What is a more hopeful future for civilization? Archives – Integral Life

The Fourth Turning: A Sacred Revolution Begins

John Churchill — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 18:37:15 +0000

In this visionary keynote, John Churchill explores the collision between exponential technological power and humanity’s lack of spiritual maturity, warning that without sacred initiation, our civilization risks becoming the sorcerer’s apprentice—enchanted by tools we cannot control. But alongside this Fourth Industrial Revolution, he reveals a parallel awakening: a Fourth Turning of consciousness, where psychedelics, contemplative traditions, and the science of the heart converge to birth a planetary culture rooted in coherence, compassion, and soul.

This post was originally published on Integral Life.

The End of America? How the Founders’ Genius Is Breaking Down (And What We Can Do About It)

Keith Martin-Smith — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 18:34:55 +0000

Can America still save itself — or is collapse inevitable? Drawing lessons from history, developmental psychology, and the meta-crisis, Keith explores why systems built on “enlightened self-interest” are faltering… and what kind of leadership could restore the balance.

This post was originally published on Integral Life.

How the Metacrisis is Birthing the New Human

Nicholas Hedlund — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 17:41:06 +0000

Nick Hedlund introduces Visionary Realism, a synthesis of Integral Theory and Critical Realism that addresses the root causes of our global Metacrisis. Rather than offering surface-level solutions, he invites us to align with the deeper structure of reality through aletheic resonance — a participatory, reverent way of knowing that may be key to the emergence of a new kind of human.

This post was originally published on Integral Life.

A Grand Strategy for the Transformation Age

Robb Smith — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 19:54:54 +0000

In this powerful second installment of Big Picture Mind, Robb Smith presents a sweeping yet grounded vision for the future of the integrative worldview — one that meets the historic demands of our moment and invites each of us into a shared project of planetary coherence.

This post was originally published on Integral Life.

The Big Picture Mind: What Every Elite is Missing

Robb Smith — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 05:02:56 +0000

In this first episode of The Big Picture Mind, Robb Smith explores the rapid, self-reinforcing change that is driving a global metacrisis across governance, technology, culture, and meaning. To navigate this, he calls for the rise of Big Picture Minds—people who can think integratively, restore coherence, and actively shape the future rather than be overwhelmed by it.

This post was originally published on Integral Life.

An Integral Metatheory of Conservatism

Robb Smith — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 21:46:55 +0000

In a time of political upheaval and societal change, understanding the deeper currents that shape our worldviews is more crucial than ever. Join Robb Smith in this enlightening presentation recorded during our recent election watch party, where he delves into the rich tapestry of conservatism through the lens of integral theory.

This post was originally published on Integral Life.

SALT for Climate: Redefining Urgency and Transformation in Climate Leadership

Josh Leonard — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 21:07:16 +0000

Josh Leonard sits down with Gail Hochachka and Lisa Gibson, leaders of the SALT for Climate initiative, to explore their pioneering approach to climate action. They discuss the often-overlooked psychological and social dimensions of climate work, share insights from their work on collective sensemaking and leadership training, and explain why a focus on human dynamics may be the missing piece in our response to the climate crisis.

This post was originally published on Integral Life.

Overflowing Purpose: An Inside Look

Integral Life — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 19:44:31 +0000

In this short 14-minute video, we give you an exclusive inside look at Overflowing Purpose, a transformative new course that brings together renowned thinkers like Ken Wilber, John Vervaeke, Robb Smith, Cindy Wigglesworth, Gail Hochachka, Peter Merry, Greg Thomas, and others to address the complex challenges of our time — and your unique role in meeting those challenges.

This post was originally published on Integral Life.

Can Integral Theory Actually Help the World?

Keith Martin-Smith — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 19:32:45 +0000

Keith Martin-Smith explores the potential and pitfalls of integral theory in addressing global challenges. He argues that while integral thinking offers valuable tools for understanding complex systems and human development, it often falls short in practice due to misapplication and ego-driven superiority complexes. Keith proposes a more nuanced approach: treating people as unique individuals, communicating integral ideas more skillfully, and focusing on practical applications rather than theoretical grandstanding.

This post was originally published on Integral Life.

IAM: Organizing Big Pictures For The Transformation Age

Robb Smith — Thu, 02 May 2024 19:03:57 +0000

Josh Leonard and Robb Smith discuss the founding and evolution of the Institute of Applied Metatheory (IAM). They explore the urgent need for an organization that networks and supports scholar-practitioners in applying integrative metatheory to complex 21st-century challenges. The conversation reflects on the integral movement's stages and challenges, societal shifts necessitating IAM's emergence, and the four foundational hypotheses underpinning its work.

This post was originally published on Integral Life.