Spiral Dynamics

During the process of development of an individual, an organisation or a society, new world models emerge, adding to the old ones in an endless evolutionary spiral. Spiral Dynamics calls these paradigms levels of existence.
Even if they make it possible to manage an increasingly complex world, none of them is better than the others. A level of existence is appropriate when it is adapted to our living conditions. Each level of existence is designated either by a pair of letters or by a colour.

Ken Wilber's integral theory of consciousness would combine all the approaches of the mind or of consciousness according to a model that draws on the strengths of each method and is organised according to the principle of four classes or “quadrants”: intentional, behavioural, cultural and social, subdivided into more than forty different expressions.
The method involves both inner transformation and a scientific approach to observation.

The 8 levels (memes) of Spiral Dynamics

“Meme” is a term modelled on “gene” and indicates a recognisable cultural element that is replicated and transmitted by the imitation of the behaviour of one individual by other individuals. The Oxford English Dictionary defines “meme” as

an element of a culture (taken here in the sense of civilisation) that can be considered to be transmitted by non-genetic means, in particular by imitation.

In Spiral Dynamics, memetic centres of gravity are represented by colours:

  • The V-Meme of survival/instinctive BEIGE is claimed to have appeared 100,000 years ago. Its characteristic is said to be to “do everything necessary to stay alive above all else. We use instinct and habits solely in order to survive”.
  • The V-Meme magic/animistic VIOLET is claimed to have appeared 50,000 years ago. Its characteristic is said to be to “Keep the Spirits happy and preserve the warmth of the nest and the safety of the tribe”.
  • The V-Meme impulsive/egocentric RED is claimed to have appeared 10,000 years ago.Its characteristic is said to be “Be what you are and do what you want, whatever happens”.
  • The V-Meme resolute/authoritarian BLUE is claimed to have appeared 5,000 years ago. Its characteristic is said to be “Life has a meaning, a direction and an aim with predetermined results”.
  • The V-Meme strategist/entrepreneur ORANGE is claimed to have appeared 300 years ago. Its characteristic is said to be “Act in your own interest and play the game in order to win”.
  • The V-Meme communitarian/egalitarian GREEN is claimed to have appeared 150 years ago. Its characteristic is said to be “Seek inner peace and explore, with others, the humanitarian dimensions of the community”.
  • The V-Meme “integrator” YELLOW is claimed to have appeared 50 years ago.Its characteristic is said to be “Live to the full and fully responsibly what we are, and learn to become”.
  • The V-Meme known as “holistic” TURQUOISE is claimed to have appeared 30 years ago. Its characteristic is said to be “Experience mentally and spiritually the complete character of existence”.

According to Wilber, the baby-boomers were in the “green meme” for thirty years, entailing positive developments for society such as feminism, environmental protection, free healthcare and individual liberties.

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