Levels of Subsisdence

THE FIRST TIER VALUE SYSTEMS; The Levels of Subsistence^[5]

Beige[edit]

"Survival/Sense. The Instinctive ^vMEME

• Automatic, autistic, reflexive
• Centers around satisfaction
• Driven by deep brain programs, instincts and genetics
• Little awareness of self as a distinct being (undifferentiated)
• Lives "off the land" much as other animals
• Minimal impact on or control over environment"^[6]

Purple[edit]

"Kin Spirits. The Clannish ^vMEME

• Obey desires of the mystical spirit beings
• Show allegiance to elders, custom, clan
• Preserve sacred places, objects, rituals
• Bond together to endure and find safety
• Live in an enchanted, magical village
• Seek harmony with nature's power"^[7]

Red[edit]

"PowerGods. The Egocentric ^vMEME

• In a world of haves and have-nots, it's good to be a have
• Avoid shame, defend reputation, be respected
• Gratify impulses and sense immediately
• Fight remorselessly and without guilt to break constraints
• Don't worry about consequences that may not come"^[8]

Blue[edit]

"TruthForce. The Purposeful ^vMEME

• Find meaning and purpose in living
• Sacrifice self to the Way for deferred reward
• Bring order and stability to all things
• Control impulsivity and respond to guilt
• Enforce principles of righteous living
• Divine plan assigns people to their places"^[9]

Orange[edit]

"StriveDrive. The Strategic ^vMEME

• Strive for autonomy and independence
• Seek out "the good life" and material abundance
• Progress through searching out the best solutions
• Enhance living for many through science and technology
• Play to win and enjoy competition
• Learning through tried-and-true experience"^[10]

Green[edit]

"HumanBond. The Relativistic ^vMEME

• Explore the inner beings of self and others
• Promote a sense of community and unity
• Share society's resources among all
• Liberate humans from greed and dogma
• Reach decisions through consensus
• Refresh spirituality and bring harmony"^[11]

Levels of cognition in Spiral Dynamics.