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Jordan B. Peterson on 12 Rules for Life

How To Academy Mindset・88 minutes read

Jordan Peterson delivered a popular talk focusing on the importance of standing tall, the ancient origins of hierarchies, and the value of self-improvement, resilience, and responsibility in life. The key message emphasized the significance of personal growth, confronting fears, setting meaningful goals, taking responsibility, finding beauty in life, and striving for positive change to create a better world.

Insights

  • Jordan Peterson, a former Harvard associate professor now at Toronto, authored a successful book on psychology of religion and a new book, "12 Rules of Life."
  • The talk delves into the first rule of standing up straight with shoulders back, inspired by lobster behavior and serotonin's role in posture and status.
  • Setting high goals but breaking them down into manageable steps is crucial for progress without feeling overwhelmed, a strategy applicable to personal growth and child-rearing.

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Recent questions

  • What is the main focus of Jordan Peterson's talk?

    The main focus of Jordan Peterson's talk is on the psychology of hierarchies, personal growth, and the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions and life choices. He delves into the significance of standing up straight with shoulders back, the concept of competence over power in climbing hierarchies, and confronting fears with courage as a strategy for success. Peterson emphasizes the importance of self-care, setting high but manageable goals, and making incremental improvements each day. He also discusses the shadow side of humanity, the impact of resentment, and the value of engaging in meaningful conversations and active listening. Overall, Peterson's talk aims to inspire individuals to strive for personal growth, self-improvement, and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

  • What advice does Jordan Peterson give regarding personal growth?

    Jordan Peterson advises individuals to focus on self-improvement, taking responsibility for their actions, and setting meaningful goals to justify life's challenges. He emphasizes the importance of confronting one's inner darkness, managing family dynamics, and fostering positive relationships through encouragement and appreciation. Peterson suggests surrounding oneself with supportive friends, comparing personal growth to past achievements rather than others' current status, and avoiding comparisons after the age of 30. He also highlights the significance of finding beauty and gratitude in life, even during difficult times, and working towards making the world a better place through tolerance and positive action. Overall, Peterson's advice centers on continuous self-improvement, resilience, and striving for a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

  • How does Jordan Peterson address the concept of honesty in society?

    Jordan Peterson refutes the portrayal of Western culture as a patriarchal tyranny and highlights the inherent honesty and integrity in Western societies. He uses eBay's success as an example of default honesty in transactions, showcasing the importance of honesty in societal interactions. Peterson discusses the assault on positive masculinity and encourages individuals to adopt responsibility, truthfulness, and active participation in life to combat the erosion of positive values. By emphasizing the value of honesty and integrity in personal and societal interactions, Peterson underscores the significance of maintaining ethical standards and positive virtues in a world that may challenge these values.

  • What is the significance of the Trivium and Holy Trinity in Jordan Peterson's discussion?

    In Jordan Peterson's discussion, the relationship between the classic Trivium and the Holy Trinity symbolizes the constant need for self-improvement and the process of death and rebirth in personal growth. Peterson reflects on the idea of continuous adjustment and the ongoing effort required to adhere to the 12 rules for life. He emphasizes that true goodness lies in the continuous journey of becoming better, akin to the process of death and rebirth. By exploring the parallels between the Trivium, Holy Trinity, and personal growth, Peterson underscores the transformative nature of self-improvement and the cyclical pattern of learning, evolving, and letting go of old selves to embrace new growth.

  • How does Jordan Peterson conclude his talk on personal growth and self-improvement?

    Jordan Peterson concludes his talk by highlighting the psychological aspect of Christ as the dying and resurrecting hero, symbolizing the painful process of learning and growth through death and rebirth. He encourages individuals to let go of their old selves to allow new growth and transformation. Peterson emphasizes the idea that true goodness lies in the continuous effort to become better, acknowledging the challenges and adjustments required along the way. By focusing on the psychological journey of self-improvement and personal growth, Peterson inspires individuals to embrace change, confront their inner darkness, and strive for a more meaningful and fulfilling life through continuous learning, adaptation, and self-reflection.

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Summary

00:00

"Jordan Peterson's Talk on Hierarchies and Confidence"

  • Tonight's talk is the most popular in 15 years, with Jordan Peterson as the speaker.
  • Jordan Peterson, a former Harvard associate professor now at Toronto, authored a successful book on psychology of religion and a new book, "12 Rules of Life."
  • A Q&A session will follow the talk, with questions to be prepared and handed in.
  • Attendees can have their books signed on stage, with no selfies allowed to maintain the flow.
  • Three key takeaways from the evening: be inspired by the talk, read the book, and marry a Canadian.
  • The talk delves into the first rule of standing up straight with shoulders back, inspired by lobster behavior and serotonin's role in posture and status.
  • Lobster neurochemistry reveals the ancient origins of hierarchies and their impact on emotional regulation.
  • The chapter also discusses the importance of competence over power in climbing hierarchies.
  • A shift in terminology from "dominance hierarchy" to "competence hierarchy" is suggested for a more accurate representation.
  • The chapter serves as a guide on presenting oneself confidently to regulate mood and navigate hierarchies effectively.

15:14

"Self-care and courage lead to success"

  • To be taken seriously, present yourself as a number one Lobster rather than a number 10 Lobster, which can impact how others treat you.
  • Confronting fears with courage is a universal strategy for success, aiding in establishing competence in various hierarchies.
  • Graduate students engaged in competitive behavior, symbolized by clicking claws in the air when outwitting each other.
  • Rule two emphasizes treating oneself with care, delving into the concept of reciprocity and self-treatment.
  • People often treat others better than themselves, as seen in the example of administering medication to a dog versus oneself.
  • Chapter two explores why individuals may not like themselves, delving into feelings of fragility, imperfection, and self-awareness.
  • Despite personal flaws and potential malevolence, individuals have a moral obligation to care for themselves, contributing positively to the world.
  • Surrounding oneself with friends who genuinely wish the best is crucial, as those aiming down may hinder personal growth and well-being.
  • Sharing news with supportive friends is essential, as those aiming to drag one down may test resilience and cynicism.
  • Comparing personal growth to past achievements rather than others' current status is advised, as illustrated by a client's insight on the Pareto distribution and creative products.

28:04

"Inequality, growth, and purpose in life"

  • The Pareto principle states that a small percentage of people in a domain do half the productive work, with examples like 3 out of 10 employees or 10 out of 100 employees doing half the work.
  • This principle applies universally, seen in wealth distribution, creative output, and even the mass of stars and city sizes.
  • Inequality is inherent in society, leading to a landscape where some excel while others struggle, with attempts to regulate it often resulting in unintended consequences.
  • The Matthew principle, where the successful gain more opportunities while the unsuccessful face setbacks, contributes to the perpetuation of inequality.
  • Setting high goals but breaking them down into manageable steps is crucial for progress without feeling overwhelmed, a strategy applicable to personal growth and child-rearing.
  • Around the age of 30, individuals should stop comparing themselves to others as their unique life circumstances make such comparisons irrelevant.
  • A practical goal is to make each day slightly better than the previous one, using personal improvement as a measure of success.
  • Nietzsche's idea that having a purpose allows one to endure hardship emphasizes the importance of setting meaningful goals to justify life's challenges.
  • Jung's concept of the Shadow, representing the dark side of humanity, suggests that confronting one's inner darkness is essential for personal growth.
  • Parents should acknowledge the potential for disliking their children, as failing to address family dynamics can lead to toxic relationships, emphasizing the importance of understanding and managing one's dark side.

41:26

Parental Influence on Child Behavior and Development

  • Freud highlighted the dysfunctional family dynamics of tyrannical fathers and overprotective mothers in the early 20th century.
  • Punishing someone for doing something good is more effective than punishing them for wrongdoing, as seen in Dostoevsky's "Crime and Punishment."
  • Encouraging and appreciating desired behavior in others, especially children, is crucial for fostering good relationships.
  • Parents must be aware of their potential to become monsters and manage their reactions to children's behavior to prevent extreme outcomes.
  • Parents should aim to make their children socially desirable by age four, ensuring they are well-liked and included in play by others.
  • Reading about totalitarianism, atrocities, and criminal minds like Carl Panzram and the Columbine shooters can provide valuable insights into human behavior.
  • Resentment is a powerful motivator that can lead to dark places, but understanding and addressing it can be enlightening.
  • Resentful individuals often seek to change the world, but it's more beneficial to focus on personal growth and self-improvement.
  • T.S. Eliot's play "The Cocktail Party" offers a perspective on personal responsibility and the choice between blaming the world or oneself for life's challenges.
  • Taking ownership of one's actions and seeking self-improvement can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

54:22

"Responsibility and Meaning: Lessons for Life"

  • Solzhenitsyn's book "The Gulag Archipelago" played a significant role in the downfall of the Soviet Union.
  • Solzhenitsyn emphasized the importance of personal responsibility in shaping one's life.
  • By taking responsibility for his actions, Solzhenitsyn sought to rectify past wrongs and improve his present circumstances.
  • The act of self-reflection and repentance, as seen in Solzhenitsyn's writing, can lead to profound personal and even geopolitical changes.
  • The idea of taking responsibility for one's life and actions is not limited to Solzhenitsyn; Nelson Mandela also exemplified this principle.
  • The suggestion is made to individuals feeling resentful or dissatisfied with life to take proactive steps to improve their circumstances.
  • Rule seven in Peterson's book, "12 Rules for Life," focuses on doing what is meaningful rather than expedient.
  • The chapter delves into the psychological concept of taking on the world's sins and the importance of understanding one's capacity for both good and evil.
  • The chapter emphasizes the necessity of humility in conversations, highlighting the value of listening and learning from others.
  • Engaging in meaningful conversations can lead to personal growth and a deeper sense of meaning in life.

01:08:05

"Listening, honesty, and responsibility in psychology"

  • Listening is a transformative act in clinical psychology, where patients often need time to articulate their issues and thoughts before arriving at the core problem.
  • Active listening involves summarizing the speaker's perspective to ensure understanding and avoid misinterpretation.
  • Engaging in arguments with the intent to win can lead to negative outcomes, emphasizing the importance of listening and understanding in resolving conflicts.
  • Western culture's portrayal as a patriarchal tyranny is refuted, highlighting the inherent honesty and integrity in Western societies.
  • eBay's success is attributed to default honesty in transactions, showcasing the importance of honesty in societal interactions.
  • Chapter 11 discusses the assault on positive masculinity and the need for individuals to take responsibility for their lives and tell the truth.
  • Encouragement is given to adopt responsibility, truthfulness, and active participation in life to combat the erosion of positive masculinity.
  • Coping with crises involves shortening one's time frame to manage overwhelming situations effectively.
  • The importance of finding beauty and gratitude in life, even during dark times, is emphasized through personal anecdotes involving pets.
  • The book concludes with a call to avoid exacerbating terrible situations and instead work towards making the world a better place through tolerance and positive action.

01:22:34

"Embracing Growth Through Death and Rebirth"

  • The speaker decides to take only one question after a luminous and inspiring talk, selecting from three audience questions and three from the live stream.
  • A question from the audience addresses the challenge of dealing with friends who criticize without understanding, to which the speaker advises to stop talking to those who don't listen and find a receptive audience.
  • Another question inquires about the relationship between the classic Trivium and the Holy Trinity, prompting a discussion on the constant need for self-improvement and the process of death and rebirth in personal growth.
  • The speaker reflects on the difficulty of adhering to the 12 rules for life, emphasizing the ongoing adjustment and the idea that true goodness lies in the continuous effort to become better.
  • The speaker concludes by highlighting the psychological aspect of Christ as the dying and resurrecting hero, symbolizing the painful process of learning and growth through death and rebirth, encouraging individuals to let go of their old selves to allow new growth.
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