In the last quarter of the twentieth century, the Integral worldview started to emerge as a response to the discoveries of quantum physics, chaos, complexity and system theories (Wilber, 2003). This new perspective of the world embraces a “both/and” rather than an ‘either or” universe. As Maxwell (2002) states; this new mode of perception goes beyond the illusion of separateness between scientific and spiritual understanding. It discerns the unity underlying diverse forms of existence and supports a holistic perception of the cosmos.
This revolutionary thinking has already been recognized by physicists such as Heisenberg, Bohm and Einstein. They already recognized the link of particles to every other particle in the universe. As Einstein stated the source of all true wisdom lies in embracing all living creatures in the whole of nature and its beauty. Only by widening our circle of understanding and compassion can we be freed from the delusion of being separate from each other.
According to Wilber’s Integral perspective, each stage of expansion the prior ones in terms of developmental aspects of consciousness transcends. The term “Integral" refers to a sense of being all encompassing. Each step is required while moving to more complex levels of consciousness. The level of awareness is manifested through modes of thought and actions. Integrative and holistic values are exhibited at the more complex levels of consciousness. Each phase is interdependent with all the others and the collective consciousness is aware of the active participation in the evolution of the humanity.
The origins of this holistic perspective can be traced back to leading scholars and theorists such as Laszlo, Wilber, Gebser, Beck, Whitehead and de Chardin. Both self-knowledge and world knowledge are essential to such an integral worldview. Similarly, the interrelatedness that connects all phenomena was also acknowledged in other fields of science, spirituality and philosophy.
As the future of the evolution of human consciousness depends upon going beyond the acceptance of multiple viewpoints we should be able to recognize the organic and interconnected nature of the universe.
The integral mindset is one of fluidity, openness to invention, inquiry, complexity, chaos, quantum and emergent phenomena (Laszlo, 2002). To fully engage in life and bring forth new knowledge the following building blocks play an important role: the art of critical thinking, the joy of discovery, love of learning, developing curiosity, risk taking. Without taking these factors into account, the integral mindset cannot be realized.
