The Dominator culture was the traditional model that appeared through out much of European history. The Partnership model may well have existed in European antiquity and is still seen in many tribal cultures that are organized around more democratic principles. Significance is assured by belonging, whereas in Dominator cultures one gains significance by standing out from the others, as seen in the hyperindividualism of U.S. society today. Mastery measures competence by an individual's progress relative to past performance rather than in comparison to others. The achievements of all are celebrated.
Independence is the only principle that allows all persons to exert power over their lives.
Generosity is the measure of virtue in Partnership cultures, where relationships are more important than possessions. We subsequently discovered the writings of philosopher Mortimer Adler, who contended that a common error of many modern thinkers is to assume that all values are relative. Certainly, many values are determined by our cultural or individual preferences, but early philosophers never doubted there were some universal values, such as truth and courage. In fact, developmental psychologists have found universal human patterns of attachment, achievement, autonomy, and altruism that correspond to the principles of the Circle of Courage. As we begin this series on the Circle of Courage, it seems appropriate to share with our readers something about the person who created the art.