The Importance of Being Ethical, with Jordan Peterson

The paragraph discusses the polarizing views on Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau, with conservatives viewing him as a villain and young conservatives as a hero. It highlights Jordan Peterson's objections to Trudeau's legislation on gender expression discrimination and his refusal to use politically correct gender pronouns, which led to his viral videos. Peterson's transition from a clinical psychologist to a popular podcaster and author, and his resignation from the University of Toronto to focus on lectures and podcasts is also mentioned.

This section delves into the Canadian trucker protests against COVID-19 restrictions, which included border blockades and disruptions in Ottawa. It presents contrasting views from Peterson and Trudeau, with Peterson commending the truckers for their diligence and condemning the harassment of Ottawa residents. The narrative questions the polarization of discourse in democracy and Peterson's belief that Trudeau's statements are untrue, attributing Trudeau's actions to narcissism and a pursuit of moral virtue without the necessary work.

The paragraph explores Jordan Peterson's reasons for leaving his position at the University of Toronto. He cites his notoriety and provocative nature as barriers to returning to the classroom. Peterson also expresses his unwillingness to write a diversity, inclusivity, and equity statement for grants, viewing such requirements as ideologically reprehensible. He believes his students would face difficulties in the academic job market due to his controversial status and the prevailing ideological bias in hiring committees.

Peterson discusses the emergence of 'wokeness' in universities, attributing it to a postmodern stream from literary criticism and a Marxist interpretation of power. He argues that the radical left's focus on power as a structuring element of social relations is flawed and criticizes the weaponization of guilt in promoting certain ideologies. The paragraph also touches on Peterson's views on the role of stories and narrative frameworks in shaping our perception of the world and the power dynamics within academia.

In this section, Peterson criticizes the suppression of free speech and intellectual inquiry in universities, particularly the impact of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) activists. He suggests that the guilt associated with historical and individual accusations of racism and sexism can lead to self-censorship. Peterson also addresses the philosophical question of the necessity of a divine or objective standard for reason and science, aligning with a Judeo-Christian ethic as a foundation for scientific pursuit.

Peterson emphasizes the inseparable nature of speech and thought, arguing that free speech is not just a right among others but a fundamental component of conscious thought. He discusses the process of thinking as an internal dialogue, often verbal, and the importance of universities in training students to engage in intellectual debates. The paragraph also touches on the societal implications of restricting speech and the collective search for truth.

This section examines the concept of the divine sovereignty of the individual, rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition and the narrative of Genesis. Peterson suggests that the truthful word, associated with divine order, is a characteristic of human beings. He argues that treating individuals with intrinsic respect is essential for functional social relationships and that cultural success is predicated on this belief.

Peterson reflects on the difficulty of maintaining free societies, referencing the temptation to relinquish personal freedom for the perceived stability offered by totalitarian regimes. He argues against the notion that freedom is too hard for human nature to bear, stating that the alternative of failing to contend with existence is even more challenging. The paragraph concludes with a reaffirmation of the importance of individual responsibility and ethical action.

In this final paragraph, Peterson addresses the demoralizing messages young people often receive about their ambitions being inherently corrupt. He encourages a reevaluation of these beliefs, emphasizing the importance of individual ethical responsibility and the potential for positive contributions. Peterson advocates for a balance of ambition and ethical action, rejecting the idea that young people should suppress their potential for the sake of an idealized environmental or social outcome.