Series: Brilliant Minds
Series: Renegade Thinkers
Renegade Thinkers
July 28, 2024
Jordan Peterson
Professor, Psychologist, Author, Public speaker, Podcaster
"So, listen, to yourself and to those with whom you are speaking. Your wisdom then consists not of the knowledge you already have, but the continual search for knowledge, which is the highest form of wisdom."
Who is Jordan Peterson?
Credentials
Peterson is a clinical psychologist, an author (We Who Wrestle with God, 12 Rules for Life, Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life, Maps of Meaning), a public speaker and a tenured professor at the University of Toronto.
Jordan Peterson's sharp figure in tailored suits is only exceeded by his sharp wit
Prominence and Controversy
Peterson rose to prominence in 2016 (8 years ago) when he publicly opposed Canada's proposed legislation of Bill C-16, mandating the use of gender pronouns into law. His opposition against gender identity and gender expression went viral and overnight, he became a polarizing and controversial figure especially when social media put their spotlight on him. There was a vicious push-back against him from the Democratic far-left and the radical woke activists. He was vilified and canceled. Everybody was talking about him - from both sides of the fence.
Even though Peterson is a tenured professor at the University of Toronto (meaning he enjoys the right to pursue his ideas without pressure or threat of retribution), the university threatened employment termination for his public stance. Likewise, the College of Psychologists of Ontario threatened to cancel his license to practice unless he submits to a 're-education program'. The system is leaning hard on him but Peterson took the issue publicly on the popular podcasts and put the institutions under public scrutiny. This has now morphed into a public relations nightmare for the institutions. This case is still hanging on the balance with no resolution.
Cultural Icon
Since then, he has been a sought-after cultural icon in the lecture circuits and podcast landscape. He has guested several times in popular podcasts like Lex Friedman and Joe Rogan. Eventually, he also hosted his own podcast.
Getting Wind of Jordan Peterson
I got wind of Jordan Peterson only in late 2021 when he started popping up on my YouTube feeds. The thing that got my attention was his sharp wit coupled by the uber-articulation of his arguments.His deep knowledge of the subject matter, his sincerity about his advocacy, and his courage in facing his critics are formidable.
Say What?
I have to admit that by the time his meaning downloads into my comprehension (if it ever does), he is already 5 sentences away. I can honestly say that I was more impressed by hearing him than understanding what he was saying when he was in "hyper-articulate" mode. I had this wish to be able to speak like him but in a more understandable way. How does he talk? Here is an extreme one:
"The individual is an irreducible unit of meaning, a locus of consciousness and agency, and as such, the foundation upon which all social structures and cultural edifices are ultimately erected, yet paradoxically, is also a product of these very same constructs, caught in a dialectical tension between autonomy and belonging."
Peterson Academy
Peterson's latest project unveils his years-in-the-making Peterson Academy - an online educational platform comparable to Ivy League schools at 5% the cost and lectured by the most brilliant minds. Take a sample teaser for a spin:
Peterson Academy's course trailers
Ending Thoughts
Social media has increasingly been the fertile ground for social issues and change. It is inundated by great speakers with sharp wits and profound ownership of their arguments - Ben Shapiro, Christopher Hitchen, etc. These people are redefining the intellectual landscape of this contentious Zeitgeist. I am stoked at the high level of public discourse taking place. The bar now stands at a lofty benchmark.
Yes, Peterson is a polarizing figure but there are many controversial figures around who don't get any kind of notoriety or fame. Not everyone is hyper-articulate, a formidable debater, quick to rebut, and reasons with profound substance that Jordan Peterson is clearly one of the most influential public intellectuals on the planet today. I would put him on the same pedestal as Yuval Noah Harari, Christopher Hitchens and Noam Chomsky. I wish him all the best in his Peterson Academy.
--- Gigit (TheLoneRider)
p.s. I reached out to the academy for an exchange deal and have me feature his courses on this blog. Unfortunately, it was declined. I deeply feel that we both lost.
YOGA by Gigit 
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