Prof. John Vervaeke's
Lectern
Prof. John Vervaeke's
Lectern
Prof. John Vervaeke's
Lectern
About
The Lectern is a place to learn, dialogue, and reflect on our relationship to the life and times we are in.
The Lectern is a place to learn, dialogue, and reflect on our relationship to the life and times we are in.
The Lectern is a place to learn, dialogue, and reflect on our relationship to the life and times we are in.
What We Do
What We Do
What We Do
We are committed to being deeply dialogical. By inviting the best scholars, practitioners and leaders into collaborative conversation, we aim to bring the best educational material to those who seek it.
We are committed to being deeply dialogical. By inviting the best scholars, practitioners and leaders into collaborative conversation, we aim to bring the best educational material to those who seek it.
We are committed to being deeply dialogical. By inviting the best scholars, practitioners and leaders into collaborative conversation, we aim to bring the best educational material to those who seek it.
Meet Our Founder
Meet Our Founder
Meet Our Founder
John Vervaeke is a cognitive scientist and award-winning educator at the University of Toronto, where he has taught in Psychology and the Cognitive Science Program since 1994. His teaching awards include the Students’ Administrative Council & Association of Part-time Undergraduate Students Teaching Award (2001) and the Ranjini Ghosh Excellence in Teaching Award (2012). His research and publications span relevance realization, general intelligence, mindfulness, metaphor, and wisdom, oriented toward addressing the contemporary “meaning crisis.”
Beyond the classroom, Vervaeke is widely known for the 50-episode public lecture series Awakening from the Meaning Crisis, which synthesizes cognitive science, philosophy, and contemplative traditions to diagnose and respond to modern disconnection. This was followed by his second series After Socrates, a series on dialectic-into-dialogos: training wisdom through practices, virtue cultivation, and participatory knowing for meaning beyond belief.
He co-authored the open-access book Zombies in Western Culture: A Twenty-First Century Crisis (Open Book Publishers, 2017) with Christopher Mastropietro and Filip Miscevic, an interdisciplinary study using the zombie figure to illuminate cultural alienation and the loss of shared frameworks. He has also published multiple papers in interdisciplinary academic journals.
Across these projects, Vervaeke advances a science-informed account of how humans realize relevance and cultivate wisdom—an “abiding passion” that animates his scholarly and public work.
John Vervaeke is a cognitive scientist and award-winning educator at the University of Toronto, where he has taught in Psychology and the Cognitive Science Program since 1994. His teaching awards include the Students’ Administrative Council & Association of Part-time Undergraduate Students Teaching Award (2001) and the Ranjini Ghosh Excellence in Teaching Award (2012). His research and publications span relevance realization, general intelligence, mindfulness, metaphor, and wisdom, oriented toward addressing the contemporary “meaning crisis.”
Beyond the classroom, Vervaeke is widely known for the 50-episode public lecture series Awakening from the Meaning Crisis, which synthesizes cognitive science, philosophy, and contemplative traditions to diagnose and respond to modern disconnection. This was followed by his second series After Socrates, a series on dialectic-into-dialogos: training wisdom through practices, virtue cultivation, and participatory knowing for meaning beyond belief.
He co-authored the open-access book Zombies in Western Culture: A Twenty-First Century Crisis (Open Book Publishers, 2017) with Christopher Mastropietro and Filip Miscevic, an interdisciplinary study using the zombie figure to illuminate cultural alienation and the loss of shared frameworks. He has also published multiple papers in interdisciplinary academic journals.
Across these projects, Vervaeke advances a science-informed account of how humans realize relevance and cultivate wisdom—an “abiding passion” that animates his scholarly and public work.
John Vervaeke is a cognitive scientist and award-winning educator at the University of Toronto, where he has taught in Psychology and the Cognitive Science Program since 1994. His teaching awards include the Students’ Administrative Council & Association of Part-time Undergraduate Students Teaching Award (2001) and the Ranjini Ghosh Excellence in Teaching Award (2012). His research and publications span relevance realization, general intelligence, mindfulness, metaphor, and wisdom, oriented toward addressing the contemporary “meaning crisis.”
Beyond the classroom, Vervaeke is widely known for the 50-episode public lecture series Awakening from the Meaning Crisis, which synthesizes cognitive science, philosophy, and contemplative traditions to diagnose and respond to modern disconnection. This was followed by his second series After Socrates, a series on dialectic-into-dialogos: training wisdom through practices, virtue cultivation, and participatory knowing for meaning beyond belief.
He co-authored the open-access book Zombies in Western Culture: A Twenty-First Century Crisis (Open Book Publishers, 2017) with Christopher Mastropietro and Filip Miscevic, an interdisciplinary study using the zombie figure to illuminate cultural alienation and the loss of shared frameworks. He has also published multiple papers in interdisciplinary academic journals.
Across these projects, Vervaeke advances a science-informed account of how humans realize relevance and cultivate wisdom—an “abiding passion” that animates his scholarly and public work.
“The things that really matter like wisdom and love can’t be compelled… if they are, they’re no longer wisdom or love.”
“The things that really matter like wisdom and love can’t be compelled… if they are, they’re no longer wisdom or love.”
— John Vervaeke
— John Vervaeke
“The things that really matter like wisdom and love can’t be compelled… if they are, they’re no longer wisdom or love.”
— John Vervaeke
Video Series and Books
Video Series and Books
Video Series and Books
Over the past few years, John has spent his time publishing free long-form series on YouTube, including the epic 50-hour-long Awakening From The Meaning Crisis and his podcast series, Voices with Vervaeke. He has also published several books ranging from our ongoing wrestle with AI and the history of The Meaning Crisis.
Over the past few years, John has spent his time publishing free long-form series on YouTube, including the epic 50-hour-long Awakening From The Meaning Crisis and his podcast series, Voices with Vervaeke. He has also published several books ranging from our ongoing wrestle with AI and the history of The Meaning Crisis.
Over the past few years, John has spent his time publishing free long-form series on YouTube, including the epic 50-hour-long Awakening From The Meaning Crisis and his podcast series, Voices with Vervaeke. He has also published several books ranging from our ongoing wrestle with AI and the history of The Meaning Crisis.
Prof. Vervaeke's flagship series that has received international acclaim.
Prof. Vervaeke's flagship series that has received international acclaim.
Prof. Vervaeke's flagship series that has received international acclaim.
An extensive genealogy into the elusive figure of Socrates.
An extensive genealogy into the elusive figure of Socrates.
An extensive genealogy into the elusive figure of Socrates.
John's dialogues with scholars, pastors, authors, psychologists, and more.
John's dialogues with scholars, pastors, authors, psychologists, and more.
John's dialogues with scholars, pastors, authors, psychologists, and more.
"Through a masterful joining of history, philosophy and psychology,
Vervaeke and Mastropietro offer powerful insight and guidance for those
looking to find their way out of the dark woods of modern nihilism."
-Jonathan Pageau on
Awakening from the Meaning Crisis
Rigorous theory,
guided by clarity,
oriented to lasting transformation
Rigorous theory,
guided by clarity,
oriented to lasting transformation
Rigorous theory,
guided by clarity,
oriented to lasting transformation
Our lectures, conversations, and courses create the conditions for real change. We start by understanding your context, offer structure where it serves, and support your direction—not an ideology. Explore how we teach and what to expect from the learning arc.
Our lectures, conversations, and courses create the conditions for real change. We start by understanding your context, offer structure where it serves, and support your direction—not an ideology. Explore how we teach and what to expect from the learning arc.
Our lectures, conversations, and courses create the conditions for real change. We start by understanding your context, offer structure where it serves, and support your direction—not an ideology. Explore how we teach and what to expect from the learning arc.
Ready to
fall love with wisdom?
Ready to
fall love with wisdom?
Ready to
fall love with wisdom?
If this resonates, start your own arc. Lectern isn’t about quick fixes. It’s meaningful understanding that transfers into life, one clear concept and well-placed practice at a time.
If this resonates, start your own arc. Lectern isn’t about quick fixes. It’s meaningful understanding that transfers into life, one clear concept and well-placed practice at a time.
If this resonates, start your own arc. Lectern isn’t about quick fixes. It’s meaningful understanding that transfers into life, one clear concept and well-placed practice at a time.
“Connectedness to yourself, to other people, and to the world—those are the three dimensions that are measurable in meaning in life."
“Connectedness to yourself, to other people, and to the world—those are the three dimensions that are measurable in meaning in life."
“Connectedness to yourself, to other people, and to the world—those are the three dimensions that are measurable in meaning in life."
— John Vervaeke
— John Vervaeke
— John Vervaeke
Online Course
Einstein & Spinoza's God
Beyond Atheism and Theism: Einstein and Spinoza's Orientation to Sacredness
Online Course
Einstein & Spinoza's God
Beyond Atheism and Theism: Einstein and Spinoza's Orientation to Sacredness
Online Course
Einstein & Spinoza's God
Beyond Atheism and Theism: Einstein and Spinoza's Orientation to Sacredness
Your questions.
Answered.
Not sure what to expect? These answers might help you feel more confident as you begin.
Didn’t find your answer? Send us a message — we’ll respond with care and clarity.
What if I’m not familiar with philosophy or science?
Yes! Our courses are designed to be accessible to both beginners and those with experience. John will hold a seminar after each lecture to answer any questions you might have.
What if I’m not familiar with philosophy or science?
Yes! Our courses are designed to be accessible to both beginners and those with experience. John will hold a seminar after each lecture to answer any questions you might have.
Do I need to have specific religious or scientific beliefs to benefit from the course?
Do I need to have specific religious or scientific beliefs to benefit from the course?
No. The courses are open to everyone, regardless of religious or scientific background. It’s about exploring diverse perspectives and finding a way to integrate them into your life.
Will this course challenge my current beliefs?
Will this course challenge my current beliefs?
Yes, the course is designed to provoke deep reflection. It introduces perspectives that will encourage you to question and reconsider long-held beliefs, fostering growth and deeper understanding.
I’m worried I won’t understand the material. Is it too advanced?
I’m worried I won’t understand the material. Is it too advanced?
Not at all! The course breaks down complex ideas into simple, easy-to-understand concepts, ensuring that whether you’re new to philosophy or well-versed, you’ll gain valuable insights.
What if I can’t attend live sessions or keep up with the pace?
What if I can’t attend live sessions or keep up with the pace?
All materials, including live session recordings, will be available to you anytime. You can go through the content at your own pace, fitting it around your schedule.
Is there any interaction with the instructor or other students?
Is there any interaction with the instructor or other students?
Yes! You will have the opportunity to engage with John and fellow students throughout the course.
Your questions.
Answered.
Not sure what to expect? These answers might help you feel more confident as you begin.
Didn’t find your answer? Send us a message — we’ll respond with care and clarity.
What if I’m not familiar with philosophy or science?
Yes! Our courses are designed to be accessible to both beginners and those with experience. John will hold a seminar after each lecture to answer any questions you might have.
What if I’m not familiar with philosophy or science?
Yes! Our courses are designed to be accessible to both beginners and those with experience. John will hold a seminar after each lecture to answer any questions you might have.
Do I need to have specific religious or scientific beliefs to benefit from the course?
Do I need to have specific religious or scientific beliefs to benefit from the course?
No. The courses are open to everyone, regardless of religious or scientific background. It’s about exploring diverse perspectives and finding a way to integrate them into your life.
Will this course challenge my current beliefs?
Will this course challenge my current beliefs?
Yes, the course is designed to provoke deep reflection. It introduces perspectives that will encourage you to question and reconsider long-held beliefs, fostering growth and deeper understanding.
I’m worried I won’t understand the material. Is it too advanced?
I’m worried I won’t understand the material. Is it too advanced?
Not at all! The course breaks down complex ideas into simple, easy-to-understand concepts, ensuring that whether you’re new to philosophy or well-versed, you’ll gain valuable insights.
What if I can’t attend live sessions or keep up with the pace?
What if I can’t attend live sessions or keep up with the pace?
All materials, including live session recordings, will be available to you anytime. You can go through the content at your own pace, fitting it around your schedule.
Is there any interaction with the instructor or other students?
Is there any interaction with the instructor or other students?
Yes! You will have the opportunity to engage with John and fellow students throughout the course.
Your questions.
Answered.
Not sure what to expect? These answers might help you feel more confident as you begin.
What if I’m not familiar with philosophy or science?
Yes! Our courses are designed to be accessible to both beginners and those with experience. John will hold a seminar after each lecture to answer any questions you might have.
What if I’m not familiar with philosophy or science?
Yes! Our courses are designed to be accessible to both beginners and those with experience. John will hold a seminar after each lecture to answer any questions you might have.
Do I need to have specific religious or scientific beliefs to benefit from the course?
Do I need to have specific religious or scientific beliefs to benefit from the course?
No. The courses are open to everyone, regardless of religious or scientific background. It’s about exploring diverse perspectives and finding a way to integrate them into your life.
Will this course challenge my current beliefs?
Will this course challenge my current beliefs?
Yes, the course is designed to provoke deep reflection. It introduces perspectives that will encourage you to question and reconsider long-held beliefs, fostering growth and deeper understanding.
I’m worried I won’t understand the material. Is it too advanced?
I’m worried I won’t understand the material. Is it too advanced?
Not at all! The course breaks down complex ideas into simple, easy-to-understand concepts, ensuring that whether you’re new to philosophy or well-versed, you’ll gain valuable insights.
What if I can’t attend live sessions or keep up with the pace?
What if I can’t attend live sessions or keep up with the pace?
All materials, including live session recordings, will be available to you anytime. You can go through the content at your own pace, fitting it around your schedule.
Is there any interaction with the instructor or other students?
Is there any interaction with the instructor or other students?
Yes! You will have the opportunity to engage with John and fellow students throughout the course.
Didn’t find your answer? Send us a message — we’ll respond with care and clarity.