The Tim Ferriss Show

#502: Jordan Peterson on Rules for Life, Psychedelics, The Bible, and Much More

Mar 2, 2021

Jordan Peterson, a renowned clinical psychologist and author, discusses the interplay between mythology, psychology, and personal growth. He shares insights on navigating chaos through meaning and personal responsibility. The conversation also dives into the historical and contemporary significance of psychedelics, exploring their impact on mental health and creativity. Personal anecdotes illuminate how literature and community shape intellectual development. Additionally, they reflect on the importance of gratitude and the transformative power of storytelling.

01:22:44

Episode guests

Jordan B Peterson

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Quick takeaways

Finding meaning in life is crucial for navigating suffering and pursuing a life of purpose.

Addressing and understanding resentment can lead to personal growth and a more fulfilling life.

Embracing traditional social institutions can provide stability, purpose, and a sense of belonging for a meaningful life.

Deep dives

The Importance of Meaning and Finding Purpose

Meaning is crucial in life, as it helps individuals navigate suffering and find fulfillment. It is essential to strive for a mode of existence that is so meaningful that the presence of suffering becomes irrelevant. This goes beyond simply avoiding suffering out of fear, but actively pursuing a life of purpose and significance. The search for meaning is a personal journey that requires individuals to evaluate their values, relationships, and commitments. Engaging with religious texts, such as the Bible, can provide valuable insights into deep existential questions and offer guidance for leading a meaningful life.

Practical advice for a fulfilling life and the importance of meaningful traditions

03:03

Embrace Openness, But Beware the Cost of Uncertainty

01:00

The Pathologies of Chaos and Order: Exploring Human Experience

02:48

Managing Resentment and Anger for Personal Growth

01:33

Intro

3min

Exploring Depths of Psychology and Life Lessons

2min

Influences and Intellectual Growth

28min

Exploring the Intersection of Psychopharmacology and Spirituality

4min

Exploring Openness and Psychedelics

22min

The Evolution of Storytelling and Personal Insights

3min

Exploring Meaning and Personal Development in Challenging Times

3min

Navigating Chaos and Order

11min

Reflections on Gratitude and Recommendations

6min

Jordan Peterson on Rules for Life, Psychedelics, The Bible, and Much More | Brought to you by Wealthfront automated investing, Helix Sleep premium mattresses, and Athletic Greens all-in-one nutritional supplement. More on all three below.

Jordan B. Peterson (@jordanbpeterson) has taught mythology to lawyers, doctors, and business people, consulted for the UN secretary general, helped his clinical clients manage depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, and schizophrenia, served as an adviser to senior partners of major Canadian law firms, and lectured extensively in North America and Europe. With his students and colleagues at Harvard and the University of Toronto, Dr. Peterson has published more than one hundred scientific papers, transforming the modern understanding of personality, as his book Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief revolutionized the psychology of religion. His book 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos was published in 2018 and has sold more than 4 million copies internationally. His latest book is Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life.

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Past guests on The Tim Ferriss Show include Jerry Seinfeld, Hugh Jackman, Dr. Jane Goodall, LeBron James, Kevin Hart, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Jamie Foxx, Matthew McConaughey, Esther Perel, Elizabeth Gilbert, Terry Crews, Sia, Yuval Noah Harari, Malcolm Gladwell, Madeleine Albright, Cheryl Strayed, Jim Collins, Mary Karr, Maria Popova, Sam Harris, Michael Phelps, Bob Iger, Edward Norton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Neil Strauss, Ken Burns, Maria Sharapova, Marc Andreessen, Neil Gaiman, Neil de Grasse Tyson, Jocko Willink, Daniel Ek, Kelly Slater, Dr. Peter Attia, Seth Godin, Howard Marks, Dr. Brené Brown, Eric Schmidt, Michael Lewis, Joe Gebbia, Michael Pollan, Dr. Jordan Peterson, Vince Vaughn, Brian Koppelman, Ramit Sethi, Dax Shepard, Tony Robbins, Jim Dethmer, Dan Harris, Ray Dalio, Naval Ravikant, Vitalik Buterin, Elizabeth Lesser, Amanda Palmer, Katie Haun, Sir Richard Branson, Chuck Palahniuk, Arianna Huffington, Reid Hoffman, Bill Burr, Whitney Cummings, Rick Rubin, Dr. Vivek Murthy, Darren Aronofsky, and many more.