12 Simple But Precious Lessons from Dr Jordan B Peterson
“If you aren’t moving forward in your life there is some idea, mode of action, or habit you’re so in love with you won’t let go of it.”- Jordan B Peterson
Dr Jordan Peterson is a prominent figure in the field of psychology, philosophy, and cultural commentary. Born on June 12, 1962, in Edmonton, Canada, Peterson rose to global prominence through his thought-provoking lectures, best-selling books, and public debates. As a clinical psychologist and professor, his work primarily focuses on exploring the complexities of human behaviour, individuality, and the search for meaning in life.
Influences:
Dr Jordan Peterson has been influenced by a wide range of philosophical, psychological, and literary thinkers throughout his career. Some of the notable figures who have shaped his thinking include:
- Carl Jung: Peterson has drawn heavily from the ideas of Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung. He has explored Jung’s concepts of archetypes, the collective unconscious, and the integration of the shadow self into his own theories.
- Friedrich Nietzsche: The philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche, particularly his ideas on morality, truth, and the concept of the Ubermensch (superman), has had a significant impact on Peterson’s thinking. Nietzsche’s exploration of individual willpower and the struggle for self-actualization resonate strongly with Peterson’s teachings.
- Fyodor Dostoevsky: Peterson has expressed admiration for the Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky. Dostoevsky’s exploration of human suffering, morality, and the battle between good and evil has influenced Peterson’s perspective on the human condition.
- Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn: The writings of Russian author and dissident Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn have played a crucial role in shaping Peterson’s views on totalitarianism, ideology, and the importance of individual responsibility.
- Jean Piaget: Peterson has been influenced by the work of Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget, particularly in the area of cognitive development. Piaget’s theories on how individuals construct knowledge and make sense of the world have informed Peterson’s understanding of human development and learning.
- George Orwell: The dystopian novels, particularly “1984” by George Orwell, have resonated with Peterson’s concerns about political correctness, freedom of speech, and the dangers of totalitarian ideologies.
These are just a few examples of the thinkers who have influenced Dr Jordan Peterson’s intellectual journey. His interdisciplinary approach and engagement with various philosophical, psychological, and literary sources have contributed to the depth and breadth of his teachings.
12 Invaluable Lessons from the Wisdom of Dr Jordan Peterson
Embrace Personal Responsibility: Taking ownership of our lives means acknowledging that we have the power to shape our own destinies. It means understanding that our choices and actions have consequences. By embracing personal responsibility, we recognize that we have the ability to influence our circumstances, make positive changes, and pursue our goals and aspirations. It empowers us to stop blaming external factors and instead focus on what we can do to create a better future for ourselves.
Pursue Meaning, Not Happiness: While happiness is a desirable emotion, it can be transient and elusive. Dr Peterson encourages us to seek meaning instead, as it provides a deeper sense of fulfilment and purpose. Meaning is derived from engaging in activities that align with our values, utilizing our strengths, and contributing to something greater than ourselves. By pursuing meaning, we cultivate a sense of fulfilment that can sustain us even during challenging times.
Tame the Chaos Within: Life can often feel chaotic and overwhelming, and it’s easy to succumb to disorder in our thoughts, emotions, and environment. Dr Peterson advises us to start by bringing order to our immediate surroundings and daily routines. By organizing our physical spaces, developing healthy habits, and establishing structure, we create a sense of stability and control. Taming the chaos within ourselves allows us to navigate external challenges more effectively.
Embrace the Hero’s Journey: Life is an ongoing journey of self-discovery, growth, and transformation. Dr Peterson draws inspiration from mythological and archetypal narratives to illustrate the importance of embracing our own heroic path. The hero’s journey involves facing challenges, overcoming obstacles, and learning from experiences. By embarking on this journey, we tap into our potential, discover our strengths, and contribute to our personal and collective development.
Speak the Truth: Honesty is a cornerstone of personal integrity and meaningful relationships. Dr Peterson encourages us to speak the truth, both to ourselves and to others. It means being authentic, expressing our thoughts and emotions genuinely, and standing up for what we believe in. By speaking the truth, we foster trust, build stronger connections, and create an environment where growth and understanding can flourish.
Stand Up Straight with Your Shoulders Back: Our posture not only affects our physical well-being but also has psychological implications. Dr Peterson advises us to adopt a confident posture, both metaphorically and literally. Standing up straight, with our shoulders back, symbolizes a mindset of strength, resilience, and assertiveness. It communicates self-assurance and projects a positive image to others. By embodying confidence, we inspire confidence in ourselves and those around us.
Balance Order and Chaos: Life is a delicate balance between order and chaos. Too much order can lead to rigidity and stagnation, while too much chaos can result in confusion and instability. Dr Peterson encourages us to find a balance between the two. Embracing order provides structure, stability, and a sense of control. Embracing chaos allows for exploration, growth, and adaptability. Striving for equilibrium between order and chaos enables us to navigate life’s complexities with resilience and flexibility.
Treat Yourself Like Someone You Are Responsible for Helping: We often prioritize the well-being and care of others while neglecting our own needs. Dr Peterson reminds us to extend the same level of compassion and support to ourselves that we would offer to a loved one. Self-care involves taking care of our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It means setting boundaries, nurturing our interests and passions, and practising self-compassion. By treating ourselves with respect and kindness, we cultivate a stronger foundation to support and uplift others.
Compare Yourself to Who You Were Yesterday, Not to Who Someone Else Is Today: Constantly comparing ourselves to others can lead to feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction. Dr Peterson advises us to shift our focus from external comparisons to internal growth. Instead of measuring our worth based on others’ achievements, we should strive to become better versions of ourselves each day. By acknowledging our progress and focusing on personal development, we foster healthier self-esteem and a sense of continuous improvement.
Nurture Meaningful Relationships: Humans are social beings, and nurturing meaningful connections is crucial for our well-being. Dr Peterson emphasizes the importance of cultivating genuine relationships based on trust, mutual respect, and shared values. Meaningful relationships provide emotional support, companionship, and a sense of belonging. By investing time and effort in building and maintaining authentic connections, we create a support system that enriches our lives and contributes to our overall happiness.
Educate Yourself: Learning is a lifelong journey that fuels personal growth and intellectual curiosity. Dr Peterson encourages us to engage in continuous education and expand our knowledge. By seeking out diverse perspectives, reading books, exploring new subjects, and engaging in intellectual discussions, we broaden our understanding of the world. Education empowers us to make informed decisions, challenge our assumptions, and embrace intellectual humility.
Contribute to the World: We all have a responsibility to contribute positively to society. Dr Peterson reminds us that our actions, no matter how small, can make a difference. By utilizing our unique skills, talents, and resources, we can contribute to causes and initiatives that align with our values. Whether through volunteering, mentoring, or advocating for positive change, we have the capacity to leave a meaningful impact and create a better world for ourselves and future generations.
Dr Jordan Peterson’s teachings offer profound insights into the human experience, guiding us towards a life of purpose, responsibility, and fulfilment. By embracing personal responsibility, pursuing meaning, and seeking self-improvement, we can navigate the complexities of life with resilience and wisdom. Dr Peterson’s lessons serve as a roadmap for personal growth, inspiring us to become the best version of ourselves and make a positive impact in the world.
