Spiral Dynamics is a comprehensive, dynamic, holistic/integral map of human development.

Before you read on, here is an awesome free ebook where Don Beck, the founder of Spiral Dynamics is interviewed in a way that gives you a good understanding of the subject matter. http://www.ebookslab.info/2009/01/02/spiral-dynamics-the-never-ending-quest.html

Also, here is a chart, or map of human development which is the adapted, improved, advanced model of spiral dynamics: http://www.formlessmountain.com/AQAL_chart9.jpg

"Spiral Dynamics argues that human nature is not fixed: humans are able, when forced by life conditions, to adapt to their environment by constructing new, more complex, conceptual models of the world that allow them to handle the new problems. Each new model includes and transcends all previous models. According to Beck and Cowan, these conceptual models are organized around so-called ^vMemes: systems of core values or collective intelligences, applicable to both individuals and entire cultures."

These ^vMeme levels are focused on different themes for existence, and include almost all of the worldviews, cultures, and mental attitudes up to today. New systems build on adaptations of previous levels and seek to solve problems created by living in those earlier ways. (Attaching concrete examples to these levels of psychological existence is difficult and often misleading because (a) there can be multiple reasons for the same behavior and (b) centralization in a single level regarding all aspects of living is rare. Some advocates of Spiral Dynamics argue that these are ways of thinking about things, not types of people. However, Spiral Dynamics does explicitly define a category of people labeled "Spiral Wizards" who have attained equilibrium around "higher level" ^vMemes.^[1]

Beige

Archaic-instinctive—survivalistic/automatic/reflexological

• From 100,000 BC on
• "Express self to meet imperative physiological needs through instincts of Homo sapiens."

Purple

Animistic-tribalistic magical-animistic Tribal order

• From 50,000 BC on
• "Sacrifice to the ways of the elders and customs as one subsumed in group."
• This is the level of shamans, spirit animals, and medicine men

Red

Egocentric-exploitive power gods/dominionist

• From 7000 BC on
• "Express self (impulsively) for what self desires without guilt and to avoid shame."
• Expressed by the mentality of gangs, the vikings, etc

Blue

Absolutistic-obedience mythic order—purposeful/authoritarian

• From 3000 BC on
• "Sacrifice self for reward to come through obedience to rightful authority in purposeful Way."

(Amber is Ken Wilber's current name for Blue)

• Embodied by fundamentalist religions.

Orange

Multiplistic-achievist scientific/strategic

• From 1000 AD on (as early as 600 AD according to Graves and Calhoun)
• "Express self (calculatedly) to reach goals and objectives without rousing the ire of important others."
• Expressed in the scientific revolution and the industrial revolution.

Green

Relativistic-personalistic—communitarian/egalitarian

• From 1850 AD on (surged in early 20th century)
• "Sacrifice self interest now in order to gain acceptance and group harmony."
• Expressed in 60s pluralism, and systems theory

Second tier ^vMemes

The Spiral Dynamics theory sees the following systems as emerging levels that gradually move away from a focus on subsistence-level concerns of the First Tier, and towards a being-level existence. The existence of two different tiers of psychological development was introduced by the founder Graves. Cowan claims it is possible Graves introduced the tier system as a marketing instrument. Up to today there is no research evidence the two tiers exist. Cowan no longer supports the existence of two tiers but claims the only thing now known about the Yellow and Turquoise systems is that they are more complex versions of Orange and Green. The open-ended theory suggests that the levels Coral and beyond are not yet substantially formed and will solidify as a greater portion of society develops towards those memes.

Yellow

Systemic-integrative

• From 1950s on
• "Express self for what self desires, but to avoid harm to others so that all life, not just own life, will benefit."

Turquoise

Holistic

• From 1970s on
• A sacrifice self-interest system which is still forming
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Written content sourced from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spiral_Dynamics