Over fifty years ago, on June 4, 1975, the late, great, iconic Muhammad Ali delivered the shortest poem in history. Ali recited the two-word poem during an appearance at Harvard Business School’s Burden Auditorium after his Class Day talk was rescheduled to that date. While preparing to speak, someone in the crowd shouted, “Give us a poem, Muhammad.” He paused for a moment, looked up, and said, “Me? Whee!!”, often quoted as “Me, We.”
Though only two words and spoken by one of the world’s most skilled wordsmiths, the meaning of shifting from “me” to “we” can be a journey few ever truly undertake, but those who do, embark on a path where genuine fulfillment is the ultimate destination.
Wayne Dyer, in his influential bestseller ‘Manifest Your Destiny,’ outlines four stages of adult development. He interprets Carl Jung’s ‘Modern Man in Search of a Soul,’ in which Jung offers insights into the developmental tasks of adulthood. He believed that being aware of a higher self is an essential developmental task of adulthood.
A breakdown of Dyer’s archetypes are as follows:
- The Athlete (Me) – This first stage is not about athleticism per se, but more about a time when the focus is almost entirely on oneself (me). This initial stage involves identifying primarily with the physical body, where self-worth is determined by appearance and physical abilities. Happiness depends on external validation, and self-identification is mainly centered on performance. Many people never transcend this stage, remaining entrenched in the idea that their worth is tied to their physical form and abilities.
- The Warrior (Me) – At this stage, the ego takes over, and the focus shifts from the self to a desire to conquer the world and prove superiority. The ambition involves setting goals, planning strategies, and competing to succeed. It is marked by aggressive rivalry, anxiety, and an obsession with status, often fueled by an relentless desire to win. While the warrior’s determination and focus can be admirable, they can also become limiting if we stay too long in this mindset, where every interaction feels like a contest and every relationship a battleground.
- The Statesperson (We) – This stage signifies a profound shift in perspective. The emphasis shifts from personal success to understanding and serving others. The statesperson aims to contribute positively to the community, building genuine connections and moving away from self-centeredness. This viewpoint is where true meaning starts to appear in our lives as we find purpose not in comparison or competition but in kindness, generosity, and the desire to improve the world for future generations.
- The Spirit (We) – In the final stage of adulthood, we come to understand that we are not human beings having a spiritual experience but spiritual beings having a temporary human experience. At this stage, our highest self reflects the realization of our true essence as infinite, spiritual beings, separate from physical matter. This phase involves increased awareness of energy, detachment from material limitations, and a fundamental understanding of co-creation, nurturing a deep connection with universal consciousness.
Personally, now nearing my sixth decade on earth, I feel honored to begin my fourth and final stage of adulthood. I’ve spent the past forty years transitioning from athlete to warrior to statesperson, and I am humbled by the opportunity to deepen my understanding of our Universal oneness, both spiritually and physically.
After taking 30 years to complete my second book, ‘LARGER THAN LIFE, In Pursuit of Discovering Your Full Potential‘, I’m thrilled to focus on those seeking to continue their adulthood journey and go from “Me” to “We”.
For those looking to quickly hack, reach, and transcend these levels, read my book LARGER THAN LIFE, follow the steps in Principle #3, and find me at www.belargerthan.com. If you’d like a signed copy, contact me directly to explore how I can support you. Then, meet me on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at Gallery Guichard, located at 436 E 47th Street, Chicago, IL 60653.
Me… We. The shortest poem in history, but the greatest journey we’ll ever go on! I look forward to seeing you in eleven days!
Be Larger Than…
