Dr. John Vervaeke

John Vervaeke, a cognitive science professor, dives deep into the historical interplay of philosophy and spirituality. He discusses Augustine's integration of different orders of thought, exploring tensions between reason and faith during the Axial Revolution. Vervaeke highlights how love transforms spirituality amidst chaos, linking philosophical shifts to social changes post-Black Death. He also addresses the impact of corporate capitalism and the Protestant Reformation on the meaning crisis, revealing how evolving perspectives challenge traditional beliefs about existence.

Explore Augustine's transformative journey in a declining Roman Empire, grappling with personal struggles and metaphysical questions. Delve into the impact of the Great Schism and shifts in Western thought following the Empire's collapse. Discover how reading practices evolved from communal experiences to solitary reflections, reshaping self-understanding. Finally, engage with Aquinas's challenge in harmonizing faith and reason, highlighting his pivotal role in redefining knowledge during a time of crisis.

April DeConick, an author on Gnosticism, and Chris Hedges, a renowned journalist, join philosophers Hans Jonas and Eric Perl to dive deep into the rich interplay of Gnosticism and Neoplatonism. They discuss how Gnostic thought can offer transformative solutions to modern existential crises while cautioning against its potential misuse in extremist ideologies. The guests highlight the historical significance of early Christianity in addressing life's meaning crisis and explore the unifying philosophical insights of Plotinus, emphasizing the quest for deeper knowledge and spiritual connection.

Books in the Video:   • Stephen Batchelor – The Awakening of the West: The Encounter of Buddhism and Western Culture • Stephen Batchelor – Buddhism without Beliefs: A Contemporary Guide to Awakening • Stephen Batchelor – Alone with Others: An Existential Approach to Buddhism • Stephen Batchelor – After Buddhism: Rethinking the Dharma for a Secular Age • Marc Lewis – Memoirs of an Addicted Brain     Series Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Vervaeke.John/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/vervaeke_john   Thirteenth episode of Dr. John Vervaeke's Awakening from the Meaning Crisis.

The conversation dives into the importance of self-care and its ties to therapy, drawing connections to experiences of awakening. Then, it explores the philosophical shifts during the Hellenistic Era, comparing Epicureanism, Stoicism, and Cynicism. The discussion highlights how these schools tackled existential anxiety and promoted philosophical friendships. Furthermore, it differentiates guilt from shame and examines their cultural implications. Lastly, the focus turns to Stoic practices, emphasizing identity and agency in today's complex world.

Marcus Aurelius, the insightful Roman emperor and philosopher, and Jesus, the revered figure in Christianity, dive deep into the cultural anxieties of the Hellenistic era. They explore the therapeutic role of philosophy in confronting mortality and the importance of personal agency in interpreting life's events. Discussions hint at the philosophical implications of death on identity and emphasize love's transformative power through encounters with Jesus, revealing how ancient wisdom can address modern existential crises.

Dive into the transformative power of Gnosis as it relates to personal agency and conflict. Discover how philosophical perspectives shape our worldviews, illustrated through figures like Spinoza. Explore the challenges of existential inertia and the importance of personal relationships in evolving beliefs. Navigate significant life choices with playfulness to ease indecision. Finally, uncover the interplay of therapy, ritual, and transformative practices, including ancient rituals and modern methods like psychedelics, for healing and self-discovery.

Explore the transformative power of higher states of consciousness and how they connect ancient wisdom with modern science. Discover the role of flow and insight in unlocking a deeper sense of meaning and engagement in life. Delve into systemic cognitive errors in children and their implications for personal growth. This enlightening journey reveals how recognizing these errors can lead to profound understanding and consciousness expansion.

Explore how Jesus redefined love through the concept of agape, emphasizing selflessness and community transformation. Hear a gripping journey of a former persecutor who embraced this profound compassion. Delve into how agapic love shapes identity and relationships, contrasting with romantic love. Lastly, uncover the connection between Christianity and ancient philosophies, revealing the complexities of love and personal growth in our modern world.

John Vervaeke, a cognitive scientist renowned for his insights on cognition and meaning, dives into fascinating discussions about higher states of consciousness. He explores how shifting perspectives can lead to inner peace and self-transformation. Vervaeke elaborates on participatory knowing as a catalyst for personal growth and the connections we form through mutual love. The interplay between machine learning and brain function reveals how disruptions can enhance perception. He also examines the wisdom gained from altered states, emphasizing the importance of integrating these insights with scientific reasoning.