#313 – Jordan Peterson: Life, Death, Power, Fame, and Meaning
Aug 19, 2022
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Join clinical psychologist and acclaimed author Jordan Peterson as he delves into the essence of truth, beauty, and the interplay between chaos and order. He discusses the psychological implications of mortality and the impact on life's choices, while critiquing radical environmentalism and exploring ethical responsibilities in technology. Peterson also examines the roles of fear and resentment in shaping political ideologies and character, emphasizing the importance of compassion and personal growth in navigating today's complexities.
Beauty represents truth, love, and justice, inspiring individuals to emulate admirable qualities.
Confronting death and chaos leads to personal growth and meaning in life.
Remaining authentic in the face of fame requires self-awareness and surrounding oneself with critics.
Balanced environmental policies should consider well-being and consequences for the planet and individuals.
Being a public figure entails intense connections and the responsibility to be present and mindful.
Uniting reason and spirituality creates a successful lecture space and balance in life.
Deep dives
The Importance of Beauty and its Connection to the Divine
Jordan Peterson discusses the significance of beauty and its connection to the divine. He suggests that beauty acts as a pointer to something greater than itself, representing truth, love, justice, and other virtues. He explains that when experiencing beauty, individuals admire and desire to emulate certain qualities displayed by that which they find beautiful. Peterson emphasizes the importance of balancing order and chaos in art, highlighting the transformative power that beauty possesses. He further delves into the symbolism of the burning bush story from the Bible, painting a vibrant picture of how fire represents the transformative process within every structure. Ultimately, Peterson asserts that embracing beauty can bring forth personal growth and fulfillment.
Facing Death, Chaos, and Hell for Personal Growth
Jordan Peterson shares his thoughts on the importance of confronting death and chaos in order to find personal growth and meaning in life. He discusses the idea of gazing into the abyss and how it compels individuals to face their fears and discomfort in order to overcome them. Peterson reflects on the story of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection as a psychological representation of accepting tragedy and transforming through sacrifice. He emphasizes the role of humility in embracing the unknown and striving towards a higher purpose, highlighting the necessity of continually dying and shedding old ideas and patterns for personal development and transformation.
The Dangers of Fame and the Challenge of Remaining True to Oneself
In relation to fame, Jordan Peterson discusses the challenges of remaining true to oneself and avoiding becoming a caricature or impersonator of one's public persona. He reflects on the potential corrupting influence of fame and acknowledges the need for self-awareness and self-reflection to prevent it from distorting one's beliefs and actions. Peterson emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with critics and accountability to ensure personal growth and maintain authenticity. He also explores the possibility of finding balance between channeling anger and passion towards positive change, while still appreciating and experiencing the quiet beauty and love that exists in the world.
Evaluating the Perspectives on Environmentalism and its Consequences
Jordan Peterson critically evaluates the perspectives on environmentalism, specifically the idea that imposing limits to growth can lead to averting catastrophic consequences in the future. He challenges the premise that making people poorer and imposing restrictions on growth will save the planet, highlighting the potential harm it can inflict on vulnerable populations. Peterson questions the modeling and predictive accuracy of long-term economic and environmental forecasts. He advocates for a balanced approach that takes into consideration the well-being of both the planet and the individuals, urging for careful consideration of the consequences of extreme positions on environmental policies.
The Burden of Being a Public Figure
Jordan Peterson describes the intense and demanding nature of his life as a public figure and lecturer. He discusses the nervous anticipation before a lecture, the process of structuring his thoughts and questions, and the intense connection with the audience during the lecture. He also shares his interactions with fans, the burden of their admiration, and the responsibility he feels to be present and attentive to each person. Despite the challenges, he acknowledges the profound impact his words can have on individuals and the importance of being mindful and appreciative in those encounters.
The Union of Greek and Judeo-Christian Logos
Peterson reflects on the two traditions of logos: the Greek rational enlightenment tradition and the Judeo-Christian tradition. He suggests that the West represents an attempt to unite these two traditions, emphasizing the importance of both reason and spirituality. He explores how this union manifests in his lectures, creating a space of communion and engaged attention with the audience. Peterson also discusses the significance of play and a spirit of playfulness, highlighting that balance between structure and spontaneity as key to a successful lecture or conversation.
The Intimate Connection with Fans
Peterson shares his experiences with fans and the intense connections that form during interactions. He describes how fans often open up and share personal stories, sometimes heart-wrenching ones, and how important it is for him to be mindful and present in these moments. Despite the emotional weight and the burden of being a public figure, Peterson expresses gratitude for the admiration and connection he shares with his fans.
The Challenges of Being in the Public Eye
Peterson discusses the challenges of being a public figure, including the pressure to always present his best self, the fear of making mistakes, and the desire to meet the expectations of his fans. He also addresses the discomfort of airport encounters, the creeping totalitarianism he perceives, and the need to balance his personal frustrations with the responsibility he bears as a public figure. Peterson reflects on the delicate tightrope he walks, aiming to be respectful and appreciative to everyone he encounters.
The Power of Acting as if the World is Good
By acting as if the world is good, even in the face of uncertainty, we can evoke the best in ourselves and others. This requires a fundamental statement of faith and a willingness to trust, even when dealing with dangerous individuals.
The Shift between Good and Evil within Every Human Being
Dostoevsky's statement that the line between good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being reflects the shifting nature of human character. People can embody both good and evil at different times, and one's actions can change the placement of that line.
The Power of Making Oneself into the Perfect Date
Rather than focusing on finding the love of your life, one should concentrate on becoming the person that others would want as a partner. By striving for competence, generosity, honesty, and producing a nurturing environment, one will naturally attract like-minded individuals.
Embracing the Adventure and Radical Embrace of Life
Life is an adventure to be embraced, defined by the highest values of love and truth. This requires a leap of faith and a willingness to commit to life, even in its darkest moments, in order to unlock its true potential.
OUTLINE:
Here’s the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time.
(00:00) – Introduction
(07:07) – Dostoevsky
(18:07) – God
(26:17) – Science
(38:40) – Death
(41:34) – Elon Musk
(45:32) – Global Crisis
(57:45) – Dangerous ideologies
(1:08:59) – Justin Trudeau
(1:23:05) – War in Ukraine
(1:40:33) – Day in the life
(2:16:37) – How to think
(2:31:45) – Depression
(2:39:52) – Advice for young people
(2:53:41) – Russian literature
(3:05:29) – Meaning of life
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