“Reality is not composed of things or processes; it is not composed of atoms or quarks; it is not composed of wholes nor does it have any parts. Rather, it is composed of whole/parts, or holons.”Ken Wilber, Sex, Ecology, Spirituality

The polarity of Wholeness and Partness is a fundamental concept in integral theory, describing the dual nature of holons. Every holon, or whole/part, exists simultaneously as a whole in itself and as a part of a larger whole. This polarity highlights the tension between a holon’s autonomy and its participation in a broader context, and that balancing and integrating these two aspects is crucial for the healthy development and functioning of any holon. This polarity is not just a feature of physical entities but extends to all forms of existence, emphasizing the dual nature of being both independent and interdependent. It is a universal principle that applies to all levels of reality, from the subatomic to the cosmic, and is essential for understanding the nature of complex systems and the evolution of consciousness.

Wholeness represents a holon’s autonomy, self-preservation, and agency. It is the aspect of a holon that maintains its distinct identity, coherence, and self-organizing capacity. Wholeness allows a holon to preserve its unique pattern and structure over time, even as it interacts with and adapts to its environment. This pole encompasses the holon’s capacity for self-regulation, self-maintenance, and self-transformation, enabling it to evolve and develop without losing its essential nature. Wholeness is the source of a holon’s individuality, creativity, and resilience in the face of change.

“In short, holons are defined, not by the stuff of which they are made (there is no stuff), nor merely by the context in which they live (though they are inseparable from that), but by the relatively autonomous and coherent pattern they display, and the capacity to preserve that pattern is one characteristic of a holon: the wholeness aspect of a holon is displayed in its pattern-preservation.”Ken Wilber, Sex, Ecology, Spirituality

“There is no place where we can rest and say, ‘The universe’s basic principle is Wholeness’ (nor, of course, can we say, ‘The basic principle is Partness’). This prevents us from ever saying that the principle of the Whole rules the world, for it does not; any whole is a part, indefinitely.

Thus, holons within holons within holons means that the world is without foundation in either wholes or parts (and as for any sort of “absolute reality” in the spiritual sense, we will see that it is neither whole nor part, neither one nor many, but pure groundless Emptiness, or radically nondual Spirit).

This is important because it prevents a totalizing and dominating Wholeness. “Wholeness”—this is a very dangerous concept (a point that will accompany us throughout this book)—dangerous for many reasons, not the least of which is that it is always available to be pushed into ideological ends. Whenever anybody talks of wholeness being the ultimate, then we must be very wary, in my opinion, because they are often telling us that we are merely ‘parts’ of their particular version of ‘wholeness,’ and so we should be subservient to their vision—we are merely strands in their wonderful web.”Ken Wilber, Sex, Ecology, Spirituality

Partness represents a holon’s participation, communion, and embedding in a larger context. It is the aspect of a holon that allows it to interact with, adapt to, and be a part of something greater than itself. Partness enables a holon to contribute to and be shaped by the larger wholes in which it is embedded. This pole encompasses the holon’s capacity for communication, coordination, and co-evolution with other holons, allowing it to participate in the emergence of higher-order complexities and novel properties. Partness is the source of a holon’s relationality, adaptability, and capacity for transcendence.

“A holon functions not only as a self-preserving whole but also as a part of a larger whole, and in its capacity as a part it must adapt or accommodate itself to other holons (not autopoiesis but allopoiesis; not assimilation but accommodation). The partness aspect of a holon is displayed in its capacity to accommodate, to register other holons, to fit into its existing environment. Even electrons accommodate themselves, for example, to the number of other electrons in an orbital shell; they register, and react to, their environment. This doesn’t imply intentionality on the part of the electron, just a capacity to react to surrounding actions. As a whole, it remains itself; as a part, it must fit in.”Ken Wilber, Sex, Ecology, Spirituality

Holonic Integration represents the harmonious and dynamic balance between the wholeness and partness of a holon. In this state, the holon maintains its distinct identity and autonomy while actively participating in and contributing to the larger wholes of which it is a part. Holonic Integration allows for the seamless flow of information, energy, and resources between different levels of the holarchy, enabling the holon to adapt and evolve in response to changing circumstances. This state of integration is characterized by a recognition of the interdependence and mutual support between the parts and the whole, leading to a sense of coherence, resilience, and purposeful engagement with the world.

Note: Polarity maps such as this one are themselves an exercise of holonic integration, helping us to appreciate and attend to both whole and part simultaneously.

As you work with the polarity of wholeness and partness, it’s important to recognize the meta-nature of this polarity and how it relates to all other polarities. In a sense, wholeness and partness are the fundamental building blocks of all polarities, as each pole represents a whole in itself, while also being a part of the larger polarity. By understanding this meta-perspective, you can begin to engage with all polarities in a more holistic and integral way.

When working with any polarity, take time to appreciate each pole as a whole in itself, with its own unique qualities, perspectives, and contributions. Then, explore how each pole is also a part of the larger polarity, and how they relate to and complement each other. Finally, consider how the polarity as a whole is a whole/part in itself, nested within larger contexts and systems.

In practical terms, managing this polarity involves an iterative, ongoing process:


1. Acknowledging the Individuality (Wholeness): Each pole must be respected and understood as having intrinsic value and unique contributions. This requires us to dive deep into understanding what makes each pole significant—its benefits, risks, and essential qualities.

2. Recognizing Interdependence (Partness): Simultaneously, it’s crucial to see how each pole interacts with and influences the other. This isn’t merely about compromise between two opposing forces but about understanding how they can synergistically enhance each other.

3. Creating a New Synthesis: The integral challenge is then to synthesize these insights into a new whole that transcends and includes the parts. This new whole — or “Holonic Integration” — becomes a meta-solution that not only solves the initial tension but elevates the system to a higher level of complexity and functionality.

“This primordial polarity runs through all domains of manifest existence, and was archetypally expressed in the Taoist principles of yin (communion) and yang (agency). Koestler: “On different levels of the inorganic and organic hierarchies, the polarisation of ‘particularistic’ [agency] and ‘holistic’ [communion] forces takes different forms, but it is observable on every level.”Ken Wilber, Sex, Ecology, Spirituality

• Growing Up: Growing up through the stages of development is one of the most fundamental paths to integrate this polarity. As the self evolves through increasing stages of wholeness, each stage brings a greater capacity to embrace and include the parts. Practices that support vertical development, such as studying developmental models, engaging in perspective-taking exercises, and participating in communities that encourage growth, can help to foster this integration. By expanding our capacity to hold complexity and to take multiple perspectives, we can develop a more nuanced understanding of the interplay between wholeness and partness.
• Waking Up: The path of waking up invites us to recognize the fundamental unity and interdependence of all phenomena. Through contemplative practices like meditation, prayer, and mindfulness, we can access states of consciousness that reveal the nondual nature of reality, where the distinction between whole and part dissolves. As we awaken to this deeper truth, we can begin to see how wholeness and partness arise together in the dynamic unfolding of existence. This recognition can help us to navigate the complexities of the relative world with greater wisdom and compassion.
• Cleaning Up: Integrating wholeness and partness also requires a willingness to face and heal the splits and shadows within our own psyche. Through practices like therapy, shadow work, and mind-body integration, we can bring greater awareness and acceptance to the fragmented or disowned parts of ourselves, and reintegrate them into a greater wholeness. As we do this inner work, we can begin to experience an expanded sense of inner wholeness and coherence, which naturally radiates into our outer relationships and engagements. By cleaning up our own inner landscape, we create the conditions for a more authentic and integrated expression of ourselves in the world.
• Opening Up: Opening up is a pathway to greater wholeness that involves recognizing, exploring, and integrating the full spectrum of human intelligences. While growing up offers a vertical wholeness through the stages of development within a single intelligence, opening up provides a horizontal wholeness by weaving together the many strands of our cognitive, emotional, interpersonal, moral, values, spiritual, and other intelligences. This process of integration allows us to tap into a richer, more nuanced understanding of ourselves and the world, inviting us to move beyond a narrow identification with any single intelligence and instead embrace the fullness of our multifaceted nature. By engaging in diverse experiences, learning from various disciplines, and seeking out multiple perspectives, we can cultivate a more balanced and comprehensive approach to navigating life’s complexities. Ultimately, opening up enables us to show up in the world with greater authenticity, resilience, and effectiveness, as we learn to harmonize and express the unique gifts of our many intelligences.
• Showing Up: Ultimately, the integration of wholeness and partness calls us to show up in the world in a way that honors our unique gifts and serves something greater than ourselves. Through practices like integral activism, conscious leadership, and sacred service, we can bring our whole selves to the challenges and opportunities of our time. By engaging in this way, we can begin to co-create systems and structures that reflect a deeper integration of wholeness and partness. As more individuals and collectives embody this integration, we can give rise to a world that is more whole, more inclusive, and more alive.