John Vervaeke: Exploring the Depths of Wisdom | Psychedelics & Neoplatonism

Brain We Are

In this illuminating episode of our podcast, we dive deep into the essence of wisdom with the esteemed cognitive scientist and philosopher, John Vervaeke. This conversation is an expedition into the heart of understanding, perception, and the profound transformational potential of wisdom in our lives. John Vervaeke, renowned for his groundbreaking work on cognitive science, psychology, and ancient philosophy, guides us through the intricate landscape of wisdom, its importance in our modern world, and the practical steps we can take to cultivate it. From the nuances of spectral egocentrism and the power of community learning to the intriguing role of psychedelics in expanding consciousness, this episode is a treasure trove of insights. We delve into the critical balance between trusting ourselves and valuing the feedback of others, exploring how this equilibrium is essential for personal growth and societal advancement. John also sheds light on the delicate dance between rationality and spirituality, revealing how these domains can coalesce to enrich our understanding of the universe and our place within it. Drawing on the profound teachings of Neoplatonism and the wisdom of thinkers like Gregory Bateson, we venture into discussions about the principles of the universe, the limitations of human perception, and the ontological revelations that challenge our everyday reality. This episode is more than just a podcast episode; it's an invitation to re-envision our approach to wisdom, encouraging listeners to embark on their own journey of discovery, introspection, and enlightenment. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Vervaeke's work or newly curious about the depths of wisdom, this episode promises to be a transformative experience, offering valuable perspectives that resonate with anyone looking to navigate the complexities of life with grace, understanding, and profound insight. Listen to the latest episode here: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2czLMsbujC4p8FJ88gW0TQ?si=599b1b153e9f4a18 Apple iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brain-we-are/id1671775183 CastBox: https://castbox.fm/channel/id5315213?utm_source=website&utm_medium=dlink&utm_campaign=web_share&utm_content=Brain%20We%20Are-CastBox_FM John's website: https://johnvervaeke.com/ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:18 Wisdom 02:07 Why is wisdom an important topic? 03:17 How to cultivate the wisdom? 04:57 Perspectieval egocentrism 06:54 Feedback of other people 09:45 How much should I trust myself 11:32 The learners community 13:35 How we can integrate this to our society? 15:16 Psychedelics 19:11 Is our perception fooling us? 22:31 Principals of the universe 23:43 What does neoplatonic mean 25:17 Rationality VS Spirituality 25:48 Gregory Bateson 27:04 Some people enter ontological places... 28:58 Ending Used footage from: https://www.youtube.com/@johnvervaeke https://www.youtube.com/@lexfridman https://www.youtube.com/@JordanBPeterson Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/track/peppermint-hip-hop/ Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/track/coma-pop/