Dr. Jordan B. Peterson interviews former-Scientologist Aaron Levin-Smith about his upbringing in Scientology, the enticing tactics of the organization, the basis of Dianetics in Freudian psychology, the higher being Xenu, and Aaron's ongoing fight against the manipulation of this global cult. They also delve into Scientology's belief in a prison planet, the snitching culture within the organization, and the coercion of abortions and discouragement of starting families.
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Quick takeaways
Scientology's appeal lies in its promise of liberation and the belief in its ability to explain the fallen state of humanity.
The lure of Scientology is grounded in the belief in unreleased OT levels and the potential for gaining higher spiritual abilities.
Doubts about Scientology arose from revelations of chaos and abuse within upper management, and the revelation that the unreleased OT levels were a myth.
Deep dives
The Appeal of Scientology
The belief that Scientology offered a way to escape the perceived prison of life on Earth was appealing. The promise of achieving full spiritual abilities, becoming fully stable exterior at will with full perception, and bypassing the between lives implant station was enticing. It offered the possibility of becoming an all-powerful spiritual being and taking on the responsibility of helping others achieve the state of clear. The appeal was grounded in the belief that Scientology provided an explanation for the fallen state of humanity and offered a path to liberation.
The Attraction of Knowledge and Ability
The lure of Scientology was not based on appeal, but rather on the belief that it held the key to understanding the true nature of reality. The upper confidential levels, including unreleased OT levels, promised further knowledge and abilities that were not yet attained. The belief in the existence of these levels and the potential for gaining higher spiritual abilities created a sense of purpose and responsibility to help others escape the perceived prison of life on Earth.
Doubts and Skepticism
Doubts started to arise when it became apparent that Scientology's upper management base, which was believed to be a utopia, was actually filled with chaos, stress, and abusive behavior. The revelations by former high-level executives shattered the belief that the closer one got to Scientology's leader, David Miscavige, the better the experience would be. Hearing from these former executives about the dysfunctional nature of the international management base challenged the belief in the purity and effectiveness of Scientology's upper levels.
The Final Straw: Myth of Unreleased OT Levels
The final blow to belief in Scientology came from a former executive who revealed that the upper unreleased OT levels were a myth. There was no material left by Elrond Hubbard, and upper Scientology management had no knowledge of what these levels were supposed to contain. This revelation shattered the belief in the promised spiritual abilities and the idea that Scientology held the keys to ultimate liberation.
The Influence of Excellence in Organizations
The speaker discusses the importance of excellence and how it manifests in organizations. He contrasts his experience working at Harvard University, where the pursuit of excellence was evident throughout the institution, leading to a highly competitive and productive environment. In contrast, at the University of Toronto, he found that the pursuit of excellence was not as prominent, resulting in a less disciplined and competitive atmosphere. The speaker suggests that the presence or absence of excellence can greatly impact the culture and success of an organization.
The Snitching Culture and Family Destruction in Scientology
The speaker shares his personal experience of leaving Scientology and the consequences he faced. He highlights the snitching culture within Scientology, where members are encouraged to report on each other's activities and behaviors. He also discusses the coercion and pressure exerted on women to have abortions in order to prioritize serving Scientology over starting families. He describes the devastating impact of disconnection, where members are forced to cut ties with family and friends who leave the organization. The speaker emphasizes his objection to the familial destruction caused by Scientology's practices.
Dr. Jordan B. Peterson speaks with former-Scientologist and podcaster Aaron Smith-Levin. They explore his upbringing within the “church,” how Scientology entices new members, the basis for Dianetics in Freudian psychology, the religiously inspired twist only found behind multiple paywalls, the higher being known as Xenu, what broke Aaron’s belief, and his now ongoing fight against the manipulation of this still relevant, international cult.
Aaron Smith-Levin is a former Scientologist and host of the “Growing Up In Scientology” YouTube channel. He was also a main interviewee on the docu-series “Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath.” Since leaving the cult, he has devoted himself and his career to unmasking the harmful practices and beliefs held by the international religion.
This episode was recorded on December 23, 2023
- Links -
2024 tour details can be found here - https://jordanbpeterson.com/events
Peterson Academy https://petersonacademy.com/
For Aaron Smith-Levin:
“Growing Up in Scientology” YT Channel https://www.youtube.com/@GrowingUpInScientology/videos
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