A Post-Truth World

A piercing examination of our current social and political situation through the lens of Integral Theory—by the framework’s founder, cutting-edge philosopher Ken Wilber. One of the greatest challenges of our time is the overwhelmingly divisive socio-political climate. Not only in America but also internationally, it seems that almost every issue raises incredibly vocal oppositional views. Not least of all, the persistence of former President Trump and his supporters to disseminate falsehoods through vast networks of disinformation are testaments to these deepening rifts. With so much hostility, antagonism, cynicism, and discord, how can we mend the ruptures in our society? Acclaimed philosopher Ken Wilber examines these events through the lens of Integral Theory to show what led to these fractures, both in America and around the world—as well as what is needed for humanity to move forward. In his provocative analysis, he explains that the election of Donald Trump was an evolutionary self-correction that had been decades in the making. And he explores how the arising of support for an antagonistic authoritarian represents a backlash against the failure of those at the leading edge of consciousness (postmodernism and pluralism) to acknowledge the challenges that persist amidst our imagined progress: to date, society has been not proven to be equal, and liberty and justice have not been consistent for all. But a new Integral force is emerging that can move beyond the narcissism, nihilism, and cynicism to offer genuine leadership and move us all toward greater wholeness.