Ep. 15 - Awakening from the Meaning Crisis - Marcus Aurelius and Jesus

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•Pocket Casts: pca.st/EYU4
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Books in the Video:
•Marcus Aurelius - Meditations
•Julian Barnes - A History of the World in 10 ½ Chapters
•Erich Fromm - To Have or To Be?
•Pierre Hadot - What Is Ancient Philosophy?
•Pierre Hadot - Philosophy as a Way of Life: Spiritual Exercises from Socrates to Foucault
•Margaret Visser - Beyond Fate
Series Playlist: kzbin.info?list...
Facebook: / vervaeke.john
Twitter: / vervaeke_john
Fifteenth episode of Dr. John Vervaeke's Awakening from the Meaning Crisis.

[@kellyfitzgerald5649]

If going to church provided inspiration and meaning as these lectures do for me, I wouldn’t miss another Sunday Service ever again.

[@alisaruddell3484]

As a practicing/believing Christian, I am profoundly moved by how you described Jesus, Logos, kairos, metanoia, and agape. That last section was better than many a sermon I’ve heard! Thank you for showing such respect to all the religious traditions you talk about.

[@dr.varghesed.n8419]

Yes . Doesn't he grip our ?minds in the last bit

[@matthewheadland7307]

I’m listening to this in bits and it’s been transformative for me. I’m excited to get to that section!

[@scotcoleman2013]

Do you not realize that he was mocking Christians and their "quaint" beliefs?

[@alisaruddell3484]

@@scotcoleman2013 Having listened to over 100 hours of John's lectures and conversations, I can't think of a single instance where he mocked anyone for anything, and certainly not over something as important as sincerely held religious beliefs. That's not the kind of person he is. John always does his best to be respectful when disagreeing with others or when summarizing/presenting their views.

[@andrewternet8370]

@@alisaruddell3484 I think Scot was being sarcastic (thus the quotation marks)

[@MattFRox]

“Love is a modal way of being.” Possibly the most important statement I’ve ever heard.

[@shelkhanmusic]

It's just beautiful isn't it? Wrote this on my wall as soon as I heard it

[@Ricoidris]

Everything makes more sense that way...

[@jenniferbrantley5931]

One of the best contrasts and explanations I’ve ever heard.

[@TheBillaro]

what does it mean

[@alan-muscat]

@@TheBillaro I think you could remove the word modal "Love is a way of being" and it would mean the same thing.

[@doubleBbooks]

Thank you for this series Mr Vervaeke. I'm not an uneducated person and yet listening to your lectures I feel like my extended education left me wholly ignorant about the roots of my own culture - no wonder we have a meaning crisis. I didn't go to university until I was in my 30s and I was surprised at how little the kids coming into university straight from A levels seemed to know. This lack of education, as opposed to a lack of schooling, seems to be getting worse as education in the UK is increasingly assessed relative to its utility in producing the right sort of workers with the right sort of skills for the economy we're going to have (in the glorious future). The only sort of education such schooling seems to provide is that one's value lies in what one has (in this instance skills but the lesson generalises) and so, it seems to me, to lead inexorably to modal confusion and to a deepening of the meaning crisis. Adam Curtis's film 'The Century of Self' comes to mind.

[@JiminiCrikkit]

I am often reminded of Aldous Huxley's words in The Doors of Perception, on this aspect of education - "Instead of transforming children into fully developed adults, it turns out students of the natural sciences who are completely unaware of Nature as the primary fact of experience, it inflicts upon the world students of the humanities who know nothing of humanity, their own or anyone else's."

[@antoniobarbalau1107]

God my conciousness has gone up so many times throughout the series I barely feel the same man.

[@watcherofvideoswasteroftim5788]

How do you feel about it 1 year later?

[@antoniobarbalau1107]

@@watcherofvideoswasteroftim5788 My relationship got better than ever, things at work got better than ever and I enjoy life more than ever. And it is actually quite remarkable for me because I came from a position where I was depressed. I've been engaging with John's ecology of practices on a daily basis and made a constant effort to apply them in everyday life. Things just get better and better ♥️

[@watcherofvideoswasteroftim5788]

​@@antoniobarbalau1107 That's awesome to hear! Even though I started watching this series less than 3 days ago I feel like you can somehow intuit that the material and the way it's presented is immensely valuable. The way it is presented is also a huge contributing factor in its *salience*, thanks a lot John.

[@SapientEudaimonia]

@@antoniobarbalau1107 Great to hear, Antonio! This series of lectures has been lifechanging for me as well. What practices are part of your life right now?

[@jjasmin1000]

I almost cried during the "heaven" analogy and your personal stance on immortality. Thank you for these treasures and wisdom Professor Vervaeke

[@peterrosqvist2480]

Do you know when during the video he spoke of that?

[@n2the1]

@@peterrosqvist2480 I think it's around 35:19

[@peterrosqvist2480]

@@n2the1 Thank you very much

[@marivn8156]

same, that was very touching

[@jamsenbanch]

Im not crying yOURE crying

[@tensevo]

I have studied philosophy and psychology, casually for over a decade, but this course continues to provide some real insights that I had not come across before.

[@OfCourseICan]

I have been living my life as a Cynic and now going to live as a Stoic. Thank You again John.

[@noahweikert9367]

I have been sitting down on Sunday with the kids and watching an episode of your series after church. It has raised alot of interesting question from them.

[@LukeMlsna]

NOAH WEIKERT you earned the heck out of that “#1 dad” mug.

[@vib2119]

'You can be happy even in a palace' I love that line. While I greatly admire The Buddha for everything thing he has done which are in some ways greater than what Marcus Aurelius did, but just because of that one line Marcus Aurelius seems so much more moral and good to me. To achieve his personal wisdom,he didn't abandon everything. He carried it all while on his journey to wisdom. So amazing, that's a great role model.

[@spiralsun1]

That quote really hit me too. One of my one struggles in life is that I never valued material things or attention per se. I loved the meaning in them. The connections. So I value my quiet moments staring at pebbles on the beach so to speak. I have become so good at seeing meaning. But I never did much with it because I only recently realized that I didn’t want attention and “palace” life anywhere near as much as meaning. There is no wealth greater. By sharing meaning you have all that and it’s isolating and distracting. But yeah I finally think it’s going to be fine if people see me and the pebbles I found, lol. Since I love meaning, why not make everything more meaningful by sharing the love? Yay.

[@vib2119]

@Ashley McCole I think that's what I drew from that translation as well, but a more sincere translation is always appreciated

[@travisstotts1107]

Thanks for helping me discover myself one video at a time

[@trinitycare2023]

Thank you very much for your time and dedication.

[@michaelmorrisinfarsi]

“Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference” - serenity prayer

[@love80music]

Thank you

[@MattFRox]

I’ve listened to this full lecture all the way thru a few times and yet I still routinely get sucked back in when one just randomly starts playing. AMC is the Shawshank Redemption of KZbin lectures

[@a-bis-zett]

Again such an insightful episode. And when you spoke about yourself in third person as, of course, John Vervaeke, my subtitles made "John Verve a Key" out of it - which makes perfectly sense to me :-) Key experiences conveyed with a lot of verve. Thank you so much.

[@philmessina476]

(c. 10:18) "The core of wisdom is knowing what's in your control and what is not."

[@nugzarkapanadze6867]

Brilliant! Thank You!

[@philmessina476]

I'm watching this episode again. And it's blowing my mind even more than before, now that I have a stronger grasp of all the concepts. I'm glad this resource is publicly available.

[@vademecor]

Fantastic. Your description of agape made me cry. It's so profound and beautiful.

[@aryanz66]

Thank you very much, for your time and attention.

[@alexandermoody1946]

Sticking the cup back together to use is reward in itself.

[@joereeve2569]

Lately I've been toying with the idea of applying to a master's and becoming a therapist and this video convinced me.

[@jeoffreywortman]

You are the only genuine ally my generation has ahead, in the name of the milleannial spirit. I most sincerely thank you for your breaking it down. It might not change the world forever on its own. but for sure what you're portraying is a huge millestone. Thank you very very much.

[@antonyliberopoulos933]

This is a treat. Thank you John

[@keyframe5806]

ok. Noooow I am hooked. I mean the part with the budha was awesome but now you bring clarity in subjects like death and love. Wow. Best class ever.

[@guycomments]

The one after this one gave me a conversion experience

[@garykoshland]

Thank you John for all this beautiful work.

[@leedufour]

Thanks John.

[@LondonReps]

God bless you for this series, thank you.

[@justicebjorke2790]

Thank you, John.

[@wcropp1]

Enjoyed this one...thanks Professor!

[@satinek]

Thank you so much. Since I’ve started following you my life has become more meaningful again. I watch these videos and do your guided meditations. What makes your videos special for me that I end up feeling peaceful instead of being confused or feeling hatred towards others.

[@tomastorrens7972]

Thank you so much John. Your work is painfully deep and inspiring.

[@marivn8156]

Thank you John😊

[@ZacharyBetz]

Beautiful.

[@corruptcatalyst4141]

"You're not trying to consume the child" feel this is the kyros to mention Kronos

[@rdrzalexa]

Aaaah!!!! This is your best lecture to date John! I cant wait for next week!

[@Beederda]

I appreciate YOUR time JV ❤️🍄

[@HMALDANA]

It is always a pleasure to listen to you, professor Vervaeke. Your talks help me assess my assumptions.

[@klavstarp]

I am in awe..! Nothing more and nothing less. Totally deeply in awe.

[@user-qm3xs9eb6m]

You’re blowing my doors off John 👏

[@user-yk9sk7pg6v]

I can't believe how incredible this is and that I have access it to it. Thank you, John.

[@wisamrohilina3006]

A marvellous episode.. a lesson on living and being.. everyone dies, but not everyone live.

[@Blaze92NL]

By far the most impactful lecture so far! Thank you deeply for this series John and I look forward continuing it.

[@tracywilliamsliterature]

it's a genuine privilege to watch this series.

[@lawrencehaynes3843]

I just stumbled upon this series and what a profound gift it is. You are indeed a master of the craft of teaching.

[@adavidbujanda]

I really like this video its good back ground sound to work or drive to. Helps me manage myself better.

[@celesteschacht8996]

These episodes are the best thing on the internet!!!! Thank you :O)

[@JMTibbetts145]

Love it, this has inspired practical engagement to mental health here in Marion Ohio.

[@MattAngiono]

"Love is a verb, it ain't a thing. It's not something you hold, not something you scream. If you show me love, you don't need your words. Cause love ain't a thing, love is a verb." A beautiful and insightful song by John Mayer

[@one4320]

I used to think that too, now I think love is what I AM. It's what we all are, we don't do it, we are it. Recognise that about one's self and see how much easier and naturally the 'doing of it', or expressing it, becomes.

[@MattAngiono]

@One agreed, although it's just one perspective. We are all part of the same thing, which is the basis of non dualistic ways of conceptualizing the world. I would also say that it isn't enough in this version of reality to just be love... WE HAVE TO DO IT! WE HAVE TO SHOW IT TO OTHERS! Not to virtual signal, but because that's what we are and it's the most natural way of being human (which means compassionate, or loving) Cheers

[@samuelnuzbrokh3027]

Amazing closing statement John. Connecting this to the last lecture on the wide-scale domicide experienced by so many peoples in the Roman Empire that were left in a state of existential homelessness - one can fully appreciate the draw of the Christian message in offering them personhood and spiritual citizenship.

[@jenniferbrantley5931]

I totally agree the last statement was an eye opener!

[@LunaLu-00]

"L♡ve turns animals/non-persons into a moral person" Love this💖👍

[@skadiwarrior2053]

Excellent thank you

[@tensevo]

I have never before thought of the Buddha as one who shirks moral responsibilities, but that's pretty much what he did in a way.

[@dekka213l]

This dude is a body snatcher!! Love this smoke!

[@RapPowah]

This is bright side of youtube. Free knownledge.

[@Rhysibabe]

Thank you infinitely for your work and your insights, you're a badass.

[@danielan889]

when you fuse them together you get confused, that's pretty deep

[@matthewgillam149]

This was probably my fav ep so far. Agape

[@NeilAcquatella]

I have been into Stoicism over the past months, reading and watching lectures. Found this series by chance mentioned on a podcast, and I’m now quite interested in following the whole set of videos. Recommend by J.B. Peterson, and complemented by books by Ryan Holiday. Thanks.

[@betauser6233]

Hands down the best teacher and thinker on youtube. You can definitely see that he practices what he preaches and is speaking through wisdom instead of knowledge.

[@cbyrd2010]

The title got me and the Debussy intro got me cozy and dialed in.

[@offthecuff7.]

Truly an excellent and moving explanation of Jesus , My Lord.

[@pantherstealth1645]

Wtf!!! this is such an epic and profound topic of these two names!!

[@exponentialpotential9442]

Sacred IamMortality 😊😊😊 Blessings

[@mills8102]

In a situation where I have been profoundly jaded, this video series has brought about deep insights in me that have been integrated into my conscious and unconscious processes that have enabled me to facilitate the same realizations in my children. The concept of parasitic processing was pivotal. In this video, it was new understanding Agape. I owe you a great debt of gratitude.

[@user-dj7nl2ct3q]

Today Marcus Aurelius's birth day!

[@hamedmoradi5291]

I enjoyed this lecture a lot. I agree that love isn't an emotion, it's rather a mode of being, a mode of relating to the world that engenders different emotions. Paul Tillich in his book " Love, Power and Justice" said that if love is just an emotion, how can it be demanded? You cannot demand someone to have a particular emotion towards something. But love is the basic moral principle in Christianity that transcends justice and is demanded of people to treat each other according to it. It stand to reason that this sort of love is agapeic.

[@protestanttoorthodox3625]

"Would you be free from your burden of sin? There's power in the blood of Jesus." I agree with you John... an eternal existence stuck with our sin nature would be torture.

[@Oneeyedone]

I watched the series backwards and reached enlightenment

[@johnvervaeke]

😂

[@Oneeyedone]

Im really enjoying your series. Ive learned more from you today .than i have in 10 years of searching for meaning in my life

[@marktidmore2675]

A powerful journey through the human condition. Like a curious child, he overturns the cultural touchstones and reveals beneath, we are all still there.

[@Vgallo]

wow this is brilliant, especially for people like myself and my partner who are fascinated by philosophy but couldnt afford to study it!!!

[@LunaProtege]

The problem I have with the "I'm done now" idea, is the scope of the desire I wish to see fulfilled would take an incomprehensibly long time to see to completion... Imagine how long it would take to see every planet in the galaxy, to seed each and every one of them with life, unique life, and see each of those planet's inhabitants grow to say they truly lived. To see all that creation has to offer and then to remake creation in order to create new things for it to offer. The sad thing is, it presents a stark picture; as if what meaning is now within our grasp to comprehend is beyond the scope of our lives to obtain... In stark contrast to how it was for the majority of people throughout history. The best we can do is express it in art and call it a day.

[@stephen-torrence]

10:00 Totally echoes the Serenity Prayer 39:00 "I do not want to live forever..." I find this utterly courageous, humble, and admirable to proclaim, especially in the way you did. Bravo, Sir.

[@protestanttoorthodox3625]

John you have a way of teaching logos and kairos that makes me understand more in 15 minutes of your lecture than 15 years of preaching at church lol.

[@daNihilism]

I am currently being asked to join a mental health organization for work. I am already vice-president of my state’s National Alliance on Mental Illness and only 27, but now that my position involves managing networks of teams I have been listening to Aurelius while alone. John, I am going to be managing people who are all motivated to be in the mental health field, what content can I share with them that can explain modal confusion? The quote that: one can be happy, even in a palace, has always weighed upon me. Thank you for your efforts and your team’s help. Also, thanks for respecting Christianity enough to talk with Pageau, that conversation and your Revel Wisdom interviews are very helpful for those of us who go to church every Sunday.

[@dalibofurnell]

What an incredible , I mean truly incredible episode, I became very engaged

[@accadia1983]

24:08 it's ok! it's ok! shhh. it's ok, we are here. :) he is so passionate with this one!!! because this is a hard truth - "the world does not care" - or probably, the opposite - "our views are often wrong"

[@LearnWithBahman]

It would be awesome to have few hours of lecture about Marcus Aurelius and his work.

[@Wamagirii]

Very deep and insightful. Thank you John for these lessons. I look forward to listening to them every Saturday. Namaste

[@Brentley88]

"When you bring a child home from the hospital, it's basically a slug." A slug with a distinctive event-meaning relationship. One of love, Agape love. This example hammered home how agape is a Modal way of being.

[@d.r.m.m.]

Wow! WOW!! Such a great lecture! Thank you, John. This video took much longer to complete, although I didn’t want it to end, because I kept rewinding to hear certain parts over again. Truly excellent, thanks! _/\_

[@tatsumakisempyukaku]

36:50 I think John missed the point of having a period being in heaven is about becoming or grasping or being in most proximity to the highest and most ideal good. So the point of going to heaven is not to achieve in mortality, instead immortality is just a byproduct of chasing the good

[@tensevo]

It is so interesting you decided to combine Marcus A, with Jesus, I would personally like to see a lecture that combines Plato with Hegel.

[@mrtyanthropocentrist]

Agape = love for a slug, got it

[@julesb1421]

Life is short, but it's wide

[@newphaze4t370]

Well, John Vervaeke, you may last forever whether you like it or not. This Pre Covid-19 lecture may be the foundation of a long lasting post Covid-19 philosophy.

[@kasupa14]

Love the wisdom, but also giggled at the truck not caring about my happiness xdd

[@yazanasad7811]

Stoic exercises 1) Separating meaning from events (imagining sex as a physical process cause/event relationship 2) Kissing son goodbye every night 3) View from above (changing arena perspectives) 4) Internal Socratic dialogue

[@pvanthony]

I am not very smart. I had to re-listen to this video many times. I think about 6 times over weeks. Every time I learn something new. Just beautiful. Really beautiful. Can I use the word orgasmic? :-)

[@5hydroxyT]

my only problem with your description of therapy (which you describe as CBT) is that it assumes we are rational beings, and that resolving the confusion between the meaning and the event (or in CBT, the cognitive distortion ) will alleviate the depression. I don’t believe this is the case - depression is not (purely) a disorder of cognition

[@jeffd7976]

The notion of Logos manifesting as The Word in the First Moment is in Egyptian theology by 1500BCE and is hardwired into their language through the use of puns. A major selling point of Christianity because it was a major focus of philosophy and mystery religions of the time was a nullifying of the necessity of fate

[@SapientEudaimonia]

42:25 - 43:17 YES!

[@jbell0243]

While I don’t think a Christian would frame the afterlife as death, I do think all of that is well bound up in classical Christian doctrine. Life is found in the Cross, that heaven is not at all continuing in time, in contingency, but in the final union with God in Jesus Christ. The only way is accepting death.

[@matthewheadland7307]

Things are getting real.

[@FelicityDeverell]

❤️❤️

[@JohnRiver490]

17:00 Aurelius' spiritual exercise

[@inthemomenttomoment]

Marcus Aurelius, portrayed by Sir⚔️Alec🗡️ Guinness, is so far the closest Epic Film🎬 representation of what we have concerning the Divine, Christed✝️Character👑of Caesar Marcus Aurelius🎯True🎺Mettle is sharpest

[@crates12]

In argument opposed to the stoics, I would regard the events and the meaning of those events as being inextricably linked. In so doing the actions in physical space connected to the universe on higher and lower dimensions start to have incalculable meaning.

[@ransetruman2984]

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

[@janurbanek1127]

Oh so its the Meta Model at 31:07 ... I mean there is so many these "Yes I know this one" moments sprinkled throughout the series, you just gotta love it, at least I do