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Discussion on:
Peak Experience,
Mystical Experience
Abraham Maslow

Examine the relationship to peak experience as defined by Maslow and how such an experience led to the formulation of "Integrated Theory of Intelligence" which is also an approach to a "Theory of Everything".

Abraham Maslow – Defined peak experience in a very specific way. Led to the formulation of the “Integrated Theory of Intelligence” which discusses the interrelationship of intelligence-consciousness to matter-energy and space-time and the evolution of these properties that define the basic fabric that comprises the universe. Detailed in Preface Part II.

Peak experience as defined by Abraham Maslow, represents a Supraconsciousness state with certain well-defined characteristic features. Much has been written about P.E. and the term has become broadened from its original meaning. The definition that applies to Integrated Theory of Intelligence is briefly outlined below. If a more thorough understanding of peak experience is desired please refer to Part II of the Preface and Chapters 1 and 16.

P.E. represents one of at least several altered states of consciousness and might be referred to as a transient state of supraconsciousness. It is a relatively common occurrence and one poll indicates that over one-third of all individuals claim to have had one: Maslow first discovered what he called "peak experiences" in self-actualizing individuals; however, it gradually became apparent to him that a great many people have them. He believed that so-called "mystical experiences" were essentially the same thing as P.E. I believe that they are the same, but prefer the term P.E. because of the lack of supernaturalness implied by the latter. P.E. is also a phenomenon, which has been evaluated scientifically, and should be readily accepted by many to represent a valid altered state of consciousness, with only its source remaining in question.

Maslow concluded that during a P.E. people have a better, truer perception of reality. During this altered state an individual achieves the same insights that many philosophers have had regarding the unifying aspects of reality. Some of the words he compiled which are common to P.E. include truth, beauty, joy, ecstasy, wholeness, dichotomy-transcendence, perfection, order, simplicity, uniqueness, justice and completion.

Briefly stated, Maslow describes the major features of a peak experience in the following way, which also should again be noted as paralleled by my own experience. One has the perception that the universe is a totally integrated and unified whole and that one is a part of it. A "cosmic consciousness" is experienced so that the whole cosmos is perceived as a unity and one's own place in this whole is simultaneously understood. Self-boundaries are lost as one becomes integrated with the rest of existence; however, self-identity and individual awareness persist.

During a P.E. one's concentration is totally absorbed and there is the truest and most total kind of visual perceiving or listening or feeling." One experiences superhuman, almost "god-like" perception of apparent reality. There is a feeling of omniscience. Great insights and revelations are achieved and profoundly felt, associated with feelings of intense joy and ecstasy. The experience alters one's perception of the meaning and value of life, and makes life seem much more important and worthwhile. There is a time and space disorientation so that the ability to estimate a time interval is lost.

The dichotomies, polarities and conflicts of life are transcended and resolved. The world is seen only as a beautiful, good, desirable place to be. It is never experienced as evil. The presence of evil is accepted and understood as part of the whole - as being unavoidable and necessary. During the omniscient perceptive state, evil is seen as a product of limited or selfish vision and understanding. The greater the understanding, the less the condemnation or blame, disappointment and shock that will be experienced. There is a transient loss of all anxiety, fear, confusion, conflict and inhibition. It produces the long-lasting effect of one becoming more loving, honest, innocent, non-needing, less selfish, and even more god-like. One is left with an all-embracing love for everybody and everything, which in turn leads to a strong impulse (drive) to do something good for the world. There is an eagerness to repay the peak experience with a sense of obligation and dedication to humanity. The best verbal description of a P.E. is not nearly good enough, since words cannot begin to capture the essence of the experience!

There are many reports of creative acts that have apparently occurred during altered states of consciousness, thus supporting the commonly held notion that altered states allow the unconscious process to operate more freely. Harman and Rheingold, after researching case histories of scientists, "found that not only many specific scientific discoveries but the very foundations of science itself were built on breakthrough experiences, later backed up by empirical investigation”

When the Integrated Theory of Intelligence was first developed in 1984 there was less scientific evidence to support the conclusions offered in the text. Since then there has been considerable progress and there is more scientific evidence accumulating to support the theory. For those that are interested, a reading list of books can be accessed through this web page, each with a short synopsis summarizing how the information within the book gives additional support to the concepts presented in Integrated Theory of Intelligence.

It is the author’s belief that in time the theory as presented will become a commonly held worldview within the scientific community. If so, this will be strong evidence toward validating the importance of P.E. as a source for breakthrough insights.