A Brief History of Everything

By: Ken Wilber

Narrated by: Steve Grad, Willow Pearson

Length: 5 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

A Brief History of Everything is an altogether friendly and accessible account of men and women's place in a universe of sex, soul, and spirit, written by author Ken Wilber.  

Wilber examines the course of evolution as the unfolding manifestation of Spirit, from matter to life to mind, including the higher stages of spiritual development where Spirit becomes conscious of itself. In each of these domains, there are recurring patterns, and by looking closely at them, we can learn much about the predicament of our world - and the direction we must take if "global transformation" is to become a reality.  

Wilber offers a series of striking and original views on many topics of current interest and controversy, including the gender wars, modern liberation movements, multiculturalism, ecology, and environmental ethics, and the conflict between this-worldly and otherworldly approaches to spirituality. The result is an extraordinary and exhilarating ride through the Kosmos in the company of one of the great thinkers of our time.

©2001 Ken Wilber (P)2018 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"No one has described the path to wisdom better than Ken Wilber." (New York Times reporter Tony Schwartz)

Very balanced in spirit and mibd

I really enjoyed this audio book. It was rather academic in structure and is written as an interview. I recommend it for anyone looking for spiritual guidance.

Worth studying your way through

This is complex and requires me to re-wind and re-listen many times In every chapter and section. But it’s worth it to gain and understanding of Wilbur’s concepts of “all-quadrant, all-level” integral view of consciousness and evolution.

His style of writing in this book is also fascinating and helpful, where he frames the entire book in a back and forth interview between himself and some interviewer.

I had read the kindle version years ago, but the audio actually helped me put it all together this time.

Incredible thinker

First listened to this audiobook some years ago and it was the work which introduced Ken Wilber into my sphere of attention. Very excited to see this arrive on Audible as I'd misplaced my old copy.

They should give this to all 16 year olds

I enjoyed this book. Ken has a great way of taking what is seemingly impossibility esoteric and delivering it to you in a relatable way. It’s balanced and non dogmatic and would serve as a great foundation of how to navigate reality for any young (or old) person. :)

Highly recommend

One of the best philosophy books I’ve ever read. A great balance between science and theology. Honest and thought-provoking.

A holistic view of humanity

This book is an overview of humans and philosophy. Listen if you are interested in a more broad, inclusive philosophy that takes a look at society at an individual, cultural, physiological and environmental view.

Profound piece of work.

I will be listening to it many more times. His words are rich with insight.

A Baseline for Everything

at first I was really confused about the four quadrants and where Ken Wilber was headed with this. However, thanks to the magic of audible books I plugged on through and in the end could grasp his message. That's partially due to his really good writing and his references to other writers and theologians and thinkers. I deeply appreciate his best knowledge and ability to impart it. Again at first I thought that it was a mistake for me to try to listen to this. But in the end listening to it was marvelous.

Very thoughtful & commendable work

A good book. Gives a good synopsis of where are civilization is at. It’s great to hear thinkers that can go beyond materialism and reductionism. Science, after all, can only mitigate our problems not transcend them.

Embodied self-organized integration

Listening to this seminal work is like watching/listening to Spirit itself do exactly what this book sets out to do and discusses in great detail - it transcends AND includes, it unfolds and enfolds. This work is the self-emergent quality of a complex system self-organizing and self-regulating. It’s like sitting on a mountain with the entire view of the world, recognizing that you are the mountain and you are also the world that you can go down and play in. And when you’re done, not only will you hear a beautiful summary with ideas for manifestation of this integration in healthcare, business, politics, and so forth, you’ll see that integration is already here, emerging, unfolding and enfolding you back in the Spirit you were in the first place. Enjoy!!