Ken Wilber academically accepted?

Hi guys,

I have recently read a couple of books from Ken Wilber. The most recent ones were "integral spirituality" and "integral psychology". Since one of his main themes is development psychology I am wondering about the academic value of his claims. Especially the research he is quoting on higher developmental stages. Can I trust him there or do I have to take anything he says with a grain of salt?

He was regarded as a wunderkind in his 20's.
A philosophical "prodigy-genius" of sorts. Self taught I believe.
Not that many spiritual writers have academic credentials, though I really don't know more about him.

I'd read that his first major volume was published while he was working as a resturaunt dishwasher.

I was somewhat misinformed , as he does have Masters in biochemistry, though that has little bearing on philosophy or spiritual understanding.

I'd read that initial info decades ago, shortly after his first book

i'd take every thing i read with a grain of salt, but tihs doesnt mean its not true, or that it cant be true

if it resonates with you more than other books, do the author's credentials still matter?

for instance, many like to buy all the works of Doreen Virtue and they say she's high and mighty...but i dont feel the same, and i find her tarot decks kinda corny looking. will this take away rom her popularity? will this take away her credentials -if she has any*? the answer is no, because there will be people resonating with her work. the same goes for you and ken wilber :)