The basic components of Integral thought that this series has explored so far offer a helpful way of looking at knowledge, the world, and what it means to be human. However, at this point, they haven't had a lot to say about human difference. There's an awareness of the impact of culture for how we … Continue reading Integral Basics, Part 6: Appreciating Difference
One of my most profound memories is from the day after my youngest nephew, David, was born. It was the first time I had ever held a newborn and I was totally unprepared for the experience. It was in many ways such a normal thing — I had held babies, including his two older brothers, … Continue reading Integral Basics, Part 5: States of Consciousness
So far in this short series on the basics of Integral thought, we've looked at quadrants — the belief that we need to look at things from as many perspectives as possible — and lines of development — the belief that human growth and maturity involve the whole person. Together, these two aspects give Integral … Continue reading Integral Basics, Part 4: Stages of Development
About twenty years ago or so, I was taken by Howard Gardner's theory of "multiple intelligences." This was a theory that posited that we need to expand how we understand intelligence beyond the 'book smarts' represented by traditional IQ testing, to include natural aptitudes in other aspects of life: relationships, movement, self-understanding, navigating systems, and … Continue reading Integral Basics, Part 3: Life for the Whole Person
There's a famous Indian parable about a group of blind men trying to make sense of an elephant. To one, touching the trunk, it's a snake. To another, touching the ear, it's a fan. To another, holding the leg, it's a tree. To still another, grasping the tail, it's a rope. And to the last … Continue reading Integral Basics, Part 2: Multiple Perspectives
Matthew Root 