Scale of the
Evolving
Consciousness

Level One
Instinctual, primitive, and nomadic, using senses to
survive, humans at this level flow in tune with nature
similar to animals with a very basic ego. Collective (1) ego is
developed at this stage for discerning contrasts, as in good
or bad food, physical safety, and warmth.
Ego is only operational for keeping physical life going.
Collective ego  is more in control of the person’s
experience.  Thought is rudimentary, self-absorbed,
concern for self, almost in a dreamlike state. One is faintly
aware of other’s experiences. Life just seems to ‘happen’ to
a person at this level. On a mass consciousness basis,
politically—well it isn't on the agenda yet, the one most
powerful wins.

1  The collective ego of the mass consciousness affects the individual,
causing suffering, as well as from the personal ego. Karma of the
collective holds our human history, handed down within each cell and
energy field. Hence, humans have developed what Eckhart Tolle calls
the pain body, an energy field that is activated whenever the ego is
triggered by obstacles to the fulfillment of its desires

Level Two
People are gathering in groups at this stage. They've built
safety and stability by banding together. Mysticism, spirits,
magic, and myths appear to explain happenings by
unseen forces. Agriculture takes root; hence they stop
roaming and begin building community.  For a successful
group, emotional intelligence appears, and the emergence
of a personal ego. Yet there is little notion of self-reflection
or quest for intangible goals like happiness.
Apathy appears here, and also regrets, superstition, gang
mentality, and ethnic warfare. Feelings of being a victim
in life are common. Creator seen as condemning.
Politically the stage is tribal order.

Level three
In an assertion of the ego-self, new cravings and desires
demand immediate gratification, often with a lack of
concern for consequences. Aggressiveness and heroism
appear. The healthy attribute of this stage is the energy to
move forward, within the self and the group. We see
members of the group risking harm to help others.
       There is little awareness of the ego’s existence and the
control it has over the individual, though occasional slips
into a greater awareness happen, without the knowledge
of what it is, it isn't given any importance. Force is seen as
the only solution to problems. Still feels victimized by
others, community, or world.
Politically- Feudal empires. Dictators with their power
over the masses emerge here as well as terrorists.


Level Four
Self control, hierarchy, law and order, rules and
conventions are organized in the community/state. The
ego is strong, effecting adherence to the laws of the land.
The ego knows there is something much bigger than itself
and for the betterment of society it is willing to sacrifice.
Faith in a higher power that isn't necessarily harsh, more
likely benevolent.
Also meaning and purpose show up. Impulse control,
delayed gratification, and a sense of guilt appear. Here we
see rise to the major religions. Extreme political views,
materialism, and achieving are present. A sense of control
over ones life experience appears.
One begins to get glimpses of a deeper state of
consciousness here that wasn't noticed previously. If one
investigates with innocent curiosity it will increase,
bringing a new sense of peace at times.
Politically authoritarian democracy

Level Five
One questions authority at this stage, not accepting what
is just because that is the law. One begins to see the roles
that we play and the dualistic nature of life. One is
becoming aware of the inner-being as well as the outer-
being with its noisy ego. One is witnessing occasionally
throughout the day, seeing with the Inner-Being as well as
the ego.  There is a pursuit of truth, independent thinking,
with inner happiness the new goal. There is a desire to
help, and 'fix' problems, but in one’s own way.  There is
still a tendency to see one’s world view as the ‘correct’ one
and others are wrong.
Politically multi-party democracy

Level Six
Recognizing the inter-connectedness of life, one seeks
consensus for decision making, is humanitarian, with a
tolerance for differences. Here one sees value to all stages
of growth in the evolution of consciousness.  One can step
out of the fray and see the competing worldviews battle
for control. Spiritually, one is in Divine Consciousness,
seeing the Divine in everyone and everything. Sees sense
of control not necessary, state of acceptance of what is.
Benevolent.  Politically transpartisan. (Coined by Dr. Don
Beck)

Level Seven
Illumination, Enlightenment. See clearly the manifestation
of all that is; see Spirituality and Physics as one. Each
being is a part of the larger Conscious Spiritual Whole.
Personal ego is gone. World is holographic. Only love
exists.

We see on levels one through five that one does not
recognize the validity of the other level’s world view.
Hence, so much ineffectiveness when a level five country
tries to help a country that is on level two or three!

Dr Beck says the key is to realize that to help people move
up the evolutionary ‘spiral’ we must meet the needs of
their current life conditions. That means knowing where
they are now on the scale.
The higher levels of consciousness see the bigger picture,
they see the role we play in our own evolution, honor and
respect others’ beliefs and worldviews without necessarily
agreeing with them.
Each stage is attained because of the previous stage
becoming too uncomfortable, painful, unsatisfactory, or
unfulfilling. The relief felt on reaching the new stage will
one day fall away to dissatisfaction until driven onto the
next stage.