Jordan Peterson: The radical Left is guilt-tripping the West into oblivion

The Telegraph・2 minutes read

Totalitarian systems are not solely ruled by a singular top-down tyrant but by the principle of the lie, where everyone lies to maintain the state. The judeo-christian narrative's emphasis on the spirit of truth as the highest principle is crucial for maintaining societal freedom and individual responsibility.

Insights

  • Totalitarian systems are not solely ruled by a singular top-down tyrant but by the principle of the lie, where everyone lies to maintain the state.
  • Dissidents in authoritarian regimes must choose between truth and deception to survive, emphasizing the critical role of truth-speaking in maintaining freedom.
  • Personal and political leadership are interconnected, with personal integrity being a prerequisite for effective political action, as showcased by historical examples like the British parliamentarians who abolished slavery through a bottom-up approach.

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Recent questions

  • How do totalitarian systems operate?

    Totalitarian systems are not solely ruled by a singular top-down tyrant but by the principle of the lie, where everyone lies to maintain the state. Dissidents in authoritarian regimes must choose between truth and deception to survive, emphasizing the importance of truth-speaking in maintaining freedom. The choice to embrace truth and resist tyranny is inherent in the human psyche, with individuals deciding whether to stretch out their hands with effort and humility or take the easier path. Living by truth is seen as optimal, but the outcome cannot be predetermined without running the simulation of life. Nietzsche believed the death of God would lead to nihilism and totalitarianism, but psychoanalysts discredited this theory.

  • Why is truth-speaking crucial for dissidents?

    Saying what you think and standing up against lies is crucial for dissidents in totalitarian systems. The public education system in the US is heavily influenced by left-leaning faculties of education, leading to censorship and canceling as normalized tactics used by the left and media corporations. Western education systems downplay left-wing authoritarianism, focusing on right-wing examples. Free societies rely on individuals being dissidents, as freedom is maintained by truthful interactions and relationships, highlighting the importance of truth-speaking in maintaining freedom. The judeo-christian narrative's emphasis on the spirit of truth as the highest principle is crucial for maintaining societal freedom and individual responsibility.

  • How did Solzhenitsyn resist tyranny?

    Solzhenitsyn, despite facing persecution in the Gulag, took responsibility for his condition and learned from the religious believers who conducted themselves nobly. Solzhenitsyn emphasized the power of truth in bringing down tyranny, citing examples like Reagan and the Pope. Embracing suffering with hope and maintaining faith in the face of existential catastrophe is crucial to avoid descending into victimhood. The speaker advises against obsessively delving into negative information sources like news and social media, suggesting a balance with positive relationships and activities. Mental health is viewed as the harmonious balance of relationships, with the speaker cautioning against falling into obsessive information consumption.

  • What is the role of personal integrity in leadership?

    Personal and political leadership are interconnected, with personal integrity being a prerequisite for effective political action. Great men in history give voice to the present and move society forward through individual effort. Peterson advocates for real action and personal growth over performative activism, aligning with the Judeo-Christian idea of battling the malevolence within oneself. The concept of laying up treasure in heaven is discussed as storing genuine reputation that time cannot decay. Giving away ideas and receiving positive feedback leads to the growth of the neural architecture that generates ideas.

  • How did Britain influence political ideologies?

    Britain effectively translated the Judeo-Christian biblical narrative into policy through its parliamentary structure and common law tradition, which was a significant accomplishment. The British parliamentarians, influenced by English Evangelical Christians like Wilberforce, played a crucial role in abolishing slavery both practically and metaphysically, setting a historical precedent. Britain's governance extended beyond its borders, aiming for the emancipation and elevation of Indian citizens, showcasing a commitment to responsible rule and citizenship. Contrasting the English system's bottom-up approach with the French Revolutionary system's top-down centralization, the former's respect for the common man stands out, emphasizing a historical split in political ideologies.

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Summary

00:00

"Culture War: Conservatives, Dissidents, and Censorship"

  • Totalitarian systems are ruled by a singular top-down tyrant like Hitler, Stalin, or Lenin.
  • Offscript host Stephen Edgington interviews Dr. Jordan Peterson on winning the culture war and Soviet dissidents.
  • Conservatives struggle in the culture war due to lack of a compelling narrative for young people.
  • Republicans focus on practical policies but struggle against the messianism of the left.
  • The public education system in the US is heavily influenced by left-leaning faculties of education.
  • Censorship and canceling are normalized tactics used by the left and media corporations.
  • Dissidents in authoritarian regimes must choose between truth and deception to survive.
  • Saying what you think and standing up against lies is crucial for dissidents.
  • Western education systems downplay left-wing authoritarianism, focusing on right-wing examples.
  • Communist doctrines appeal to ideals of equality and universal brotherhood but are ultimately counterproductive.

15:44

Truth vs Tyranny: Individual Responsibility in Society

  • Totalitarian systems are not solely ruled by a singular top-down tyrant but by the principle of the lie, where everyone lies to maintain the state.
  • The story of Jonah illustrates the consequences of holding one's tongue when called upon to speak, leading to personal and societal peril.
  • Solzhenitsyn, despite facing persecution in the Gulag, took responsibility for his condition and learned from the religious believers who conducted themselves nobly.
  • Dostoevsky's idea that every individual is responsible for everything that happens to them and others emphasizes the impact of personal actions on the world.
  • Hans and Sophie Scholl, part of the White Rose movement in Nazi Germany, bravely criticized the regime through leaflets, showcasing the power of moral beliefs in the face of tyranny.
  • The causal pathway to courage is complex, with individuals making moral choices from a young age, influenced by personal circumstances and free will.
  • Free societies rely on individuals being dissidents, as freedom is maintained by truthful interactions and relationships, highlighting the importance of truth-speaking in maintaining freedom.
  • The judeo-christian narrative's emphasis on the spirit of truth as the highest principle is crucial for maintaining societal freedom and individual responsibility.
  • Nietzsche also recognized the importance of truth in human nature, suggesting that without it, the foundation of society and individual morality crumbles.
  • The choice to embrace truth and resist tyranny is inherent in the human psyche, with individuals deciding whether to stretch out their hands with effort and humility or take the easier path.

31:28

"Truth, Faith, and Resistance: Peterson's Insights"

  • Nietzsche believed the death of God would lead to nihilism and totalitarianism, but psychoanalysts discredited this theory.
  • Solzhenitsyn emphasized the power of truth in bringing down tyranny, citing examples like Reagan and the Pope.
  • Living by truth is seen as optimal, but the outcome cannot be predetermined without running the simulation of life.
  • Peterson stresses the importance of faith in truth for orienting oneself in the world effectively.
  • Peterson's role in resisting woke tyranny has been effective, as seen through interactions with various movements and individuals.
  • The trucker protests in Canada were successful in challenging the COVID tyranny and influencing political leadership.
  • Personal and political leadership are interconnected, with personal integrity being a prerequisite for effective political action.
  • The woke movement sees itself as resisting against oppressive elites, similar to how Soviet revolutionaries viewed themselves.
  • Peterson highlights the hero myth of confronting chaos and oppressive giants to rekindle society, emphasizing the importance of play over power.
  • Peterson advocates for real action and personal growth over performative activism, aligning with the Judeo-Christian idea of battling the malevolence within oneself.

46:56

"Christ rejects worldly power, treasures in heaven"

  • Christ is tempted by Satan in the desert to rule over the world in a worldly sense, but Christ rejects this idea.
  • The concept of laying up treasure in heaven is discussed as storing genuine reputation that time cannot decay.
  • Giving away ideas and receiving positive feedback leads to the growth of the neural architecture that generates ideas.
  • Professors who generously share ideas and credit with their students are seen as never-ending sources of creativity.
  • Great men in history give voice to the present and move society forward through individual effort.
  • The shift from legacy media to new media allows for a more authentic portrayal of political leaders.
  • Social media has exposed politicians in a way that was not possible in the past, leading to a more transparent view of leaders.
  • Jordan Peterson's life changed significantly after 2016 due to giving up his professorship and facing legal battles.
  • Peterson learned to hold fast during attacks, knowing that the outcome will be positive if he remains steadfast.
  • Embracing suffering with hope and maintaining faith in the face of existential catastrophe is crucial to avoid descending into victimhood.

01:03:47

Navigating Wisdom, Truth, and Information Overload

  • The speaker is cautious about claiming that suffering inherently leads to wisdom, emphasizing the importance of responding to suffering wisely.
  • They express amazement at the depths of malevolent stupidity in the world but also acknowledge encountering great people doing positive things.
  • The speaker discusses their experience with political events like Bill C-16, highlighting their fear of losing freedom of speech to tyranny.
  • They stress the importance of not lying, as it can lead to personal and societal corruption, emphasizing the need to speak the truth even in challenging situations.
  • The speaker advises against obsessively delving into negative information sources like news and social media, suggesting a balance with positive relationships and activities.
  • Mental health is viewed as the harmonious balance of relationships, with the speaker cautioning against falling into obsessive information consumption.
  • They acknowledge the challenge of managing information overload, particularly in the age of social media, and the importance of setting boundaries.
  • The speaker reflects on their shift from less news consumption in the past to the current necessity of platforms like Twitter for their podcast and journalistic work.
  • They highlight the unique position of Canada in international interest and criticize the country's actions that have negatively impacted its reputation.
  • The interview concludes with a discussion on the United Kingdom and the speaker's observations on Canada's evolving political landscape.

01:19:34

British Parliament: Translating Judeo-Christian Values into Policy

  • Britain effectively translated the Judeo-Christian biblical narrative into policy through its parliamentary structure and common law tradition, which was a significant accomplishment.
  • The British parliamentarians, influenced by English Evangelical Christians like Wilberforce, played a crucial role in abolishing slavery both practically and metaphysically, setting a historical precedent.
  • Britain's governance extended beyond its borders, aiming for the emancipation and elevation of Indian citizens, showcasing a commitment to responsible rule and citizenship.
  • Contrasting the English system's bottom-up approach with the French Revolutionary system's top-down centralization, the former's respect for the common man stands out, emphasizing a historical split in political ideologies.
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