I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with Jordan Peterson. Some of his ideas I find really compelling. He is definitely a very deep thinker in certain areas. And then in other areas, specifically on economics and foreign policy, I find his views very superficial. Some of his ideas in his area of expertise are profound, and sometimes I feel like he’s just overthinking everything including some of his philosophical and religious ideas.
One thing is for certain, he’s touched a nerve in our society in the age we live in. I believe he is sincere in his pursuit of truth, and I give him, and anyone else making the same effort with sincerity and goodwill, some credit and the benefit of the doubt. It is a noble pursuit after all, and the unthinking masses are always critical of someone who is genuinely pursuing truth no matter where it leads. So I have some sympathy for him even if I disagree with some of his positions. These are hard topics, and no one has all the answers. At least he’s asking some good questions.
As someone once said, “I’d rather live in a society where I can’t answer all the questions, than in one where I can’t question any of the answers”.
I thought he made some good points in this interview.
Welcome to my blog!
This blog is being created so that I can make my own meager contribution to the advancement of human liberty. I believe that the advancement of liberty is a learning problem and not a teaching problem. My goal is simply to learn. As I learn, I hope to share what I’ve learned with you. It is my hope that in giving, I will receive. As Leonard Read said:
“Why is this simple solution so little recognized, as if it were a secret; or so hesitatingly accepted, as if it were something unpleasant? Why do so many regard as hopeless the broadening of the single consciousness over which the individual has some control while not even questioning their ability to stretch the consciousness of others over which they have no control at all?
Most of the answers to these questions are as complex as the psychoanalysis of a dictator or the explanation of why so many people dote on playing God. Leaving these aside, because I do not know the answers, there stands out one stubborn but untenable reason: the widespread but desolating belief that the world or the nation or society could never be “saved” by the mere salvaging of private selves. People say, “There isn’t time for such a slow process,” and then, to speed things up, they promptly hurry in the wrong direction! They concentrate on the improvement of others, which is a hopeless task, and neglect the improvement of themselves, which is possible. Thus, the world or the nation or society remains unimproved.”
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