Awakening from the Meaning Crisis

‘Awakening from the Meaning Crisis’ is a 50-hour long lecture series by John Vervaeke, Professor of Cognitive Science, Psychology, Buddhist Psychology & Philosophy at the University of Toronto. In it, he examines the various ways in which meaning has been lost in the modern world, and offers his own solutions for how to find it again.

The series is divided into three parts. The first part looks at the ways in which meaning has been lost. Vervaeke argues that the root cause of the meaning crisis is the disconnection of individuals from the world around them. This disconnection has been caused by the rise of rationalism and scientism, which have led people to view the world as a machine to be understood, rather than a mystery to be contemplated.

The second part looks at the various attempts to find meaning that have been made in the face of the meaning crisis. Vervaeke examines the rise of atheism, religion, and philosophy, and argues that each of these has its own problems.

The third and final part of the book offers Vervaeke’s own solution to the meaning crisis. He argues that the only way to find meaning is to reconnect with the world around us. This reconnection can be achieved through a process he calls “awakening.” Awakening involves four steps: opening up to the world, listening to the world, responding to the world, and transforming the world.

Awakening from the Meaning Crisis is dense and challenging, but it is also an incredibly rewarding. Vervaeke is a deep thinker with a lot to say about the human condition. If you’re looking for something that will make you think about the world in a new way (without costing you a penny), this is it.

Find out more at meaningcrisis.co