Spiral Dynamics serves as a comprehensive narrative framework that illuminates the developmental trajectories of both individuals and collective entities, such as nations. Although many introductions have already been provided on this topic, I will offer one with a distinctly philosophical emphasis. In this exploration, we will traverse the different stages of Spiral Dynamics, providing cross-references to philosophical concepts, thinkers, and ideas to contextualize and enrich the points being made.
Beige: Survival
We begin immediately with Stage Beige, known as the automatic, reflexive stage or the survival stage. Here, the primary focus is on meeting the most fundamental physiological needs, such as food, water, shelter, and safety. It aligns closely with Abraham Maslow’s concept of the physiological base of the hierarchy of needs, where survival drives behavior. The instincts at this stage are primal and deeply rooted in the unconscious, resembling the state of early humans and even some contemporary examples where basic sustenance is the primary concern.
Stage Beige centers around satisfying fundamental needs and is driven by relatively automatic, innate behaviors. Here, life is guided by the simplistic, primal evolution of ecosystems that operate within an environmental framework, or “program“, characterized by hierarchical food chains. In some sense, this is akin to the concept of bellum omnium contra omnes (“war of all against all”) that Thomas Hobbes described as the “short and brutish” state of nature. It reflects a struggle where each entity competes for resources in a precarious environment.
This stage also embodies Nietzsche’s concept of the will to power, where survival hinges on an assertion of dominance, even if purely instinctual. It could be likened to a Deleuzean or Heraclitian flux, reflecting a constant state of becoming, and aligning with Heraclitus’ notion of perpetual strife (“polemos”) as the fundamental state of the world.
These philosophical parallels collectively illustrate that at this initial stage of Spiral Dynamics, interaction is fundamentally simple and systemic, resembling a game-like interaction where conscious beings navigate the harsh realities of survival.
Spiral Dynamics begins at this base stage, where individuals and groups are primarily concerned with survival in its most elemental form. Further stages then evolve from this starting point, progressively incorporating greater complexity in both needs and behaviors.
Stages are not Value Judgments
The very primitive, animalistic, perhaps infant-like existence of individuals, or those with severe disabilities, all find their place within Stage Beige. Before progressing further, I want to make this abundantly clear: Spiral Dynamics is not intended to pass judgment on the inherent worth of any entity or individual. Labeling someone as being in Stage Beige, such as those with severe disabilities, animals, or infants, is not a value statement on their importance or worth. This developmental model has a certain prescriptive aspect, but ultimately, all stages in the spiral are equally valuable.
One of the significant pitfalls I observe in communities exploring Spiral Dynamics is the tendency to view this developmental trajectory as a sort of competition, using it to judge or belittle those perceived to be at “lower” stages. The model isn’t a hierarchical measure of human value, but rather a framework for understanding different modes of existence. Every stage has its own contributions and place in the larger narrative of development, and the goal should be mutual understanding and respect, not condescension.
It’s certainly regrettable that we use terms like “lower” and “higher”, but for pragmatic reasons, we must rely on the reader to understand that these descriptors are used for illustrative representation rather than moral judgment. It’s inevitable that some will interpret them as judgments, which leaves us in tension between using simpler language and managing the potential effects on those reading. Nevertheless, my point stands: Spiral Dynamics is not about valuation but description, although it does possess a prescriptive dimension.
Dialectics of the Spiral: Transformational Dilemmas
Now we arrive at what are known as transformational dilemmas. I’ve addressed this concept several times before, likening it to the Hegelian dialectic of thesis, antithesis, and synthesis. Simply put, the dialectic unfolds as follows: a thesis or initial state encounters an antithesis, a problem or contradiction, leading to synthesis—a resolution that transcends the conflict. In Spiral Dynamics, transformational dilemmas represent the in-betweens of each developmental stage.
At Stage Beige, the primary problem or dilemma arises when the instinctual survival mechanisms become inadequate to meet the emerging needs of a changing environment or society. The individual or collective begins to realize that purely reflexive behaviors are no longer sufficient, setting the stage for a transformative shift toward more complex stages. This is a pivotal moment where the limits of the current stage are recognized, sparking the development of a new approach that resolves the inadequacies of the previous one.
In the Hobbesian sense, if life in the natural state is “short, brutish, and nasty”, wouldn’t it be ideal to make it otherwise by addressing the inherent problems of this condition? To ground this in concrete terms, let’s consider the specific challenges faced in Stage Beige. At this stage, behaviors are automatic and reflexive, with little room for deeper insight or strategic planning. Consequently, the primary issues include a lack of coherence, inability to generate meaning, and lack of sustainability for the broader system.
In this stage, life is fragmented, transient, and precarious, as individuals or groups focus solely on immediate survival needs. The absence of self-reflection prevents individuals from adapting to long-term changes or generating a shared purpose beyond subsistence.
Anthropological Dilemma: How can we Appraise “Problems”?
Here, one might already encounter a dilemma from an anthropological perspective: how can we discuss problems objectively when there is no explicit objective function? What are the criteria for evaluating a system that primarily relies on instinct?
The answer hinges on whether the objective function is prescriptive (a clear set of goals that ought to be pursued) or idealistic (an aspirational vision that guides development). In Spiral Dynamics, the objective is not to impose moral judgments but to recognize that each stage is a progression toward more complex modes of existence. The goal at this stage becomes clearer when one understands that the emerging needs and dilemmas will naturally prompt the evolution to a more self-reflective, organized, and coherent structure.
Our objective function here is to articulate the problem in such a way that prioritizes the longevity and quality of experience for conscious beings. Alongside this, we should also aim for coherence. Our methodological assumption is that a more coherent systematization of reality will yield a higher return. I want to draw out these implicit assumptions, which are often left unexpressed but should be made clear. By making these assumptions explicit, we’re aligning ourselves with what could be called “the good“. I use this simple term because, theoretically, one could conceive of an inverted spiral that seeks to maximize destruction and suffering for conscious beings, but we’ve made a deliberate methodological decision to stand on the side of good.
Given these considerations, we situate ourselves within the common concerns of humanity’s project. This project is to minimize suffering for conscious beings, and the means of doing so is empirically rooted in signifiers that guide our progression. Ultimately, these signifiers provide a framework that aligns with reducing suffering and enhancing the quality of life through more refined and coherent structures.
The Symbolic: Signifiers
Drawing from Ferdinand de Saussure, Jacques Lacan, and Jacques Derrida, the signifier (or the symbolic) is the dimension of reality shaped by humans according to their vision. It represents a stratification that simultaneously normalizes reality. This stratification, sedimentation, or crystallization is in perpetual motion, as experienced in the spiral. This movement oscillates between collectivism and individualism, creating a recurring shift in the locus of the symbolic—where meaning is constructed. We witness this shifting between the externalized surface and the internalized core.
In Stage Beige, meaning is largely absent. The primary problems are that life is “short and brutish”, and lacks coherence, as individuals are governed by purely automatic, reflexive actions. Each agent reacts in a chaotic, game-like dynamic with other creatures. This hyper-individualistic state eventually shifts toward a more collective orientation as the spiral evolves.
Individualism & Collectivism on the Spiral
One crucial trend in Spiral Dynamics, often overlooked initially, is that the warm colors represent individualistic stages, while the cool colors represent collectivistic stages. This cyclical movement between individualism and collectivism becomes a defining characteristic of the spiral’s progression, highlighting shifts in how meaning is constructed, shared, and embedded within societal structures.
Stage Beige is classified among the warm colors in the Spiral Dynamics model, along with Red, Orange, and Yellow. These warm colors denote individualism. Conversely, the cool colors—Purple, Blue, Green, and Turquoise—are associated with collectivism. The distinction between individualism and collectivism relates to the locus of meaning, or, in Lacanian terms, the locus of the symbolic. In Saussurean terms, it refers to the locus of the signifier, signifying the point of control or influence over the semantic unfolding of reality, which motivates agents.
This motivation arises from the signifier and the symbolic. The critical question becomes: who, metaphorically speaking, controls this flow? Though no one truly “controls” the chain of signification—just as Derrida pointed out, no one can fully regulate the difference or unfolding of signification—there is a form of meta-control in the locus of meaning-making. This meta-control shapes how meaning emerges.
Since individuals at Stage Beige are ill-equipped to manage their signifying chains, they must find a mechanism to condense their meaning. Their automatic, reflexive responses to survival needs don’t provide a coherent system of meaning, compelling a shift toward more structured and symbolically rich stages that follow. In these subsequent stages, agents can better organize their motivations, social interactions, and understanding of the world.
Stratification: The Signifier-Function for Meaning-Generation
From a computational perspective, the information available at Stage Beige overwhelms the agents’ capacity to process it. As a result, they require a recording process or an engraving medium that allows them to stratify their understanding of reality. This need drives the emergence of cave paintings, proto-art, proto-writing, and early forms of communication, coordination, cohesion, and meaning generation. It marks the first emergence of the symbolic in the Lacanian sense, the Caesarean sense, and the anthropological-semantic sense. In Viktor Frankl’s terms, it aligns with humanity’s search for meaning, where purpose and structure are needed.
Purple: Tribalism
With this said, we progress to Stage Purple, also known as the tribalistic or clannish stage. This stage is characterized by animism, a worldview that attributes spiritual essence to natural elements, ancestors, and tribal symbols. Here, the locus of meaning shifts from the chaotic individualism of Beige to a collective sense of belonging, rooted in the security and cohesion of the tribe. In Purple, myths, rituals, and taboos play a crucial role in creating a shared understanding of the world and reinforcing the group’s cohesion.
This stage represents a significant advance over Beige, as it provides the first collective symbolic framework, fostering cooperation and social order within small groups. The tribe becomes the first locus of the signifier and the symbolic, where individual survival depends on shared norms and beliefs. Thus, Purple embodies a form of meta-control that regulates the flow of meaning within a nascent social hierarchy, giving rise to a unified but still mystical worldview.
Stage Purple encapsulates ancestor worship, customs, clans, mystical spirit beings, sacred places and objects, rituals, and the collective bonding that creates a sense of enchanted, magical harmony with nature’s power. This stage immediately sets the wheels of the signifier in motion, forging a symbolic framework. By the signifier and the symbolic, I refer to the stratification of meaning, the incentive-generating mechanism that intrinsically instills norms and values. It’s a didactic project, encouraging people to internalize and obey a given social order.
In this context, the signifier and the symbolic wiggle their way across the spiral as dynamic entities. At Purple, the symbolic framework provides cohesion through myths, taboos, and rituals that define a shared worldview. Historical examples include ancient shamanistic societies, early tribal communities that relied on myths and rituals to structure their lives, and ancestor worship practices seen in many indigenous cultures.
Note on Post-Humanism
I diverge from traditional interpretations of Spiral Dynamics because this exploration offers a more philosophical view, providing a fresh perspective for those already familiar with the model. Additionally, I intend to create an entry point for individuals who may align more closely with my philosophical lens. This interpretation is post-humanist in nature, despite Spiral Dynamics being a developmental model aimed at describing human societies and individuals. The post-humanist perspective seeks to transcend human-centered views, acknowledging broader patterns and dynamics that can include humans without focusing exclusively on them.
Ultimately, this post-humanist approach to Spiral Dynamics reveals new ways of understanding the unfolding of meaning and the complex interplay between collectivism and individualism, myth and reality, and tradition and progress.
Purple: Apotheosis of Spirit
As I mentioned, we’re tracing the path of the signifier as it stratifies itself into a complex network of meaning-giving entities like spirit beings, animal spirits, nature spirits, sacred places, objects, ritualistic practices, and magic. These elements serve as a manifold of symbolic operators that elevate nature beyond itself in a process of apotheosis—a form of deification and exaltation that raises the natural realm to a higher level.
This phenomenon reflects the transformational dilemma intuitively felt by those seeking to escape the “war of all against all” state of Stage Beige and to create their own exaltation—a symbolic apotheosis of reality. This transformation foreshadows what Heidegger would later refer to as “godding”, or god-formation, an attempt to imbue reality with a divine quality that transcends the primal struggle for survival. The ritualistic and mythical structures of Stage Purple aim to weave a shared meaning that provides a cohesive and unified experience beyond the fragmented state of Beige. This search for cohesion and symbolic exaltation becomes the key driver for movement into more structured and complex stages of the spiral.
In this god-formation process, nature becomes a vibrant superstructure that endows us with meaning. This formation lessens individualism and egoism, creating a cooling effect on the ego. As a result, cooler colors align with collectivist ideas. The magical signifier shapes the first symbolic framework as a kind of imaginary construct—a proto-symbolic still situated within Lacan’s register of the imaginary.
This proto-symbolic framework functions as a form of “collective psychosis“. I emphasize that using “collective psychosis” is not meant as an insult but as a technical term. It refers to a shared belief system where the collective’s understanding of reality, guided by myths, rituals, and symbols, diverges from the primal, individualistic reality of Stage Beige. The shared rituals and myths unify the group, providing meaning and belonging while transcending purely individualistic concerns. This framework elevates the natural realm into a divine construct, creating a sacred communal identity and reinforcing cohesion.
It’s a collective psychosis in the sense that current scientific paradigms may appear similarly so to humanity a thousand years from now, assuming their survival. The concept of what constitutes the real symbolic always shifts, as it’s a historical product. From our present, developed, scientific symbolic framework, the animistic proto-symbolic of Stage Purple—with its spirit beings, sacred objects, and nature spirits—appears as an atavism.
However, this perspective is contingent upon our current viewpoint, which regards animism as a relic of the past. Returning to this earlier framework isn’t truly possible because our understanding of the symbolic has evolved in ways that reflect our own historical and cultural developments. The symbolic, as it manifests in each era, represents the prevailing understanding of reality at that time, and it continually adapts to the emerging beliefs, technologies, and knowledge of each age.
Individualism vs. Collectivism: Omnipresent Symbolism
The transformational dilemma of Stage Purple reflects a recurring pattern among all the cool colors. Here, the challenge involves an individual being subsumed into a collective spirit, where personal identity and will are subordinated to the will of the collective. This narrative often appears in media, such as in The Matrix movies, where Neo is trapped in a collective illusion that he must break free from, much like Plato’s allegory of the cave. These false worlds, built upon blind trust in the words of elders, ancestor worship, or belief in magical beings, must be dismantled to unleash the individual’s creative potential and will to power.
In The Village, a film by M. Night Shyamalan, the illusion of a closed society based on myths and taboos suppresses individuals’ aspirations and potential, demonstrating how this collective spirit can stifle creativity and innovation. The tension between Nietzsche’s will to power and Kant’s kingdom of ends becomes evident here. In the kingdom of ends, each person must be treated as an end in themselves and respected fully. However, its extreme application can result in a form of radical communism akin to Plato’s Republic, where even children become public property, and private ownership is eliminated.
Such radical collectivism ultimately hinders individuals from striving beyond what is provided, restricting the ego’s will to power and stifling personal creativity. Therefore, the challenge for the individual in these cool stages is to find a way to harmonize personal ambitions and collective cohesion without suppressing individual potential or blindly yielding to the collective’s will.
If individuals are constantly prevented from fulfilling their own desires, Nietzschean transgression becomes essential. The tribalistic stratification of meaning, which has created an apotheosis of ancestor and spirit beings, also blocks the individual ego’s ability to disclose its own meaning. This limitation must be transcended to allow the inherent inequality between individuals to emerge, making room for the rise of truly great individuals.
Red: The Ego
The ego, initially appearing as a small ripple on the water, yearns to transform into a torrent, a deluge. This metaphor captures the transition from Stage Purple to Stage Red, where the ego pierces through the surface of collectivism to unleash its full will to power. Stage Red is characterized by a focus on reputation and respect. Here, individuals are motivated by a desire to stand out and be acknowledged, as they assert their power and influence without the constraints imposed by the collective spirit of Purple.
This shift is the emergence of an unabashed, egocentric stage, where individuals prioritize their personal ambitions and strengths, often through dominance and control. The great individuals seek to break free from the limitations of the collective and establish their authority, signaling a deep transformation in the spiral.
Stage Red emphasizes instant gratification with no remorse, guilt, or concern for consequences. This stage represents a powerful breakthrough, akin to a prototypical narrative of liberation. Imagine a subject living in a village, held back by elders and the beliefs in animal spirits, nature spirits, and folklore. This subject possesses greater cognitive faculties but is constantly admonished to follow the rules—like the prohibition in Genesis against eating the forbidden fruit. The collective spirit insists on what is best for the individual, but the desire to transcend these limitations ultimately leads to a breakthrough into Stage Red.
Here, the individual becomes powerful and charismatic, assuming leadership through force and fear. They reject the constraints of collectivism and seize their will to power, unapologetically pursuing their goals. This leadership style proliferates because it works: fear instills obedience and admiration in followers.
Adaptation is Relative: Importance of the Whole Spiral
As stated earlier, this exploration of Spiral Dynamics isn’t about making value judgments but about understanding the trajectory of human development. Each stage reveals a specific mode of existence, shaped by the transformational dilemmas and challenges of the preceding stages. In Stage Red, power is the primary driver, and those who can harness it effectively become leaders, asserting their authority to achieve their desires.
None of the stages in the spiral are purely maladaptive; rather, they represent forms of adaptation suitable for their specific point in time and context within the entity’s development. Certain behaviors and developmental patterns, and the stages themselves, evolve because they are adaptive within their environmental niche. For instance, entering the prison system might necessitate a Red worldview, emphasizing power, dominance, and immediate gratification.
Stages are adaptive in their specific contexts, and a fully developed individual can empathize with, and draw from, behaviors characteristic of each stage based on personal experience. In Stage Red, this includes aggressive impulses, power, and excellence. According to the theory of Spiral Dynamics, there’s no skipping stages. If someone hasn’t integrated and experienced their aggressive impulses or fully embodied their will to power, they lack an experiential reservoir to draw from, resulting in mere speculation based on other people’s experiences.
Note on Applying SD to Yourself
Ultimately, the spiral isn’t about other people. It’s primarily about the individual’s personal journey. Understanding and integrating each stage, including Stage Red, is crucial for development and helps individuals navigate the diverse demands and challenges of different contexts.
It’s first and foremost about you. Then it’s about other people, and then everything else. We shouldn’t discuss what we don’t understand.
If we’re uncertain, we must first acknowledge that, then learn as much as possible through direct experience before talking about it. Even then, we should admit that we still don’t fully understand, because absolute understanding is elusive.
Instead, we live through things with humility and practice perspective-taking. In this way, we gradually approach reality.
Closing Remarks
This has already grown longer than expected, so I’ll leave you with these three stages. We’ll explore the next three stages in the following article.
Yellow and Turquoise, comprising Tier Two of the spiral, will be covered in a separate article, so this will likely turn into a trilogy. Let me know your thoughts, and I’ll continue refining this as we move forward. Feel free to ask questions and discuss this on Reddit; I’ll provide the link to the Spiral Dynamics subreddit here. I hope this exploration has been somewhat enlightening. Have a wonderful day!
Next Article
Part 2: Stages 4-5
TL;DR: Key Points
- Spiral Dynamics Framework: A narrative that outlines the developmental progression of both individuals and collective groups through distinct stages.
- Stage Beige (Survival Stage): Characterized by automatic, instinctive behavior focused on basic physiological needs. Individuals prioritize immediate survival.
- Transformational Dilemma (Beige to Purple): Realization that automatic survival mechanisms are insufficient prompts a transition toward collective meaning and organization.
- Stage Purple (Tribal Stage): Collective spirit beings, ancestral worship, and rituals unify the group, offering security and cohesion through shared myths and symbols.
- Transformational Dilemma (Purple to Red): Desire to break free from tribal constraints leads individuals to assert their will to power.
- Stage Red (Egocentric Stage): Individuals prioritize reputation, dominance, and respect, seeking instant gratification without remorse.
- Adaptation of Stages: Each stage is adaptive in its environmental niche and is necessary for personal development. No stage is skipped, and integration is crucial.
- Humility and Perspective: Individuals should admit what they don’t understand, learn through direct experience, and acknowledge that perfect understanding is elusive.
Absolute Negation 
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