This schema spatially organizes reality into four fundamental perspectives using two primary axes, with a third developmental axis showing the evolution of complexity within each domain1.
The Defining Axes
The entire space is structured like a Cartesian plane, creating four quadrants with distinct, irreducible qualities2:
- The Vertical Axis: This line separates the Interior domains (on the left) from the Exterior domains (on the right)3.
- Interior (Left): The subjective, "unseen" reality of thoughts, feelings, and cultural values (the "I" and "We")4.
- Exterior (Right): The objective, "seen" reality of physical forms, behaviors, and social systems (the "It" and "Its")5.
- The Horizontal Axis: This line separates the Individual domains (upper half) from the Collective domains (lower half)6.
- Individual (Upper): Pertains to a single entity7.
- Collective (Lower): Pertains to a group or system of entities8.
The Developmental Levels
Diagonal lines with numbered levels (1-13) run through each quadrant, representing an
evolutionary progression9.
- Spatial Logic: Complexity increases as you move from the center origin (level 1) outwards towards the periphery (level 13)10. The origin represents the most fundamental state, and the outward arrows signify growth and development11.
- Horizontal Correlation: The spatial arrangement implies that the phenomena at the same number level across all four quadrants are interconnected and tend to arise together12. For example, the development of a "complex neocortex" in the
Upper-Right (level 9) correlates with the emergence of "concepts" and "rules" in the Upper-Left (levels 9-10), a "mythic" worldview in the Lower-Left (level 10), and an "early state/empire" social structure in the Lower-Right (level 10)13.
In essence, the schema spatially maps reality by showing how the four fundamental perspectives (I, It, We, Its) unfold together through progressive stages of complexity.