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

British GQ・102 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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