Susanne Cook Greuter is internationally known as the leading expert in mature ego development and self-actualization. In this episode, Susanne and I explore:
using metaphor and story to better understand Ego Development Theory
overcoming the idea that everyone needs to convert to your worldview
the necessity of every stage of development
the fantasy of integral — and the delusion that stage yellow will save us
conventional stages mastering integral theory without embodying it
EDT as the stories we tell ourselves
knowing what it’s time to drop stage theory and perceive reality directly
the developmental process defined as the degree of not-knowing
deconstruction process as perceiving reality without concepts
simplicity on the other side of complexity
values and virtues as more important than stage development
developed human beings who can be quite contemptible vs. simple human beings who are generous, humble, and in service to humanity
the myth of the self-made man and the interdependence of all thing
how some systems thinkers may still be operating at the expert-achiever stage of development
language as central to meaning-making
colonization of the western mind
english as being phenomenologically limited, yet fundamental to development at the same time
If you’re interested in learning more about Susanne’s work I’d recommend starting here: Introduction to Ego Development Theory.
The Fantasy of Integral with Susanne Cook Greuter