John Vervaeke, a philosopher and professor of psychology, joins Theo Von to discuss the search for meaning in life, the erosion of traditions, the allure of hope and purpose, the changing perception of death, responsibility and leadership, the pursuit of superficial desires, love and the concept of 'agape', the influence of capitalism and pornography on society, breaking frames and gaining perspective, the meaning crisis and the importance of landscape, the complexities of human sexuality, the privatization of space, psychedelics and Tai Chi Quan, living in small-scale communities, engaging in embodied practices, 'The Midnight Library', and the transition from information to wisdom.
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Quick takeaways
The meaning crisis in today's world can be addressed through purpose, coherence, and mattering.
People often look to thought leaders for guidance, but it's important for them to remain humble.
Various historical and cultural perspectives offer insights on addressing existential concerns and the search for meaning.
Nourishing our souls and finding deeper meaning can help overcome challenges in today's fragmented world.
Modal confusion, prioritizing material possessions over deeper fulfillment, leads to a loss of connection and emptiness.
By embracing practices like stoicism and mindfulness, we can revive a sense of connection and purpose in our lives.
Deep dives
The meaning crisis and its dimensions
The podcast episode explores the meaning crisis that many people face in today's world. It discusses the three dimensions of meaning: purpose, coherence, and mattering. Purpose refers to having a sense of direction and a larger goal beyond oneself. Coherence refers to the world making sense and having depth. Mattering refers to feeling connected to something larger than oneself and making a difference in that realm. The episode also delves into historical examples of meaning crises, such as the Hellenistic period, and how philosophy and religion evolved to address these crises.
The role of thought leaders and balancing responsibility
The episode touches on the role of thought leaders, such as the podcast host, in providing guidance and meaning to others. It discusses how people may look to thought leaders and popular figures for a sense of direction and purpose in times of uncertainty. However, it emphasizes the importance for thought leaders to remain humble and not succumb to hubris or excessive self-belief. The responsibility lies in providing insights and vocabulary to facilitate meaningful conversations, but without carrying the weight of being infallible.
Historical and cultural perspectives on meaning crises
The podcast explores historical and cultural perspectives on meaning crises. It discusses examples from different cultures, such as ancient Greek, Hindu, and Buddhist philosophies, to understand how they addressed existential concerns and the search for meaning. The episode highlights the importance of finding ways to reframe mortality, fatality, and guilt in order to navigate meaning crises. It also emphasizes the need to maintain a balance between recognizing our finitude and realizing our potential for transcendence.
The Importance of Nourishing the Soul and Finding Meaning
In today's fast-paced and fragmented world, many people are feeling a sense of disconnect and thirst for something more meaningful in their lives. The podcast explores the idea that we need to nourish our souls and find deeper meaning in order to overcome the challenges we face. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating wisdom, connecting with others, and engaging in practices that bring depth and purpose to our lives. By addressing our existential needs and pursuing a sense of connection to something greater than ourselves, we can find a sense of fulfillment and ultimately lead more meaningful lives.
Modal Confusion and Lost Connection to Reality
The podcast discusses the concept of modal confusion, which refers to the blurring of our inherent needs to have and needs to be. In today's culture, there is a tendency to prioritize material possessions and external achievements over deeper fulfillment and being. This mode of thinking, driven by consumerism and societal pressures, can lead to a loss of connection with reality and a sense of emptiness. The podcast highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing this confusion, as well as the need to cultivate practices that allow us to reconnect with our true selves and find meaning beyond superficial pursuits.
The Hope for Revival and Connection
Despite the challenges and negative symptoms of our current state, the podcast offers hope for a revival and reconnection to what truly matters. It explores the emergence of various movements and practices aimed at restoring a sense of connection, wisdom, and purpose in people's lives. This includes the revival of stoicism, mindfulness practices, dialogical communities, and other spiritual and philosophical approaches. The podcast suggests that by embracing these practices and creating a collective movement towards deeper meaning and connection, we can navigate the current crisis and find a path towards a more fulfilling and purposeful existence.
The Importance of Love and Wise Choices
The speaker emphasizes the significance of love and making wise choices. They discuss how love goes beyond emotions and is an existential stance. Love is seen as a commitment to constantly challenge oneself and one's partner, to constantly grow and learn. The speaker also highlights the importance of choosing wisely in love, avoiding foolishness and understanding that love is not just a feeling, but a deeper connection.
The Dangers of Misunderstanding Commitment
The podcast delves into the concept of commitment and argues against viewing it as a duty or a prison. Instead, the speaker suggests adopting a soft-for-son commitment, where people are continually tempted to fall in love with their partner again and again. This commitment is rooted in the understanding that love is complex and ever-changing, not a problem to be solved. The speaker emphasizes the need to perceive one's partner as a mystery to be faced and respected, rather than a problem to be solved.
Navigating Complexity and the Crisis of Disorientation
The episode explores the current crisis of disorientation, where individuals struggle to find their place in an increasingly complex world. The speaker suggests that the loss of frontiers, both literal and metaphorical, has impacted the American identity. The discussion touches upon the need for individuals to navigate the complexities of society, emphasizing the importance of engaging in dialogue and entering into genuine dia logos to overcome polarization. The speaker advocates for releasing guilt by association and the demonization of others, promoting understanding and forgiveness as pathways to genuine dialogue and growth.
Psychedelics and the Transformation of Perspective
The podcast discusses the potential benefits of psychedelics in facilitating personal growth and perspective transformation. The guest shares his experience of using magic mushrooms while practicing Tai Chi Quan, aiming to understand the altered state of consciousness and integrate it into his daily practice. He highlights the importance of set, setting, and sapphastic context to ensure a safe and transformative experience. The conversation explores how psychedelics and dreaming both disrupt habitual patterns of thinking and offer new insights, but emphasizes the need for responsible use and integration beyond just seeking novelty.
The Balance Between Diversification and Integration in Society
The podcast delves into the challenges faced by society, particularly in terms of diversification and integration. It acknowledges the importance of addressing historical marginalization and working towards a more inclusive society. However, it also emphasizes the need for balance, as overemphasis on diversification alone can lead to fragmentation and further division. The guest suggests pursuing complexification, which involves striving for both diversity and integration, enabling a diverse society to come together with shared values, virtues, and a common vision. The conversation touches on how current political and media landscapes have influenced polarization and the importance of open dialogue and constructive criticism in fostering understanding and progress.
John Vervaeke is a philosopher and professor of psychology at the University of Toronto.He currently teaches courses on thinking and reasoning with an emphasis on cognitive development, intelligence, rationality, mindfulness, and the psychology of wisdom. He is known for his 50-part YouTube lecture series, “Awakening From The Meaning Crisis”
John Vervaeke joins This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von to talk about why so many people are struggling to find meaning in today’s world. They also talk about ways to find wisdom in life, what we can learn from the Stoics, whether we’re living or just impersonating, his relationship with colleague Jordan Peterson, and much more.
John Vervaeke: https://www.youtube.com/@johnvervaeke
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