Derived from Steve’s personal website:
Steve McIntosh, J.D. is a leader in the integral philosophy movement and author of Developmental Politics—How America Can Grow Into a Better Version of Itself (Paragon House, 2020). He is president and co-founder of the Institute for Cultural Evolution think tank, which focuses on the cultural roots of America’s political problems.
Steve is also the author/co-author of several other books (see his profile page on this site).
Before becoming a writer and social entrepreneur, Steve had a variety of other successful careers, including founding the consumer products company Now & Zen, and practising law with one of America’s largest firms. His innovative political thinking has been featured on NPR, USA Today, The Daily Beast, Real Clear Politics, The Hill, The National Journal, and in a wide variety of other media. He is an honors graduate of the University of Virginia Law School, and the University of Southern California Business School. Steve grew up in Los Angeles and now lives in Boulder, Colorado with his wife and two sons.
Organizations
Primary
Based on material on their website:
The Institute for Cultural Evolution (“ICE”) is a nonprofit 501c3 think tank based in Boulder, Colorado. Our mission is to foster political and cultural evolution in America. Our main focus as a think tank is the amelioration of hyper-partisan polarization.
In furtherance of our mission, corresponding with the 2020 publication of our co-founder’s book, Developmental Politics, ICE is working to help establish a new “politics of culture.” This cultural approach to politics seeks to integrate positive values from across the political spectrum to create effective new forms of agreement.
ICE is managed by its co-founders Steve McIntosh and Carter Phipps. The think tank’s board of directors includes Whole Foods CEO John Mackey, Daily Evolver podcast host Jeff Salzman, and serial tech entrepreneur John Street.
Founded in 2013, ICE’s political position is neither left, nor right, nor centrist. We do not undertake lobbying efforts or back political candidates, and we are not associated with any political organization or party. By remaining politically independent, ICE is able to synthesize and harmonize the values and positive goals of both the left and the right. The strategies we use to widen perspectives and integrate politically opposed viewpoints are new and unique. They are based on fresh insights into how worldviews form and how human culture evolves. By clarifying the cultural roots of hyperpolarization, our analysis provides innovative solutions to this “wicked problem.”
Web Properties
Recent Content
Last 50 posts on own channels (YouTube, Podcast, Medium or Website/Blog):
New article: Making Peace with America’s History By Honoring Both Indigenous and European Traditions
Published on: 22 Feb 23 in Steve McIntosh – Website
by Steve McIntosh
New Article: Does Human Nature Evolve?
Published on: 29 Dec 22 in Steve McIntosh – Website
by Steve McIntosh
My Podcast with Glenn Loury on The Glenn Show
Published on: 2 Sep 22 in Steve McIntosh – Website
by Steve McIntosh
Evolutionary Spirituality and Developmental Politics—My Conversation with Tim Freke
Published on: 26 Aug 22 in Steve McIntosh – Website
by Steve McIntosh
Speaking at the “What’s the Future Conference” in Sedona in November
Published on: 13 Aug 22 in Steve McIntosh – Website
by Steve McIntosh
My Op-Ed on Abortion Rights Published in Real Clear Politics
Published on: 11 Jul 22 in Steve McIntosh – Website
by Steve McIntosh
My Policy Recommendations for Big Tech Governance
Published on: 23 Jun 22 in Steve McIntosh – Website
by Steve McIntosh
New audiobook version of Developmental Politics
Published on: 17 May 22 in Steve McIntosh – Website
by Steve McIntosh
New Essay: Critique of the Week: David Brooks
Published on: 12 May 22 in Steve McIntosh – Website
by Steve McIntosh
Interview by Roger Walsh and John Dupuy for the Deep Transformations Podcast
Published on: 10 Apr 22 in Steve McIntosh – Website
by Steve McIntosh
The Spiritual Teachings of Evolution in 7 Minutes
Published on: 11 Mar 22 in Steve McIntosh – Website
by Steve McIntosh
New Article: The Politics of Pride and Shame: Integrating 1776 and 1619
Published on: 7 Mar 22 in Steve McIntosh – Website
by Steve McIntosh
Rebel Wisdom Podcast: An Integral View of 2022
Published on: 18 Feb 22 in Steve McIntosh – Website
by Steve McIntosh
My Policy Recommendations for Homelessness Published on The Post-Progressive Post
Published on: 3 Jan 22 in Steve McIntosh – Website
by Steve McIntosh
Critique of the Week: Jonathan Haidt
Published on: 3 Nov 21 in Steve McIntosh – Website
by Steve McIntosh
Post-Progressivism Meets Academic Philosophy
Published on: 14 Oct 21 in Steve McIntosh – Website
by Steve McIntosh
Four Recent Podcasts
Published on: 14 Sep 21 in Steve McIntosh – Website
by Steve McIntosh
New Win-Win-Win Issue Position on Climate Change Published
Published on: 4 Sep 21 in Steve McIntosh – Website
by Steve McIntosh
My New Video Course: Becoming Part of the Solution
Published on: 29 Jul 21 in Steve McIntosh – Website
by Steve McIntosh
Mercy & Justice
Published on: 27 Jul 21 in Steve McIntosh – Website
by Steve McIntosh
Competition & Cooperation
Published on: 27 Jul 21 in Steve McIntosh – Website
by Steve McIntosh
Real & Ideal
Published on: 23 Jul 21 in Steve McIntosh – Website
by Steve McIntosh
Liberty & Equality
Published on: 22 Jul 21 in Steve McIntosh – Website
by Steve McIntosh
Developmental Politics Course Clips, with Steve McIntosh: Why post-progressivism?
Published on: 9 Jul 21 in Steve McIntosh – YouTube
by Stephen McIntosh
Developmental Politics Course Clips, with Steve McIntosh: Don’t we first need campaign reform?
Published on: 9 Jul 21 in Steve McIntosh – YouTube
by Stephen McIntosh
Developmental Politics Course Clips, with Steve McIntosh: How to overcome “post-truth”?
Published on: 9 Jul 21 in Steve McIntosh – YouTube
by Stephen McIntosh
Developmental Politics Course Clips, with Steve McIntosh: Why the term “post-progressive?”
Published on: 9 Jul 21 in Steve McIntosh – YouTube
by Stephen McIntosh
Developmental Politics Course Clips, with Steve McIntosh: Isn’t this elitist?
Published on: 9 Jul 21 in Steve McIntosh – YouTube
by Stephen McIntosh
Developmental Politics Course Clips, with Steve McIntosh: Why is progressivism itself more advanced?
Published on: 9 Jul 21 in Steve McIntosh – YouTube
by Stephen McIntosh
Developmental Politics Course Clips, with Steve McIntosh: Why not progressivism?
Published on: 9 Jul 21 in Steve McIntosh – YouTube
by Stephen McIntosh
Developmental Politics Course Clips, with Steve McIntosh: Why not centrism?
Published on: 9 Jul 21 in Steve McIntosh – YouTube
by Stephen McIntosh
Developmental Politics Course Clips, with Steve McIntosh: The post-progressive perspective
Published on: 9 Jul 21 in Steve McIntosh – YouTube
by Stephen McIntosh
Critique of the Week: George Packer’s Four Americas
Published on: 9 Jul 21 in Steve McIntosh – Website
by Steve McIntosh
Post Progressive Inquiries – Launch of The Post-Progressive Post
Published on: 28 Jun 21 in Steve McIntosh – YouTube
by Stephen McIntosh
Launch of The Post-Progressive Post Website
Published on: 28 Jun 21 in Steve McIntosh – Website
by Steve McIntosh
Updated Charts: Polarities on the Left and Right
Published on: 15 Jun 21 in Steve McIntosh – Website
by Steve McIntosh
Parallax Magazine’s political discussion forum
Published on: 22 May 21 in Steve McIntosh – Website
by Steve McIntosh
My Course on Post-Progressive Politics is making great progress
Published on: 27 Mar 21 in Steve McIntosh – Website
by Steve McIntosh
My 9-Week Course on Post-Progressive Politics: Becoming Part of the Solution
Published on: 2 Mar 21 in Steve McIntosh – Website
by Steve McIntosh
Turning the Page on a New Chapter in American History
Published on: 20 Jan 21 in Steve McIntosh – Website
by Steve McIntosh
My new article: “Why Centrism Fails”
Published on: 6 Jan 21 in Steve McIntosh – Website
by Steve McIntosh
Post-Progressive Inquiries: New Podcast Series by Steve McIntosh & Jeff Salzman
Published on: 5 Dec 20 in Steve McIntosh – Website
by Steve McIntosh
Why I’m Voting for Biden
Published on: 23 Oct 20 in Steve McIntosh – Website
by Steve McIntosh
Stages of Development Part 2
Published on: 17 Mar 12 in Steve McIntosh – YouTube
by Stephen McIntosh
Conscious Leadership, my new book coauthored with John Mackey and Carter Phipps
Published on: 8 Sep 20 in Steve McIntosh – Website
by Steve McIntosh
In Search of Higher Ground
Published on: 21 Aug 20 in Steve McIntosh – Website
by Steve McIntosh
Midwest Book Review of Developmental Politics
Published on: 13 Jul 20 in Steve McIntosh – Website
by Steve McIntosh
Value Energy Podcast, Including Commentary on the Protests
Published on: 5 Jul 20 in Steve McIntosh – Website
by Steve McIntosh
USA Today Op-Ed: ‘Mrs. America’ Shows How Art Can Bridge Our Nation’s Cultural, Partisan Divisions
Published on: 6 Jun 20 in Steve McIntosh – Website
by Steve McIntosh
New Article: Towards a Post-Progressive Political Perspective
Published on: 20 May 20 in Steve McIntosh – Website
by Steve McIntosh
American politics are badly broken. Yet to solve the seemingly intractable problem of hyperpolarization, we need to look beyond the gridlocked politics of Washington D.C. In Developmental Politics, Steve McIntosh shows how this growing rift in the fabric of American society is a cultural problem that requires a cultural solution. He offers a pragmatic yet inspiring approach to our national political dilemma through a new politics of culture―one that goes right to the heart of this entrenched, complex issue. McIntosh presents a variety of innovative methods through which citizens and political leaders from across the political spectrum can reach agreement and achieve consensus.
McIntosh’s proposals for overcoming hyperpolarization are founded on an emerging form of “cultural intelligence” that directly addresses the conflicting values underlying our poisoned politics. This new way of seeing leads to an inclusive vision of social progress―a new American Dream―that can help revive our collective sense of common cause and thereby restore the functionality of our democracy. Developmental Politics provides the fresh thinking we need to transcend America’s contemporary political impasse.
From Whole Foods CEO John Mackey and his coauthors, a follow-up to groundbreaking bestseller Conscious Capitalism—revealing what it takes to lead a purpose-driven, sustainable business.
John Mackey started a movement when he founded Whole Foods, bringing natural, organic food to the masses and not only changing the market, but breaking the mold. Now, for the first time, Conscious Leadership closely explores the vision, virtues, and mindset that have informed Mackey’s own leadership journey, providing a roadmap for innovative, value-based leadership—in business and in society.
Conscious Leadership demystifies strategies that have helped Mackey shepherd Whole Foods through four decades of incredible growth and innovation, including its recent sale to Amazon. Each chapter will challenge you to rethink conventional business wisdom through anecdotes, case studies, profiles of conscious leaders, and innovative techniques for self-development, culminating in an empowering call to action for entrepreneurs and trailblazers—to step up as leaders who see beyond the bottom line.
Does the science of evolution really prove that life, humanity, and the universe as a whole are meaningless accidents? On the contrary, as science has shown how everything in the universe is subject to evolution, including matter, life, and human culture, these very facts reveal that the process of evolution is unmistakably progressive. And, as Steve McIntosh demonstrates, when we come to see how evolution progresses, this reveals evolution’s purpose-to grow toward ever-widening realizations of beauty, truth, and goodness. McIntosh argues that the purpose of evolution is not intelligently designed or otherwise externally controlled; rather, its purpose is being creatively and originally discerned through the choices of the evolutionary creatures themselves. Without relying on spiritual authorities, the author shows how the scientific story of our origins is actually a profound and sacred teaching compatible with many forms of contemporary spirituality. Evolution’s Purpose: An Integral Interpretation of the Scientific Story of Our Origins presents a fresh and compelling view of evolutionary science and philosophy, and shows how a deeper understanding of evolution itself can lead directly to a more evolved world.
The integral worldview represents the next crucial step in the development of our civilization. Through its enlarged understanding of the evolution of consciousness and culture, the emerging perspective known as integral consciousness provides realistic and pragmatic solutions to our growing global problems, both environmental and political. As McIntosh convincingly demonstrates, the integral worldview’s transformational potential provides a way to literally become the change we want to see in the world. This is really two books in one: the first half serves as an accessible and highly readable introduction to the power of integral consciousness, with the second half making a variety of original contributions to the integral perspective and breaking new ground in the application of integral philosophy to politics and spirituality. Moreover, McIntosh provides a much-needed contextualization and critique of the integral worldview’s leading author, Ken Wilber, which helps make integral philosophy relevant to a larger audience.
Recent Videos and Podcasts where Steve McIntosh has been interviewed
Integral philosopher Steve McIntosh shares new ideas for healing America’s polarized politics and culture. Steve explores the “shared agreements” that form the basic units of culture and considers how virtue
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I argue that the Biden administration’s push to mandate the inclusion of “traditional indigenous ecological knowledge” in Federal policymaking opens the door for greater respect and inclusion of “traditional European
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My latest article published on The Developmentalist: Does Human Nature Evolve? “The key question surrounding the concept of human nature is whether it is mostly fixed or broadly malleable. We
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I’m excited to share my latest podcast with Glenn Loury on The Glenn Show. Professor Loury is a courageous thought leader who transcends left and right. In our conversation, we discuss developmental
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I’m pleased to share the podcast conversation I recently had with philosopher and spiritual seeker Tim Freke. We discussed evolutionary spirituality and theology. Then beginning at 52:40, we had a
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I will be attending and giving a keynote talk about the work of the Institute for Cultural Evolution at the integral “What’s the Future Conference” in beautiful Sedona, Arizona. The
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A Proposed National Agreement on Abortion By Steve McIntosh, July 10, 2022 Although it may seem counterintuitive, the Supreme Court’s ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Center may ultimately help secure
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I’m pleased to announce that the Institute for Cultural Evolution has published an audiobook version of my book: Developmental Politics—How America Can Grow Into a Better Version of Itself. Originally
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I was recently on the new podcast: Deep Transformation: Self-Society-Spirit. This 2-part conversation, with hosts Dr. Roger Walsh (renowned thought leader in the fields of spirituality and integral theory) and
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Promoting Cultural Intelligence: Repairing America’s Broken Politics, by @ethanwnel https://open.substack.com/pub/becomeconscious/p/promoting-cultural-intelligence-repairing?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
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The political polarity of Left and Right is indestructible. People are naturally drawn to 1 pole or the other. We want to “fix what’s wrong” or “preserve what’s right.” These 2 poles are interdependent. So to forward your preferred pole, affirm the values of the pole you oppose!
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RT @carter_phipps: Indeed…and also it’s true. “We have to say consciousness is a real thing and there is a mystical interiority to people that’s different from other stuff because if we don’t say people are special, how can we make a society or make https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/mar/23/tech-guru-jaron-lanier-the-danger-isnt-that-ai-destroys-us-its-that-it-drives-us-insane?CMP=share_btn_tw… https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1641543186207088640
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“How can we reshape incentives in the industry so that the incentives are pushing more toward safety, interpretability, transparency, accountability and not just pushing towards profit and racing?” @SigalSamuel talking AI with @BrianLehrer https://twitter.com/brianlehrer/status/1641521931261300736
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Steve McIntosh uses Dawkins as an example of a modern fundamentalist in his conversation with @DavidEStorey. https://t.co/XfTDbLBGis
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In this clip, Steve McIntosh discusses how progressive postmodernism’s place in history can be compared to a teenager who rejects her parents. The next step in history will thus be comparable to a 20-something’s parental reconciliation. Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQOZBfte43U&t=165s https://t.co/0Z61mwfD0e
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With AI, is there a sweet spot between alarmist and dismissive? https://twitter.com/lukerobertmason/status/1637563627493376000
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RT @InstCulturalEvo: OUR YARD SIGN: In This House We Believe • Everyone has a piece of the truth • Left and Right are interdependent • Opposing values can be integrated • Culture and consciousness co-evolve • People grow by expanding what they value • America will grow into a better version of… https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1639454430469976064
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OUR YARD SIGN: In This House We Believe • Everyone has a piece of the truth • Left and Right are interdependent • Opposing values can be integrated • Culture and consciousness co-evolve • People grow by expanding what they value • America will grow into a better version of… https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1639454430469976064
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How does owning and sharing your story fit into integral philosophy and developmental politics? https://twitter.com/rigelthurston/status/1638858474762260481
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We need more whimsey to keep our certainty in check. “Concepts create idols; only wonder grasps anything.” –St Gregory of Nyssa. https://twitter.com/gregoryhansell/status/1638380113875152897
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I love the question of belonging because its roots reach deep to our need to love and be loved. It makes me wonder about ‘being’ and ‘longing’ as two separate developmental tracks. How do they challenge and/or support each other in your life? https://twitter.com/anneselke/status/1637118763144232961
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Why Model Citizens Have A Responsibility To Become Influencers, by @garysheng https://open.substack.com/pub/garysheng/p/impactinfluencers?r=1xscte&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
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RT @InstCulturalEvo: What is Cultural intelligence? It’s the ability to recognize the mutual interdependence of America’s three major worldviews. It sees how the values and enduring accomplishments of all three of these distinct value frames form a kind of symbiotic cultural ecosystem.
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RT @InstCulturalEvo: Sociocultural evolution—our collective development—is simultaneously physical and objective, psychological and subjective, and collective and intersubjective. It is the ongoing coevolution of “It, I, and We.”
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Here is our second AI avatar video on “Understanding Worldviews.” It provides a basic introduction to cultural worldviews in less than two minutes. Please check it out on the Institute for Cultural Evolution’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFJ7klDtHvY
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Here is our first attempt at an Artificial Intelligence avatar video, titled: “Taking Responsibility for AI” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Nij_WWDXHQ
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RT @InstCulturalEvo: Has progressive postmodernism emerged as a historically significant new worldview comparable to modernity and traditionalism? Social psychologists and political scientists can’t seem to see it clearly. If social science existed in 1790, would it have detected the Enlightenment?
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RT @InstCulturalEvo: Are some cultures better than others? All human cultures deserve respect—people have a right to be who they are. But if we want to make the world a better place, we must be willing to acknowledge that some forms of culture promote human flourishing better than others. https://t.co/9VVClBod4i
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RT @InstCulturalEvo: The distinct experiences of the intrinsic values of goodness, truth and beauty each convey their own assuring “message of love.” The message of beauty’s pleasure is “feel loved.” Truth’s light and power tells us to “grow.” And the message of goodness’ moral force is “love others”
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RT @InstCulturalEvo: Serving an ideal of Transcendence—used as an umbrella term for genuine greater-than-self-interest—is necessary for personal happiness and self-actualization. Realizing an enlarged ideal of Transcendence that can unite a majority of Americans is the key to our political evolution.
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I’m in favor of Biden’s push to include “traditional indigenous knowledge” in Federal policy-making. Until we make amends for our historical crimes and misdeeds against Native Americans, our nation’s basic moral legitimacy will remain an open question.
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