Abstract

This article examines B.J. Palmer’s life using the Integral model as developed by Ken Wilber. Integral Theory is used to analyze the increasing levels of complexity that develop through the behavioral, cultural, and social domains during the course of Palmer’s life.

The article’s goal is twofold: 1) to describe B.J. Palmer’s life through an integral lens, and 2) to map out some important aspects of integral biography, a new approach to biography.

B.J. Palmer developed through five identifiable crucibles in his life, or pivotal moments that acted as catalysts for him to develop to entirely new levels of being and acting in the world. These crucibles were sometimes accompanied by epiphanies associated with an entirely new sense of who he was and what his life was about.

This article traces Palmer’s life along four main streams of his development: his cognition, his values, his ego or self, and his faith or spirituality. Based on his highest levels of development in later life, it is shown that B.J. Palmer was an early pioneer of integral consciousness and integral leadership.