Awakening from the Meaning Crisis, Together

We are in the midst of a modern meaning crisis: the loss of a spiritual worldview in the West, and the decline of wisdom traditions that help individuals find meaning in their lives. The Lectern Lounge is a place to engage in dialogue with other students, share insights or reflections, and engage with each other about the life and times we inhabit.

α: Alpha


Begin your journey of transformation with the Alpha level, your gateway to the work of Prof. John Vervaeke.
In Alpha, you'll gain access to monthly Q&A sessions, where theory meets practice in a dynamic, interactive environment. You can pre-submit questions, ask them live, or access past recordings at your convenience as John Vervaeke and Ethan Hsieh guide you through the practical application of important concepts to your everyday life.
In addition, join a vibrant network of fellow learners in our exclusive forum, where ideas flourish and connections deepen. Here, you'll find a space to reflect, discuss, and grow together.
The Alpha tier is perfect for those taking their first steps into John’s work. Begin your quest to navigate the Meaning Crisis and transform your relationship with the world around you.

β: Beta


Deepen your engagement with the Lectern as in Beta, unlocking a richer tapestry of wisdom and dialogue. This level includes all the benefits of the Alpha tier, including monthly practice-oriented Q&As and access to our Lectern Lounge.
In Beta, you'll gain exclusive access to the core of the Lectern Dialogues series. Here, John engages in thought-provoking conversations with leading experts in psychology, philosophy, and spirituality. Each season offers a unique exploration, bringing together diverse fields of knowledge to create fresh insights and understanding.
While introductory and reflection episodes are publicly available, You will enjoy three exclusive follow-up episodes per season. These in-depth discussions offer nuanced perspectives and integrative approaches to navigating our complex world.
The Beta tier is perfect for those eager to broaden their intellectual horizons and engage more deeply with cutting-edge ideas at the intersection of multiple disciplines.

γ: Gamma


In Gamma, you'll enjoy all the benefits of the Beta level, including monthly Q&As, Lectern Lounge access, and exclusive Lectern Dialogues. 
Additionally, you'll gain access to the illuminating Silk Road Seminars. Each month, immerse yourself in a thought-provoking, live, conference-like event where John masterfully weaves together threads from his various theoretical conversations along with a distinguished guest. Participate in an exclusive Q&A, where these ideas are explored, challenged, and expanded upon.
Public donations at this tier allow us to make these seminars free for currently enrolled university students at all levels. To gain access to Silk Road seminars, please email your proof of student identity with your year of graduation to ethan@vervaekefoundation.org to be added to the guest list.
The Gamma tier is ideal for those who seek not just to learn, but to actively participate in the synthesis of knowledge. Here, you'll find a space to refine your understanding, engage with experts, and contribute to the evolving discourse on meaning, wisdom, and well-being.


δ: Delta


Step into the role of a true scholar with the Delta tier, the most comprehensive educational experience The Lectern has to offer. In Delta, you'll enjoy all the enriching features of the previous tiers—monthly Q&As, Lectern Lounge, exclusive Lectern Dialogues and Silk Road Seminars.
The cornerstone of this tier is unparalleled access to Professor Vervaeke's in-depth courses through our Season Pass. Each year, you'll delve into four meticulously crafted courses, starting with Cognitive Science of the Imagination in January 2025.
As a bonus for the inaugural season, you’ll receive free access to the self-study version of The Lectern's first-ever course, Einstein and Spinoza's God.
This tier is great for those deeply committed to personal and intellectual growth, ready to engage directly with John's most profound and transformative teachings.
*Standalone courses can be accessed for $600 per course. Please refer to course pages for payment plans, student aid, and group discounts.*

ε: Epsilon

*Sold out*
This tier will be made available for registration if an existing member decides to end their subscription, or John becomes more available to schedule additional Office Hours sessions.
At Epsilon, you'll join an exclusive group of ten individuals dedicated to exploring wisdom and meaning directly with John Vervaeke. Fellows enjoy all the rich offerings of the previous tiers—monthly Q&As, Lectern Lounge, exclusive Lectern Dialogues, Silk Road Seminars, and full access to Professor Vervaeke's transformative courses.
The hallmark of this tier is the unprecedented opportunity for personal guidance: quarterly one-on-one office hours with John. These intimate sessions offer a rare chance to delve into your personal inquiries, receive tailored insights, and engage in direct dialogue with one of today's leading thinkers on human cognition and meaning.
The Epsilon tier is an invitation to commit to pushing the boundaries of understanding and personal transformation. It's a unique opportunity to deepen your journey alongside Professor Vervaeke.


Thank You!

On behalf of John and the Lectern team, thank you for being a part of the explication, synthesis and co-creation of new knowledge. We aim to be of service!