Uploaded October 2023 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Dr. John Vervaeke engages in a conversation with guests Kevin Bowers and Ethan Kobayashi-Hsieh. The trio navigates the intricate interplay between creativity and wisdom, extending the discourse to themes like consilience, fittedness, and self-transcendence. Kevin Bowers passionately elucidates how creativity is not restricted to artistry but is a fundamental way of engaging with the world. Meanwhile, Ethan Kobayashi-Hsieh takes the discussion further by delving into the role of 'through lining' and identity in creative processes. Vervaeke’s erudite commentary weaves these perspectives into a broader framework, arguing that creativity and wisdom are not just interconnected but are facets of a life well-lived. Don’t miss out on this scintillating conversation that transcends traditional understanding and invites you into a deeper contemplation of creativity and wisdom.
Resources:
Ethan Kobayashi-Hsieh
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ethan-kobayashi-hsieh-828a63240
Kevin Bowers
X: twitter.com/waltguitar?lang=en
Email: creativityasliving@gmail.com
John Vervaeke
Website: johnvervaeke.com
Patreon: patreon.com/johnvervaeke
Facebook: facebook.com/VervaekeJohn
X: twitter.com/vervaeke_john
YouTube: youtube.com/@johnvervaeke
The Vervaeke Foundation: vervaekefoundation.org
Related Voice with Vervaeke Episodes
Principles & Methods for Achieving a Flow State | Voices w/ Vervaeke | John Vervaeke & Kevin Bowers: youtu.be/iteirgNDKrg?si=GM6NV27w2JDzMmEQ
Theatre-ritual-movement ecology of practices w/ Ethan Kobayashi-Hsieh & Tamaki Kobayashi-Hsieh: youtu.be/orpqXNw3R0w?si=YgdgLWafuJzlTyd_
Building Practices to Cultivate Wisdom | John Vervaeke & Ethan Kobayashi-Hsieh | Voices w/ Vervaeke: youtu.be/mHAjg7G0wS0?si=TiUEAUKdJri0Ha7x
Books
Of Art and Wisdom: Plato's Understanding of Techne - David Roochnik: amazon.com/Art-Wisdom-Platos-Understanding-Techne/dp/0271032731/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Of+Art+and+Wisdom%3A+Plato%27s+Understanding+of+Techne&qid=1697574903&s=books&sr=1-1
A Whack on the Side of the Head: How You Can Be More Creative - Roger von Oech: amazon.com/Whack-Side-Head-More-Creative/dp/0446404667
Miscellaneous
UTOK Consilience Conference 2023: https://utok.circle.so/c/utokcon-video-library/
Kevin is hard at work with a new project called Liminal Learning. It is a philosophical and creative program that will take 16 young people into the wilderness of Canada. The aim is to use creativity to reframe the potentials of adulthood. Please visit: liminal-learning.com for dates and details.
Timecodes
00:00:00 — Dr. John Vervaeke sets the stage for the ensuing discussion on creativity and wisdom.
00:01:24 — Kevin Bowers begins his introduction and shares how creativity has significantly shaped his career.
00:03:00 — Bowers dives into how Dr. Vervaeke's work has enhanced his understanding of creativity and wisdom.
00:07:52 — Dr. Vervaeke introduces the pivotal themes of consilience and fittedness in creativity.
00:10:13 — Kevin Bowers discusses the concept of fittedness in creativity, marking a transformative stance in life.
00:17:05 — Bowers introduces the idea of authenticity as it relates to creativity and identity.
00:18:41 — Dr. Vervaeke explores the risks and rewards of self-transcendence within the context of creativity.
00:26:43 — Ethan Kobayashi-Hsieh expands on the fluid nature of the creative process.
00:30:22 — Dr. Vervaeke probes into Ethan's ideas on identity formation versus persona adoption.
00:33:40 — Vervaeke suggests that creativity can enhance our ability to evolve wisely.
00:39:15 — Vervaeke discusses the concept of faith and its intricate relationship with creativity.
00:42:20 — Dr. Vervaeke tackles the issue of people self-identifying as non-creative.
00:47:57 — Kevin Bowers dismisses the notion that creativity is exclusively for artists.
00:51:27 — Kevin advocates for a shift in perspective towards creativity as a part of nature.
00:56:27 — Kevin emphasizes that creativity is accessible and can be practiced by everyone.
01:01:03 — Dr. Vervaeke discusses the concepts of wisdom and self-deception.
01:08:00 — Dr. Vervaeke elaborates on the idea of creativity as fitting and appropriate novelty.
01:17:53 — Kevin Bowers talks about the distinct roles of the artist and the judge in the creative
process.
01:21:50 — Ethan Kobayashi-Hsieh offers a poetic conclusion on the power of observation.
Dr. John Vervaeke engages in a conversation with guests Kevin Bowers and Ethan Kobayashi-Hsieh. The trio navigates the intricate interplay between creativity and wisdom, extending the discourse to themes like consilience, fittedness, and self-transcendence. Kevin Bowers passionately elucidates how creativity is not restricted to artistry but is a fundamental way of engaging with the world. Meanwhile, Ethan Kobayashi-Hsieh takes the discussion further by delving into the role of 'through lining' and identity in creative processes. Vervaeke’s erudite commentary weaves these perspectives into a broader framework, arguing that creativity and wisdom are not just interconnected but are facets of a life well-lived. Don’t miss out on this scintillating conversation that transcends traditional understanding and invites you into a deeper contemplation of creativity and wisdom.
Resources:
Ethan Kobayashi-Hsieh
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ethan-kobayashi-hsieh-828a63240
Kevin Bowers
X: twitter.com/waltguitar?lang=en
Email: creativityasliving@gmail.com
John Vervaeke
Website: johnvervaeke.com
Patreon: patreon.com/johnvervaeke
Facebook: facebook.com/VervaekeJohn
X: twitter.com/vervaeke_john
YouTube: youtube.com/@johnvervaeke
The Vervaeke Foundation: vervaekefoundation.org
Related Voice with Vervaeke Episodes
Principles & Methods for Achieving a Flow State | Voices w/ Vervaeke | John Vervaeke & Kevin Bowers: youtu.be/iteirgNDKrg?si=GM6NV27w2JDzMmEQ
Theatre-ritual-movement ecology of practices w/ Ethan Kobayashi-Hsieh & Tamaki Kobayashi-Hsieh: youtu.be/orpqXNw3R0w?si=YgdgLWafuJzlTyd_
Building Practices to Cultivate Wisdom | John Vervaeke & Ethan Kobayashi-Hsieh | Voices w/ Vervaeke: youtu.be/mHAjg7G0wS0?si=TiUEAUKdJri0Ha7x
Books
Of Art and Wisdom: Plato's Understanding of Techne - David Roochnik: amazon.com/Art-Wisdom-Platos-Understanding-Techne/dp/0271032731/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Of+Art+and+Wisdom%3A+Plato%27s+Understanding+of+Techne&qid=1697574903&s=books&sr=1-1
A Whack on the Side of the Head: How You Can Be More Creative - Roger von Oech: amazon.com/Whack-Side-Head-More-Creative/dp/0446404667
Miscellaneous
UTOK Consilience Conference 2023: https://utok.circle.so/c/utokcon-video-library/
Kevin is hard at work with a new project called Liminal Learning. It is a philosophical and creative program that will take 16 young people into the wilderness of Canada. The aim is to use creativity to reframe the potentials of adulthood. Please visit: liminal-learning.com for dates and details.
Timecodes
00:00:00 — Dr. John Vervaeke sets the stage for the ensuing discussion on creativity and wisdom.
00:01:24 — Kevin Bowers begins his introduction and shares how creativity has significantly shaped his career.
00:03:00 — Bowers dives into how Dr. Vervaeke's work has enhanced his understanding of creativity and wisdom.
00:07:52 — Dr. Vervaeke introduces the pivotal themes of consilience and fittedness in creativity.
00:10:13 — Kevin Bowers discusses the concept of fittedness in creativity, marking a transformative stance in life.
00:17:05 — Bowers introduces the idea of authenticity as it relates to creativity and identity.
00:18:41 — Dr. Vervaeke explores the risks and rewards of self-transcendence within the context of creativity.
00:26:43 — Ethan Kobayashi-Hsieh expands on the fluid nature of the creative process.
00:30:22 — Dr. Vervaeke probes into Ethan's ideas on identity formation versus persona adoption.
00:33:40 — Vervaeke suggests that creativity can enhance our ability to evolve wisely.
00:39:15 — Vervaeke discusses the concept of faith and its intricate relationship with creativity.
00:42:20 — Dr. Vervaeke tackles the issue of people self-identifying as non-creative.
00:47:57 — Kevin Bowers dismisses the notion that creativity is exclusively for artists.
00:51:27 — Kevin advocates for a shift in perspective towards creativity as a part of nature.
00:56:27 — Kevin emphasizes that creativity is accessible and can be practiced by everyone.
01:01:03 — Dr. Vervaeke discusses the concepts of wisdom and self-deception.
01:08:00 — Dr. Vervaeke elaborates on the idea of creativity as fitting and appropriate novelty.
01:17:53 — Kevin Bowers talks about the distinct roles of the artist and the judge in the creative
process.
01:21:50 — Ethan Kobayashi-Hsieh offers a poetic conclusion on the power of observation.



![Beyond the One: Unraveling Plotinus and Pure Relationality with Robert Gray and Eric Orwoll
In this episode, John Vervaeke, Robert Gray, and Eric Orwell explore the intricacies of Plotinus, Neo-Platonism, and pure relationality. They meticulously analyze James Fillers thought-provoking paper, viewing its ideas through Heideggers philosophy and the essence of language. The concept of pure relationality and its impact on our understanding of reality is thoroughly examined, highlighting key themes such as the One, sacredness, and ethical dimensions. Diverse perspectives are brought into dialogue, and traditional views are critically assessed, as the guests reconstruct philosophical concepts for the contemporary world. The episode offers both grounding exercises and detailed analysis, taking listeners on a journey through ancient wisdom to discover its relevance in addressing todays challenges.
Eric Orwoll is a Christian Platonist philosopher and the creator of the Understanding Platonism and Aarvoll YouTube channels.
Robert Gray is the creator of The Meditating Philosopher YouTube channel.
Glossary of Terms
Relational Ontology: The philosophical study that posits relations rather than substances as the fundamental constituents of reality.
Neoplatonism: A philosophical system that emphasizes the spiritual and metaphysical aspects of reality, drawing on Platos ideas.
John Vervaeke:
Website: https://johnvervaeke.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johnvervaeke
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke
X: https://twitter.com/vervaeke_john
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VervaekeJohn/
Eric Orwoll
YouTube:
Understanding Plato: https://www.youtube.com/@understandingplato1134/
Robert Gray
Email: meditatingphilosopher@gmail.com
YouTUbe: www.youtube.com/@TheMeditatingPhilosopher
Join our new Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke
The Vervaeke Foundation - https://vervaekefoundation.org/
Awaken to Meaning - https://awakentomeaning.com/
John Vervaeke YouTube
Awakening from the Meaning Crisis https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLND1JCRq8Vuh3f0P5qjrSdb5eC1ZfZwWJ
Books, Articles, and Publications
The One as Pure Relation in Plotinus - Filler, James (2019). International Journal of the Platonic Tradition https://brill.com/view/journals/jpt/13/1/article-p1_1.xml
Heidegger, Neoplatonism, and the History of Being: Relation as Ontological Ground - James Filler
https://www.amazon.com/dp/3031309065
The Cognitive-Theoretic Model of the Universe: A New Kind of Reality Theory - Christopher Langan https://www.amazon.com/Cognitive-Theoretic-Model-Universe-Reality-Theory/dp/0971916225
Essential Difference: Toward a Metaphysics of Emergence - James Blachowicz https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Difference-Toward-Metaphysics-Emergence/dp/1438443323
Quotes
It reminded me of the attitude towards language in the Platonic dialogues, where Socrates moves into something more poetic, almost verse. Theres that shift between prosaic, dialectical investigation and mytho-poetic, dreamlike exposition. Thats interesting; Ive identified those mythic sections often contain the deepest insights about the nature of reality. - Eric Orwoll [00:07:06]
It helped to explain how and why those two are non logically one. That gave me a profound aha. Then, the critique of substance in the Aristotelian sense, where the subject predicate nature of logic and language is the same fundamental structure of reality, reality is made up of independently existing things that contain properties or enter into action. - John Vervaeke [00:16:00]
Chapters
[00:00:00] - Introduction and Grounding Exercise
[00:03:20] - Overview of James Fillers Work
[00:08:20] - Theological Poetic Language and Platos Ontology
[00:12:40] - Hemispheric Approaches to Reasoning
[00:14:07] - Johns Personal and Philosophical Reflections on Fillers Work
[00:20:08] - Dissecting Fillers Arguments: Exegesis and Ontological Inquiry
[00:30:20] - Revisiting Relationality and Unity: Ethical and Ontological Nuances
[00:46:00] - Navigating Reality: From Illusion to Sacredness
[00:52:56] - Tradition and Global Spirituality
[01:04:56] - Bridging Metaphysical Necessity and Cognitive Pluralism
[01:15:08] - A Philosophical Inquiry into Forms and Instantiations
[01:23:18] - Final Thoughts and Future Conversations Beyond the One: Unraveling Plotinus and Pure Relationality with Robert Gray and Eric Orwoll](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ylEGSDrWRnE/mqdefault.jpg)

