Regular listeners of this podcast or those who have followed my work over the years will recognize the name Steve McIntosh. Steve and I have been collaborating for almost two decades, including as coauthors (with John Mackey) of Conscious Leadership and cofounders of the Institute for Cultural Evolution. He is also a regular guest on this show. In this episode, we reflect on the current progressive inclination to highlight the wrongs of America’s past, in contrast to traditional patriotism. Certainly, there’s much to be ashamed of in our nation’s historical record, especially the horrors of slavery, segregation, and the violence perpetrated against Native American populations. But should we allow that shame to eclipse any expression of national pride? Inspired by Steve’s recent article “The Politics of Pride and Shame: Integrating 1776 and 1619,” this conversation explores a potent cultural polarity and asks how we might come to a more integrated synthesis. As always, Steve brings a historically informed, culturally intelligent, and philosophically nuanced perspective to the topic.
More about Steve McIntosh
Steve McIntosh, J.D., is a leader in the integral philosophy movement and author of Developmental Politics: How America Can Grow Into a Better Version of Itself (Paragon House, 2020). He is president and cofounder of the Institute for Cultural Evolution, which focuses on the cultural roots of America’s political problems.
Steve is also coauthor, with John Mackey and Carter Phipps, of Conscious Leadership: Elevating Humanity Through Business (Portfolio, 2020) and author of The Presence of the Infinite (Quest, 2015), Evolution’s Purpose (Select Books, 2012), and Integral Consciousness and the Future of Evolution (Paragon House, 2007).
Before becoming a writer and social entrepreneur, Steve had a variety of other successful careers, including founding the consumer products company Now & Zen, and practicing law with one of America’s largest firms. His innovative political thinking has been featured on NPR, USA Today, The Daily Beast, Real Clear Politics, The Hill, The National Journal, and in a wide variety of other media. He is an honors graduate of the University of Virginia Law School, and the University of Southern California Business School. Steve grew up in Los Angeles and now lives in Boulder, Colorado with his wife and two sons.
Learn more about Steve’s work at SteveMcIntosh.com or the Institute for Cultural Evolution
Subscribe to Thinking Ahead on your favorite podcast platform
