The Interwoven Mind | Plotinus, Contemplation, and the Structure of Reality

47 snips

Feb 14, 2025

Mateusz Stróżyński, a professor of classical philology and psychoanalyst, delves into the wisdom of Plotinus and its relevance today. He discusses how contemplation is an active participation in reality, intricately tying thought with experience. Stróżyński also explores the interplay of knowing in contemplative practices, contrasting insights from Buddhism and Christian mysticism. The conversation highlights the interconnectedness of reality, advocating for a holistic understanding that bridges philosophy, spirituality, and cognitive science.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

Contemplation as Interweaving

Plotinus's contemplation interweaves first-person phenomenological and third-person conceptual perspectives.
These perspectives reciprocally inform and enrich each other, like a continuous loop.

INSIGHT

Balancing Perspectives

A purely first-person, experiential perspective is insufficient, as conceptual frameworks always exist.
Solid frameworks are better than unexamined ones; Plotinus balances profound experience with articulation.

INSIGHT

Affirming Reality's Richness

Plotinus shows reality's richness by embracing multiple levels of being and experience.
The more of reality one experiences, the richer one's understanding becomes.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

What is the true nature of contemplation, and how does it intertwine with our understanding of reality?

John Vervaeke is joined by Mateusz Stróżyński to discuss his masterful work, Plotinus and the Contemplation of the Intelligible World. They explore the deep and often overlooked wisdom of Plotinus, one of history’s greatest thinkers. Together, they dive into the connection between thought and experience, revealing how contemplation isn’t just about thinking it’s about actively participating in reality itself. Mr. Stróżyński breaks down Plotinus’ intricate view of the universe, showing how everything is woven together in a way that challenges our modern, fragmented way of seeing the world. They go on to discuss the nature of the self and what it means to truly “know” something, touching on insights from Buddhist Dzogchen, Christian mysticism, and personal experience.

Mateusz Stróżyński is a professor of classical philology at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poland, and a practicing psychoanalyst. His research focuses on the intersection of Platonism, mysticism, and spirituality, exploring how ancient philosophical traditions inform modern contemplative practice. He is the author of Plotinus and the Contemplation of the Intelligible World.

Connect with a community dedicated to self-discovery and purpose, and gain deeper insights by joining our Patreon.

Notes:

(0:00) Introduction to the Lectern
(0:30) Mateusz Stróżyński joins John Vervaeke to explore Platonism
(2:00) The Interplay of Philosophy and Experience
(6:00) A Kinship Between Works
(8:00) Interweaving Phenomenological and Conceptual Perspectives
(11:30) The Role of Contemplation in Plotinus's Philosophy
(15:30) The Threefold Structure of Consciousness
(20:00) The Fall and the Multiplicity of Experience
(30:00) The Hierarchical Nature of Reality
(43:00) Fractal Coherence in Plotinus's Philosophy
(50:30) Democratic Views and Reality Perception
(52:00) Exploring Plotinus' Worldview
(57:00) Plotinus' Analytical Approach
(1:05:00) Mapping Cognition and Reality
(1:16:30) Skepticism and Participatory Knowing
(1:28:00) Modern Science and Metaphysics
(1:34:30) Concluding Thoughts

---

Connect with a community dedicated to self-discovery and purpose, and gain deeper insights by joining our Patreon.

The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission.

Join Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships.

John Vervaeke: Website | Twitter | YouTube | Patreon

Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this Episode

The Nature of Contemplation

Interweaving of Knowing and Being

Fractal Metaphysics

The Threefold Structure of Consciousness

Modern vs. Premodern Worldviews

The Relationship Between Science and Mysticism

Plotinus

Marcus Aurelius

St. Augustine

Nishida Kitarō

“Plotinus and the Contemplation of the Intelligible World” by Mateusz Stróżyński

“Waking, Dreaming, Being” by Evan Thompson

Quotes:

"Plotinus does not create a system—he reveals a dynamic interplay where intellect and experience are seamlessly interwoven." - Mateusz Stróżyński (10:00)

"If we want to truly understand something, we must go beyond it—transcend it—because reality unfolds from higher principles." - John Vervaeke (15:00)

"Everything that exists contemplates—existence itself is an act of seeing, an act of knowing." - – Mateusz Stróżyński (20:00)