.)
• Green: People first, peace and tranquility; spirituality; community and unity, participation, the good of all. (10% of world population.)

Fairly recently two new world views have begun to emerge, moving us into more holistic thinking and action:

• Yellow: concerned with functionality and competency; reason; free from all fear (of survival, competition, technology); the fullness of living on earth; open systems.
• Turquoise: expanded use of the human brain; global networking, self is part of a larger whole (we are all one); focus on the good of all living entities.

Ray Tanis is a farmer, masquerading as an engineer, with a passion for writing... Kids are grown, so concentrates on sunflowers and pumpkins. Ray loves writing poetry and music.

Nancy Lynch says, "Joy is being a wife, Mom of fourteen, eight with varying disabilities and living at home, Grandma of thirteen, and Great Grandma of three. Serenity is listening and watching the ocean, alone, at our home on Maui. Passion is friends, photography, reading, swimming and children.