399 - John Vervaeke - What Is Spirit?

What is spirit? This was one of my most meaningful conversations with John Vervaeke yet. As we prepare for the Midwestuary 2025 conference in Chicago, we explore how beings come into existence, the mystery of unity and multiplicity, and what’s really going on with AI, angels, and the spirit of community. John shares some powerful personal transformations as well. I hope you enjoy this deep dive into spirit, ontology, and meaning.<br /><br />YouTube version: https://youtu.be/hqmSW3SgzHs<br /><br />Register for the 2025 Midwestuary Conference in Chicago, August 22-24: https://www.midwestuary.com/<br /><br />NEW COURSE: Scripture: The Key to Reality, presented by Seraphim Hamilton<br />This course is designed to help students appreciate the unique role the Bible plays in helping us step into the world as it truly is: a symbolic revelation of the Infinite God. Scripture is symbolic because it is a revelation of Jesus Christ, and Jesus Christ is the Archetype of the World. In a way, then, Scripture enfolds within itself the totality of the world, guiding its hearers to see an icon of Christ in each of God’s creatures: from trees to beasts to priests.<br />- Live classes are on Tuesday at 2 - 4 pm Eastern Time, starting June 10th through July 22nd, 2025<br />- Class Length: 5 sessions, 10 hours total<br />- Cost: 120 USD (108 USD for Involved patrons)<br />- Register now: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/scripture-the-key-to-reality<br /><br />- Get early access to Rapunzel and the Evil Witch: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/rapunzel-and-the-evil-witch<br />- Symbolism Masterclass course by Jonathan Pageau: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/symbolism-masterclass<br />- John Vervaeke's course on the Symbolic World, The Cognitive Science of Ritual: https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/courses/the-cognitive-science-of-ritual<br /><br />00:00 - Intro by Jonathan<br />01:25 - Intro music<br />01:50 - Midwestuary conference details<br />03:42 - What is Spirit?<br />05:21 - John's response<br />08:22 - Fellowship<br />11:00 - Jonathan's response<br />13:34 - Why it's hard to think about unity and multiplicity<br />16:35 - Dualism in spirit<br />18:32 - Modern false dichotomies<br />24:19 - Jonathan: Spirit outside of minds?<br />30:57 - Are there non-psychological spirits?<br />33:42 - Gathered in man<br />35:55 - Reduction can go both ways<br />37:35 - The seat of self-consciousness<br />42:01 - A human centered view<br />43:36 - John: The standard of realness<br />49:30 - An embodied world for everyone<br />56:17 - Porosity between science and myth<br />01:00:39 - Breath<br />01:02:05 - A post-Kantian vision<br />01:05:52 - Exampting and group identity<br />01:10:40 - Liturgy and team spirit<br />01:17:48 - Are spirits just psychological?<br />01:20:26 - Prophesy<br />01:27:43 - How do we use technology?<br />01:34:01 - AI<br /><br />🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jonathanpageau <br />🔒 BECOME A PATRON: https://thesymbolicworld.com/subscribe <br />Our website designers: https://www.resonancehq.io/ <br />My intro was arranged and recorded by Matthew Wilkinson: https://matthewwilkinson.net/