220. Theory of Enchantment | Chloé Valdary

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Jan 24, 2022

Chloé Valdary, a passionate entrepreneur and writer focused on compassionate anti-racism, discusses her innovative Theory of Enchantment. She critiques traditional diversity programs, arguing they often create division instead of unity. Valdary emphasizes the power of self-reflection and kindness in combating racism, and she explores the spiritual and artistic aspects of human connection. By weaving together personal stories and cultural references, she advocates for a deeper understanding of identity and the transformative potential of empathy in societal dialogue.

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INSIGHT

Racism's universality

Racism stems from in-group preference and out-group hatred, seen even in chimpanzees.
Focusing on one race's racism ("all white people are racist") downplays the problem's universality.

INSIGHT

Inner Peace and Racism

Personal development affects racism.
Inner peace reduces the need to project negativity onto others.

ANECDOTE

DEI Backlash

Some DEI programs encourage segregation based on skin color.
This fosters resentment and animosity, leading companies to seek alternative approaches.

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Maps of Meaning

The Architecture of Belief

Jordan B Peterson

In 'Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief', Jordan Peterson synthesizes insights from neuropsychology, cognitive science, and Jungian approaches to mythology and narrative. The book examines why people from different cultures and eras have formulated myths and stories with similar structures, and how these myths reflect fundamental aspects of human cognition and morality. Peterson argues that the human mind categorizes the world into known and unknown territories, and that myths and religious stories represent the eternal struggle between order and chaos. He also discusses the role of heroic figures in bridging these two realms and the importance of confronting the unknown to achieve personal and societal growth. The book is a comprehensive and interdisciplinary work that aims to make the wisdom of myth accessible to the modern mind[3][4][5].

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Katherine May's "Enchantment" is a captivating exploration of the power of wonder and the importance of reconnecting with the natural world. May weaves together personal anecdotes, philosophical reflections, and scientific insights to illuminate the ways in which enchantment can enrich our lives. The book encourages readers to cultivate a sense of awe and curiosity, fostering a deeper appreciation for the beauty and mystery of the world around them. It's a thoughtful and inspiring read that reminds us of the magic that exists in everyday life. May's writing style is both lyrical and accessible, making this book a pleasure to read for anyone seeking a deeper connection to themselves and the world.

Alienated America

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In 'Alienated America', Timothy P. Carney explores the decline of the American Dream, attributing it to the erosion of civil society and social institutions like marriage, church, and civic life. He argues that this decline is more significant than economic factors alone and examines how these changes affected the 2016 presidential election. The book offers insights into 'Trump Country' and suggests ways to rebuild social capital.

The omni-Americans

new perspectives on Black experience and American culture

Albert Murray

In *The Omni-Americans*, Albert Murray presents a nuanced exploration of American identity, arguing that black and white cultures are deeply intertwined. He critiques the folklore of white supremacy and the notion of black pathology, advocating for a more complex understanding of American society. Murray emphasizes the resilience and improvisational nature of American culture, drawing parallels with the blues tradition.

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https://jordanbpeterson.supercast.com

This episode was recorded on September 15th, 2021.

Chloé Valdary and I discuss The Theory of Enchantment, her personal brand of compassionate anti-racism. Chloé has been featured in Psychology Today and the NY Times. Her work with Theory of Enchantment attempts to bring compassion to diversity training and fight bigotry with love.

We covered a range of topics surrounding her practice, structural racism in the US, the civil rights movement, the best way to criticize one another, the power of Truth, white fragility, and what one could expect from her (rather unique) diversity seminars.

Find more from Chloé @cvaldary

https://twitter.com/cvaldary

& check out her program at

https://theoryofenchantment.com

Get started with a 10% discount at magbreakthrough.com/jbp when using promo code "jbp10." If it's not for you, there's a one-year money-back guarantee.

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Timestamps

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[00:00] Intro

[00:30] Chloé’s background

[01:52] Why did Chloé want to talk?

[02:53] Reading Dr. Peterson’s Maps of Meaning in a lockdown

[03:38] What is the goal or focus behind Valdary's work?

[04:05] “Supremacist thinking occurs when a human being experiences... some type of deep insecurity within themselves" - Chloé Valdary

[05:08] Jordan’s list of questions through Chloé's looking glass

[05:49] Sources of racism

[12:36] “There are problems money doesn't solve. It would be lovely if [that] produced full security in every aspect, but it doesn't" - Jordan Peterson

[12:57] Working with corporations on DEIS

[16:55] Debating the validity of lived experience

[17:11] “Are you an unquestionable authority on the nature of your lived experience? The answer is yes and no" - JP

[21:23] “[Race] certainly isn’t the best way to conceptualize diversity” - JP

[23:46] Examining the pathos behind two great leaders in the civil rights movement: Dr. Martin Luther King & Malcolm X

[27:34] Chloé’s experience as a teacher

[33:06] Learning to appreciate complexity in both the individual and the diverse

[36:17] “Raising everyone’s material standards… is ultimately insufficient" - JP

[36:34] Seeing people as political abstractions

[38:14] Alienation, diversity training, and rural America

[44:28] “There are arbitrary pre-conditions to our existence that we didn't choose to deal with" - JP

[48:25] How to uplift (never destructive) criticism

[51:07] Variance in coping mechanisms

[54:44] Everyone is starving for (words of) encouragement

[57:07] Rooting everything in love and compassion. Where do those guidelines come from?

[01:03:45] Wonder Woman, Power, & Truth

[01:04:52] The human capacity to destroy the planet

[01:09:29] I'm convinced that there is nothing more powerful than truth in the word." - JP

[01:17:31] “Part of the problem in the West is this false understanding of meaning as derived from propositions when it is, in fact, participatory ways of knowing that give rise to propositions in the first place" - Chloé Valdary

[01:18:48] The meaning of the word ‘enchantment’

[01:26:23] “The objective of ToE is to bring people back to this relational way of being and to be in balance with their own complexity" - Chloé Valdary

[01:26:59] What Chloé does at a ToE seminar

[01:32:16] “People have access to the truth… [regardless of] socioeconomic standing" - JP