Wilber's groundbreaking synthesis of religion, philosophy, physics, and psychology started a revolution in transpersonal psychology. He was the first to suggest in a systematic way that the great psychological systems of the West could be integrated with the noble contemplative traditions of the East. Spectrum of Consciousness, first released by Quest in 1977, has been the prominent reference point for all subsequent attempts at integrating psychology and spirituality.
The Spectrum of Consciousness (Quest Books)
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
... and for Wilber, this is it. The Spectrum of Consciousness was Wilber's first attempt at outlining an integral model of the human psychological experience, combining Freudian ego-psychology, existentialism, and spiritual transcendence in one neat, elegant package. Although the original conception shown here has not survived the test of time (or Wilber's ever critical mind), it still stands as a masterful beginning to a corpus of work that will make Wilber as famous and influential as Nietzsche and Freud a century from now. For an intellectual treat, read this book in conjunction with Wilber's "No Boundary", and then compare with "Sex, Ecology, Spirituality" and "Integral Psychology" for a fascinating look at the continuing evolution of integral thought. Enjoy!
22 of 27 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Ken Wilber offers a unique way of looking at reality. Whether or not one agrees with his ideas, the book represents a truly different view of existence which differs dramatically from that of most people. The author shows how the electromagnetic spectrum existed all along, but that we humans only recently understood the nature of this energy. He posits a similar spectrum - albeit for consciousness - that we only now are beginning to comprehend.
Well worth reading - it will challenge your view of the world, especially if you have been raised in a dualistic world.
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful
By T. J. Melody
Format:Paperback
Though Ken Wilber's work has progressed significantly since this book was first written (1973), I believe it still remains a highly significant study and model and anyone interested in transpersonal psychology, or the relation between the human mind, soul and spirit would do well to read this book and absorb it's contents.
There are several reasons for this and the first is that it is very clearly and lucidly written from a psychological/spiritual worldview that remains quite widespread and even dominant in the culture of serious spiritual aspirants (as well as sensitive psychologists, ecologists and people from all walks of life). From that standpoint alone, if I had read this book 20 years ago, nearly all of 20 years of confusion over the seemingly conflicting subjects the book deals with would not have occurred. (The confusion being the bridge between modern psychology and traditional spirituality, or if there even was one to be found.) For that reason alone, this book remains highly significant.
The second reason is that, as explained in the new (brief) introduction, the model this book presents is from the spiritual standpoint of involution - as opposed to evolution, the direction Wilber's later work would primarily take. Though, yes, indeed, after actually looking deeply into the evidence in later years Wilber (an innovator now for the second time) discovered that there was quite a bit missing (and/or somewhat flawed) to this overall worldview and model, involution still remains an ever present reality and a central tenet of the perennial philosophy of the world's great religions and mystics. (It may also disclose itself to you as such at the right level of spiritual experience either in mediation or a sudden "peak experience.") Once again, for that reason alone, this book is still quite well worth the reading.
The third reason this book remains highly significant is that it clearly demonstrates the reality (and relative location) of the buried, psychological, unconscious "shadow." That to me may be THE most important reason to read this book for 1.) Though it comes up often in Wilber's later works, it is not demonstrated and highlighted so clearly and simply (and so could easily be missed) and 2.) The "shadow" is something the Perennial Philosophy of the world's great religions NEVER knew about. No mystical literature or scripture from any of the world's religions (both great and small) even realized human beings could and did hide significant aspects of their being and project them outward so as not to be seen. (This is a uniquely modern Western contribution.) And no amount of meditation, contemplation, higher level realization or prayer of any kind is ever going to adequately uncover or release this hidden and very powerful "shadow." (Quite to the contrary, advanced spiritual adaptation or mastery may actually only STRENGTHEN the shadow. The result, even with advanced spiritual masters and teachers, is that hidden neurosis or pathology can now be transferred to others in very deep and powerful ways, . . .needless to say, to nobody's benefit.) Once again, for that reason alone this book and the model it presents are well worth the read and any effort for conscientious absorption (especially when he demonstrates this serious issue, which also kind of explains why he eventually ventured off on his own, to rationally discover these truth's for himself).
The last two reasons are these: One, it is both a delight and an inspiration to witness that a human mind at the age of only 23 could accomplish with such great ease what many had been trying to accomplish for well over a century (if not much longer) and to no avail. And finally, for those who may be familiar with Wilber's more recent works -and understand why these early books are termed "romantic"- the occasional romanticisms interspersed throughout ("We've progressed too far!" My favorite, "We choke our bodies with restrictive clothing . . .") may actually now come with somewhat of a sentimental chuckle. Because, we all thought that way in one way or another and many still often do.
There are several reasons for this and the first is that it is very clearly and lucidly written from a psychological/spiritual worldview that remains quite widespread and even dominant in the culture of serious spiritual aspirants (as well as sensitive psychologists, ecologists and people from all walks of life). From that standpoint alone, if I had read this book 20 years ago, nearly all of 20 years of confusion over the seemingly conflicting subjects the book deals with would not have occurred. (The confusion being the bridge between modern psychology and traditional spirituality, or if there even was one to be found.) For that reason alone, this book remains highly significant.
The second reason is that, as explained in the new (brief) introduction, the model this book presents is from the spiritual standpoint of involution - as opposed to evolution, the direction Wilber's later work would primarily take. Though, yes, indeed, after actually looking deeply into the evidence in later years Wilber (an innovator now for the second time) discovered that there was quite a bit missing (and/or somewhat flawed) to this overall worldview and model, involution still remains an ever present reality and a central tenet of the perennial philosophy of the world's great religions and mystics. (It may also disclose itself to you as such at the right level of spiritual experience either in mediation or a sudden "peak experience.") Once again, for that reason alone, this book is still quite well worth the reading.
The third reason this book remains highly significant is that it clearly demonstrates the reality (and relative location) of the buried, psychological, unconscious "shadow." That to me may be THE most important reason to read this book for 1.) Though it comes up often in Wilber's later works, it is not demonstrated and highlighted so clearly and simply (and so could easily be missed) and 2.) The "shadow" is something the Perennial Philosophy of the world's great religions NEVER knew about. No mystical literature or scripture from any of the world's religions (both great and small) even realized human beings could and did hide significant aspects of their being and project them outward so as not to be seen. (This is a uniquely modern Western contribution.) And no amount of meditation, contemplation, higher level realization or prayer of any kind is ever going to adequately uncover or release this hidden and very powerful "shadow." (Quite to the contrary, advanced spiritual adaptation or mastery may actually only STRENGTHEN the shadow. The result, even with advanced spiritual masters and teachers, is that hidden neurosis or pathology can now be transferred to others in very deep and powerful ways, . . .needless to say, to nobody's benefit.) Once again, for that reason alone this book and the model it presents are well worth the read and any effort for conscientious absorption (especially when he demonstrates this serious issue, which also kind of explains why he eventually ventured off on his own, to rationally discover these truth's for himself).
The last two reasons are these: One, it is both a delight and an inspiration to witness that a human mind at the age of only 23 could accomplish with such great ease what many had been trying to accomplish for well over a century (if not much longer) and to no avail. And finally, for those who may be familiar with Wilber's more recent works -and understand why these early books are termed "romantic"- the occasional romanticisms interspersed throughout ("We've progressed too far!" My favorite, "We choke our bodies with restrictive clothing . . .") may actually now come with somewhat of a sentimental chuckle. Because, we all thought that way in one way or another and many still often do.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very good, but not his best
Not Wilber's best, but still a masterpiece. Worth reading, but if you have never read Ken Wilber, start with "The brief history of everything".
Published 2 months ago by Adriano Fromer
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Beginning
In the Spectrum of Consciousness Wilber inaugurates the first version of the integral model. Drawing liberally from figures as brilliant and disparate as Freud, Shankara,... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Adam Alonzi, author of A Plank in Reason
5.0 out of 5 stars
Not an easy read.
Very interesting way of looking at people counsiousness.
It's not a relaxing read though.
Takes concentration and silent envirement to do.
It's not a relaxing read though.
Takes concentration and silent envirement to do.
Published 5 months ago by Kaatje
5.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting.
This book is very interesting. I chose to buy this because it was recommended to me by a friend. I have just begun reading it so I wouldn't know what to say about the whole book. Read more
Published on November 25, 2010 by Robert SP
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Spectrum of Consciousness
This is almost several books in one and it draws the connections between many disciplines/paths both Eastern and Western. Read more
Published on April 2, 2009 by Gregory Ellis
5.0 out of 5 stars
Still relevant
Wilber wrote this book as a young man, but dont think you get less - on the contrary! I read quite a few of Wilber's books but I enjoyed this one as much as any. Read more
Published on April 2, 2006 by Marc A. Stettler
5.0 out of 5 stars
Written by Wilber in his early 20's!
Ken is considered one of the greats when it comes to the philosophical study on consciousness. This book is an objective comparative study of world religions and philosophies. Read more
Published on March 21, 2002 by Shawn Regan
3.0 out of 5 stars
Oh PLEASE...
The problem with Wilber is that he can't be evaluated just like any other writer. Most philosophical/psychological theorists are evaluated in terms of their work, and this gains... Read more
Published on May 20, 2000
5.0 out of 5 stars
Subject and object become One, marking the entry to Samadhi
I was quite fortunate to discover this encyclopedic treatise by Ken Wilber. Wilber, the father of transcendental psychology, with brilliant clarity, depth, and synthesis explores... Read more
Published on March 7, 2000 by Edward Plotkin
5.0 out of 5 stars
An clear analogy that marries eastern and western psychology
Challenges the reader to accept a reality where most understadings of conciousness are subsets of a larger. Read more
Published on February 11, 1998
