In 'We Who Wrestle with God', Dr. Peterson delves into the ancient, foundational stories of the Western world. He analyzes Biblical accounts of rebellion, sacrifice, suffering, and triumph, such as the stories of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Noah, the Tower of Babel, Abraham, and Moses. The book explores how these stories stabilize, inspire, and unite us culturally and psychologically. It encourages readers to understand these narratives scientifically and spiritually, to become conscious of the structure of their souls and societies, and to see themselves and others in a new light.
In 'Consilience: The Unity of Knowledge', E.O. Wilson advocates for the integration of knowledge from different fields to create a unified theory of understanding. He draws on the concept of consilience, introduced by William Whewell, which means the 'jumping together' of knowledge by linking facts and theories across disciplines. Wilson explores the chemistry of the mind, the genetic bases of culture, and the biological principles underlying works of art. He argues that a unified approach can lead to a deeper understanding of the human condition and the natural world, and he critiques the fragmentation of knowledge into separate disciplines. The book is a call for a new Enlightenment, emphasizing the importance of science and reason in understanding all aspects of human existence.
In this book, Professor Gad Saad explores the concept of happiness as a scientific fact that can be measured and achieved through specific strategies. He draws on scientific studies, ancient philosophies, and his personal experiences as a refugee from war-torn Lebanon to provide eight secrets for leading a good life. These secrets include living the life you want, the importance of resilience, having a career with a higher purpose than just a paycheck, the value of variety and playfulness, and the significance of choosing the right spouse. Saad argues that happiness is not a deliberate pursuit but rather a by-product of making sound decisions and adopting the right mindset, citing examples from his own life and the wisdom of philosophers like Aristotle and Viktor Frankl.
Paula Whyman's "Bad Naturalist" chronicles her journey from a city-dwelling insect enthusiast to a dedicated ecological restorationist. The book details her ambitious project to revive native plants and wildlife on her 200-acre Virginia mountaintop. Whyman confronts invasive species and challenges the conventional view that nature preservation is solely the domain of national parks. She emphasizes the crucial role of individual landowners in conservation efforts, highlighting the vast privately owned lands in need of stewardship. The book offers a personal and inspiring account of ecological restoration, emphasizing the importance of small actions and the potential for hope in environmental conservation.
Frank Sulloway's "Born to Rebel" explores the relationship between birth order and personality traits, particularly focusing on the tendency towards rebelliousness and innovation. Sulloway argues that later-born children, due to their need to compete for parental attention and resources, are more likely to develop traits such as openness to experience and a willingness to challenge established norms. This, he suggests, contributes to their greater likelihood of making significant contributions to fields like science and politics. The book's analysis of historical figures supports this claim, sparking debate on the influence of birth order on individual development.
In 'The Parasitic Mind,' Dr. Gad Saad exposes the harmful effects of 'idea pathogens'—irrational and logically flawed ideas that are spreading through universities and enforced by the tyranny of political correctness. These ideas, Saad argues, are endangering fundamental freedoms such as freedom of thought and speech. The book is a call to action, encouraging readers to use critical thinking and courage to defend reason and intellectual freedom. Saad discusses various topics including university 'safe spaces,' gender ideology, postmodernism, and the decline of intellectual diversity in academia, all while advocating for the importance of questioning and challenging prevailing dogma[1][3][4].
Dr. Jordan B. Peterson and evolutionary psychologist Dr. Gad Saad reunite for a conversation that blends ancient myth, evolutionary theory, and cultural psychology. Together, they dissect cognitive dissonance, the dangers of willful blindness, and the evolutionary logic behind sacrifice, delayed gratification, and identity formation.
This episode was filmed on May 23rd, 2025.
| Links |
For Dr. Gad Saad:
Read “The Saad Truth About Happiness: 8 Rules for Living the Good Life” https://a.co/d/1IqTyM9
On X https://twitter.com/GadSaad
On Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Dr.Gad.Saad/
On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/doctorgadsaad/
On YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLH7qUqM0PLieCVaHA7RegA
Spotify Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/5T2wjkFxsjvuxO1SDcZh29
Apple podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-saad-truth-with-dr-saad/id1516343565
The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast 
