The Graves Value System (GVS), also known as Spiral Dynamics, is a fascinating model for explaining human development, both on an individual and societal level.
It was developed in the 1950s by psychology professor Dr. Clare W. Graves (1914-1986).
Don Beck and Chris Cowan developed this model further.
It was first published in 1996 in the book “Spiral Dynamics” and is often branded under this name.
The model is particularly notable for its depiction of human development as a spiral process that passes through different value systems and world views.
Turquoise
The turquoise meme was born out of the awareness that actions in a global context have far-reaching consequences for the world and future generations.
Yellow
In an increasingly complex and fast-paced world in which change is the order of the day, decisions needed to be made quickly and constantly adapted to the situation.
This is how the yellow meme developed.
Green
The green meme emerged from the awareness that there are also losers in the orange system.
The division of the world into rich and poor, isolation and emptiness at the top were aspects that led to a new awareness and thus to the green value system “community”.
Orange
With increasing opportunities in the world, it was no longer enough for people to simply follow rules.
The orange value system emerged, in which the performance of individuals is rewarded.
Blue
In earlier times, rules from the Bible or the state (“Thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal…” etc.) put a stop to the arbitrariness of people.
This is how the blue value system “order” came into being.
Red
This system emerged when people wanted to break out of peer pressure and put themselves at the head of the tribe.
Purple
The purple system – one of the oldest value systems – originated when people came together to form tribes.
