Everything Wrong With Society Today! - Weak Men, Woke BS, Corruption & Civil War | Jordan Peterson

The Counter-Enlightenment: A Conversation with Jordan Peterson

In this insightful podcast, Jordan Peterson, a renowned clinical psychologist and bestselling author, delves into the complexities of the modern world, offering a unique perspective on the challenges we face and the solutions that lie within.

Core Concepts and Philosophies

Peterson's core argument revolves around what he calls the "counter-enlightenment", a backlash against the Enlightenment values of reason, individual responsibility, and progress. This counter-enlightenment, he argues, is rooted in a rejection of hierarchies and an overemphasis on the concept of "equality" as a means to achieve social justice. Peterson believes that this counter-enlightenment ideology has led to a number of societal problems, including a decline in masculinity, the pathologization of patriarchy, and the rise of "devouring mother" tendencies. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing hierarchies, both in nature and in society, and of accepting the fact that not everyone is equally capable or deserving.

Practical Strategies and Advice

• Embrace a hierarchy of values: Peterson emphasizes that individuals should develop a clear hierarchy of values and live their lives according to what they deem most valuable. This requires introspection, identifying your core beliefs, and making decisions based on what you believe to be truly important.
• Develop your "conscience" alongside your "calling": He suggests that individuals must balance their ambitions and desires (calling) with a strong sense of conscience, which acts as guardrails to prevent them from acting against their values. This means being mindful of the potential consequences of your actions and choosing the path less traveled.
• Integrate aggression constructively: Peterson argues that aggression is a natural human instinct that, when properly integrated, can be channeled towards positive goals. He suggests finding healthy outlets for aggression, such as sports, competition, or challenging work, rather than repressing it.
• Adopt "identity statements" to drive behavior change: Peterson proposes using "identity statements" to reinforce desired behaviors. These statements, such as "I am a person who gets up early," can help create a mental shift that aligns your actions with your aspirations.
• Embrace responsibility instead of focusing on rights: Peterson argues that a focus on rights without a corresponding sense of responsibility leads to societal problems. He encourages individuals to shift their mindset from what the world owes them to what they owe the world.
• Distrust yourself to uncover your true nature: Peterson believes that introspection and self-critique are crucial for personal growth. He suggests challenging your own beliefs and motivations, even if it leads to discomfort, to uncover your true nature and potential for both good and evil.
• Find your adventure in truth: He believes that pursuing the truth, even if it leads to difficult or unpopular outcomes, is the path to a meaningful life. Don't seek security; embrace the uncertainty and potential challenges that come with pursuing truth and living according to your values.
• Practice "productive generosity": Peterson emphasizes the importance of giving freely of your time, knowledge, and resources. He believes that generosity, both material and intellectual, can foster a more connected and prosperous society.

Supporting Evidence

Peterson draws upon a wide range of evidence to support his arguments, including research on human psychology, evolutionary biology, and historical examples. He cites studies on the role of serotonin in dominance hierarchies, the evolutionary basis for human behavior, and the dangers of totalitarian ideologies.

Personal Application

Peterson himself practices the principles he advocates for. He has a strict morning routine, prioritizes his family, and is a tireless advocate for his ideas. He even uses imagery to help him stay focused and motivated, imagining himself in a loincloth, covered in the blood of his enemies, ready to fight for his beliefs.

Recommendations for Tools and Techniques

Peterson recommends a number of tools and techniques for personal growth, including:

• Self-Authoring: This is a series of online exercises developed by Peterson and his colleagues that help individuals understand their past, present, and future.
• The Personality Test: This test, also developed by Peterson, helps individuals gain a deeper understanding of their personality traits and how they can be leveraged for growth.
• Reading a wide range of books: Peterson emphasizes the importance of reading, particularly books on psychology, history, philosophy, and religion. He recommends a curated list of books on his website, jordanbpeterson.com.