Jordan Peterson: “There was plenty of motivation to take me out. It just didn't work" | British GQ

British GQ2 minutes read

Jordan Peterson discusses his unique offering of merging clinical knowledge, philosophy, literature, and science to emphasize individual significance and responsibility, challenging the notion of a male-dominated patriarchy. Despite a male-skewed audience, Peterson's reach has broadened, advocating for maturity and responsibility while highlighting competence over power in societal structures.

Insights

  • Jordan Peterson's popularity stems from his focus on responsibility and meaning, contrasting with the prevailing emphasis on rights and impulsive pleasure.
  • Peterson advocates for individuals to build a solid foundation rooted in maturity and responsibility to navigate life's challenges successfully.
  • Despite addressing a male-skewed audience, Peterson's work has broadened its reach, promoting a balanced gender ratio among students and graduate students, challenging traditional notions of patriarchy.

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Recent questions

  • What does Jordan Peterson emphasize in his work?

    Jordan Peterson focuses on responsibility, meaning, and maturity.

  • What is the main theme of Jordan Peterson's book?

    The book emphasizes competence over power in hierarchies.

  • What does Jordan Peterson discuss regarding societal structures?

    Peterson emphasizes competence and cooperation in societal functioning.

  • How does Jordan Peterson view the role of women in society?

    Peterson credits women's advancements to technological progress and feminist movements.

  • What is Jordan Peterson's stance on identity politics?

    Peterson critiques the influence of identity politics in academia.

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Summary

00:00

Jordan Peterson's Unique Message of Responsibility

  • Jordan Peterson discusses his popularity, mentioning 2 million copies sold of "12 Rules for Life," 800,000 Twitter followers, and 1.4 million YouTube followers.
  • Peterson states he isn't selling anything but focuses on discussing responsibility and meaning, contrasting with the prevalent emphasis on rights and impulsive pleasure.
  • He highlights the need for individuals to build a solid foundation to withstand life's storms, advocating for maturity and responsibility.
  • Peterson's unique offering lies in merging clinical knowledge, philosophy, literature, and science to emphasize individual significance, courage, nobility, and responsibility.
  • Despite a male-skewed audience, Peterson's book has broadened his reach, with a balanced gender ratio among his students and graduate students.
  • Peterson challenges the notion of a male-dominated patriarchy, emphasizing competence over power in societal structures.
  • He disputes the idea of a patriarchal society, pointing out asymmetries in various aspects but highlighting competence as the foundation of societal functioning.
  • Peterson and the interviewer debate the existence of patriarchy, with Peterson emphasizing cooperation throughout history to combat life's challenges.
  • The discussion delves into the emancipation of women, with Peterson crediting technological advancements like the pill and sanitary facilities alongside feminist movements.
  • The conversation shifts to the importance of history in preventing the repetition of past persecutions, with a focus on current threats to women's rights, particularly in the context of recent political appointments.

13:23

Gender Shift in US College Enrollment Trends

  • Women are now the majority on two-thirds of college courses in the US.
  • Equality of opportunity is supported, but equality of outcome is deemed dangerous.
  • Men are bailing out of universities due to prevalent ideologies.
  • Universities are ratcheting up prices while decreasing quality.
  • Identity politics and neo-marxism are prevalent in social sciences and humanities.
  • Identity politics played a role in the last American election.
  • The doctrine opposed views history as a tyrannical male patriarchy.
  • The speaker is grateful for living in the best society ever created.
  • Male primary school teachers feel marginalized and excluded.
  • Twitter can heighten the desire of people to be provocative.

25:22

Challenges of Twitter, Violence, and Identity Politics

  • Twitter is a challenging communication channel due to its randomness and interaction with strangers.
  • Violent impulses, like fantasizing about stabbing a classmate, are discussed in "12 Rules for Life" and "Maps of Meaning."
  • The speaker does not thrive on anger and dislikes conflict, despite engaging in debates.
  • The lecture series aims to encourage responsibility and personal development without political motives.
  • The audience at a recent show in Long Island was diverse but leaned towards white attendees.
  • Multiculturalism is debated, with the speaker emphasizing the need for shared values for peaceful coexistence.
  • The discussion shifts to racial tension in the United States, with differing views on its causes.
  • Identity politics is critiqued, with the speaker disapproving of its influence in academia.
  • Concerns are raised about the impact of illiberal ideologies on universities, particularly in social sciences and humanities.
  • The rise of authoritarian leaders globally is highlighted as a significant concern, contrasting with the book's theme of combating chaos over excessive order.

38:22

"Competence over power in human hierarchies"

  • Chaos is discussed in 300 online lectures, with a focus on the pathology of order.
  • The book emphasizes natural dominance hierarchies in lobsters, where male lobsters compete for females.
  • The book does not advocate for power-based success in human hierarchies but emphasizes competence.
  • Competence is highlighted as the key to success in human hierarchies, making individuals more attractive.
  • Choosing an incompetent mate due to intimidation by competence is discouraged for a happy life.
  • The book refutes the idea that power is the means to navigate human hierarchies.
  • Serotonin's effects on lobsters and humans differ, affecting dominance and aggression levels.
  • The book argues for biological and behavioral continuity between humans and animals, like lobsters.
  • Hierarchies are discussed as ancient structures, not products of Western civilization or capitalism.
  • The book promotes facing the suffering of the world to move up hierarchies, not defending Western patriarchy.

51:06

"Women's Redness, Makeup, and Patriarchy: Insights"

  • Women's readiness for sexual selection is indicated by their tendency to flush red, with youthful women having more children due to increased fertility.
  • Makeup is worn by women not just to feel better about themselves but also to avoid negative comments and judgments, especially as not wearing makeup can be seen as a political statement.
  • Women are often judged by each other's appearances, possibly stemming from societal encouragement for women to compete with each other, rather than solely learned from oppressive men.
  • The patriarchy is viewed as a structure that benefits men by controlling female reproduction, rather than men being inherently beastly towards women.
  • Skipping a grade in school and being small for his age influenced the author's lack of athletic participation until graduate school, leading to associations with rougher kids and verbal defense skills.
  • The author's long-term marriage to his teenage sweetheart reflects a commitment to monogamy despite biological urges towards polygamy, highlighting human societal differences from animal behavior.
  • The integration of aggression and the capacity for danger is emphasized, with the importance of not inhibiting but socializing aggressive tendencies, especially in boys.
  • The allure of authoritarian ideologies is acknowledged, with the necessity of recognizing and understanding such allure to prevent negative outcomes.
  • Encouraging his daughter's desire to be a mother while supporting his son's desire to be a father showcases different ambitions for each child, with discussions on integrating family and career for women.
  • The adversarial, fault-based divorce system in England and Wales is criticized for fostering acrimony and setting couples against each other, with a shift towards non-fault-based systems to prioritize access to children over custody.

01:04:07

"Marriage, Gender, and Divorce: Complex Perspectives"

  • No-fault divorce allows couples to end their marriage without proving fault in court, avoiding acrimony.
  • Non-acrimonious divorces are rare and can be hard on children, making divorce easier may not be beneficial in the long term.
  • Marriage is seen as a useful institution, but also as a patriarchal one by some.
  • Changing names on marriage traditionally symbolizes the transfer of ownership from one family to another.
  • Gender expression and identity are considered social constructs built upon biological differences.
  • Biological differences between sexes have shrunk historically, but in Scandinavia, they have magnified due to egalitarian social policies.
  • Gender identity is viewed as a soul by some transgender activists, while others see it as a biological determinism.
  • Transitioning for individuals feeling alienation towards their bodies is a treatment option, but long-term outcomes are not conclusive.
  • Presumption of innocence is crucial, and the belief the victim concept can lead to manipulation.
  • Climate change is complex, and distinguishing valid environmental claims from politicized ones is challenging.

01:17:21

"Global Population Debates: Attenborough to Peterson"

  • David Attenborough is highly regarded in Britain, akin to a national religion.
  • Population control advocates like Attenborough propose fewer people for a better planet.
  • Elon Musk's efforts haven't made leaving Earth a viable option yet.
  • Environmental movements sometimes harbor anti-human sentiments.
  • Overpopulation concerns are debated, with projections topping out at 9 billion.
  • Poverty reduction globally may help manage the projected population increase.
  • Genetic engineering, like golden rice, has aided in averting mass starvation.
  • Bjorn Lomborg suggests investing in early infant care as a beneficial global initiative.
  • Jordan Peterson discusses uncertainties around optimal parenting models, including same-sex parents.
  • Peterson clarifies his stance against being associated with the alt-right movement.

01:31:13

Jordan Peterson on Internet Culture, Free Speech, and Controversy

  • Jordan Peterson reflects on his past decisions and the impact of internet culture, particularly the role of Pepe formulators in trolling the media and individuals.
  • Peterson discusses the toxicity of online discourse, emphasizing his efforts to maintain civility and the importance of free speech without resorting to offensive behavior.
  • The conversation shifts to Peterson's experiences facing backlash for his opinions, including threats to his job and career, highlighting the challenges he has navigated.
  • Peterson contrasts his situation with individuals like Count Dankula and Tommy Robinson, delving into the nuances of free speech and legal consequences for controversial statements.
  • The discussion extends to the role of prisons and appropriate punishment, with Peterson expressing his views on the necessity of incarceration for certain offenses.
  • Peterson shares personal insights on various topics, including his dietary choices, weight loss, and the impact on his health, as well as his evolving perspectives on obesity and illness.
  • The interview concludes with a rapid-fire round covering Peterson's favorite authors, emotional moments, intellectual opponents, unanswered questions, and personal regrets, culminating in his desire to be remembered as an honest individual.
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