Ken Wilber
🧠Who is Ken Wilber?
Ken Wilber (born 1949) is an American philosopher, author, and founder of the Integral Approach. He is best known for integrating Western science, psychology, spirituality, and Eastern wisdom traditions into a large, comprehensive model.
He is often called the "Einstein of Consciousness" (although he probably wouldn't say so himself).
🔷 Central Idea: The Integral Approach (AQAL Model)
Ken Wilber developed a model that attempts to integrate everything—spirituality, science, personal development, society, ecology, philosophy, etc.
The most well-known concept is AQAL, which stands for:
All Quadrants
All Levels
(sometimes supplemented by Lines, States, and Types)
The 4 Quadrants:
I (Inner, Individual)—e.g., thoughts, feelings, meditation
We (Inner, Collective)—e.g., E.g., culture, values, ethics
It (external, individual) – e.g., brain, behavior, biology
They (external, collective) – e.g., systems, society, politics
He says: To truly understand reality, all perspectives must be considered.
📚 Well-known books by Ken Wilber:
"A Brief History of the Cosmos"
(A great overview of his entire model)
"Integral Spirituality"
(How to live modern spirituality without denying science or enlightenment)
"The Atman Project"
(A psychological and spiritual journey through human development)
"Sex, Ecology, Spirituality"
(His magnum opus – but quite complex!)
🌀 Topics he often covers:
Levels of consciousness & spiritual development
Western vs. Eastern perspectives
Evolution of culture and society
Shadow work & psychology
Spirituality beyond religion