How a Totalitarian State is Actually Formed | Jocko Podcast & Jordan B Peterson

Jordan B Peterson Clips
7 Mar 201807:32
EducationalLearning
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TLDRThe video script discusses the metaphorical nature of totalitarian states, drawing parallels with Solzhenitsyn's depiction of the GULAGs. It challenges the notion of innocent victims under a single tyrant, suggesting a pervasive tyranny at all societal levels. The script emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility, reflecting on the role of ordinary people in historical atrocities. It explores the psychological impact of group identity and the potential for both ideological rigidity and nihilism, advocating for a balanced path of individual moral responsibility and self-awareness.

Takeaways
  • 🤔 Totalitarian states often involve tyranny at every level, not just from the top-down.
  • 📊 Inmates ran large parts of the GULAG system, illustrating a decentralized form of tyranny.
  • 🔍 In Eastern Germany, one in three people was a government informer, creating distrust even within families.
  • 🌀 Tyranny spreads psychologically, within families, and mid-level organizations, becoming a pervasive force.
  • 📚 Historical catastrophes are often the result of ordinary individuals following orders and failing to take responsibility.
  • 🦸‍♂️ Emphasizing individual responsibility can help counter the great evils of the 20th century and prevent future atrocities.
  • 🔄 Ideological rigidity can lead to totalitarianism, while complete loss of group identity can cause existential instability.
  • ⚖️ The New Testament's idea of taking on the sins of mankind underscores the importance of individual moral responsibility.
  • 📖 'Ordinary Men' by Christopher Browning details how ordinary German policemen descended into committing atrocities during WWII.
  • 💡 Understanding historical atrocities requires recognizing the potential for evil within ourselves and the importance of ethical decision-making.
Q & A

  • What metaphor does the speaker use to describe totalitarian states?

    -The speaker uses the metaphor of a holographic structure, where tyranny exists at every level, psychologically, within the family, and in mid-level organizations.

  • How does the speaker challenge the common perception of totalitarian states?

    -The speaker challenges the perception that totalitarian states are made up of innocent oppressed individuals under a tyrant's thumb, arguing instead that tyranny is pervasive and exists at every level.

  • What historical example does the speaker use to illustrate the pervasive nature of tyranny in a totalitarian state?

    -The speaker uses the example of East Germany, where one out of every three people was a government informer, making it difficult to trust even family members.

  • What does the speaker suggest is the key to understanding and avoiding the evils of the 20th century?

    -The speaker suggests that individual responsibility is crucial for understanding and avoiding the evils of the 20th century, emphasizing that individuals have a role in both perpetrating and preventing great evils.

  • How does the speaker view the role of belief systems in maintaining psychological and sociological stability?

    -The speaker believes that belief systems are necessary for psychological and sociological stability, but warns that rigid beliefs can lead to totalitarianism while a lack of belief can lead to a loss of identity.

  • What realization does the speaker find challenging when considering the nature of evil and individual responsibility?

    -The speaker finds it challenging to realize that the capacity for evil lies within each individual and that historical atrocities were often carried out by ordinary people.

  • What book does the speaker reference to illustrate the descent of ordinary people into committing atrocities?

    -The speaker references the book 'Ordinary Men' by Christopher Browning, which details how ordinary German policemen descended into committing horrific acts during World War II.

  • What psychological and ethical dynamics are highlighted in the book 'Ordinary Men'?

    -The book highlights how ethical obligations, such as not wanting to abandon comrades, and incremental acceptance of horrific actions, led ordinary men to commit atrocities despite their suffering.

  • How does the speaker interpret the New Testament idea of Christ taking on the sins of mankind?

    -The speaker interprets this idea as a call for individuals to recognize their capacity for evil and take responsibility for their actions, rather than seeing themselves as inherently good and others as inherently evil.

  • What is the speaker's perspective on group identity and individual responsibility?

    -The speaker believes that a tight group identity can lead to acting like a cog in a mob, while a lack of group identity can leave one bereft. The solution lies in adopting supreme moral responsibility as an individual.

Outlines
00:00
😔 Totalitarian Tyranny and Individual Responsibility

The speaker reflects on the misconception that totalitarian states are solely oppressive from the top down, suggesting instead that tyranny is a pervasive presence at every level of society. Using the example of East Germany, where a third of the population were informers, the speaker emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility in preventing historical atrocities. They argue that recognizing one's potential to contribute to either societal good or evil is crucial, and that individuals must find a balance between group identity and personal autonomy. The speaker also discusses the psychological impact of realizing that the capacity for evil exists within everyone, as illustrated by the behavior of ordinary people during the horrors of Nazi Germany, the Soviet Union, and Maoist China.

05:01
😨 The Descent into Evil: Ordinary Men and Moral Compromise

This paragraph delves into the chilling transformation of ordinary individuals into perpetrators of horrific acts, as detailed in the book 'Ordinary Men.' The speaker describes how men, initially reluctant, were gradually conditioned to commit atrocities, starting with smaller acts and escalating to unthinkable violence. The process involved a mix of peer pressure, a sense of duty, and the psychological burden of participating in罪恶ous acts. The speaker highlights the physical and psychological toll on these men, who despite their suffering, continued to participate in the horrors. The paragraph serves as a stark reminder of how ordinary people can be led down a path of evil and the importance of understanding one's role in such scenarios.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Totalitarian state
A totalitarian state is a political system where the government holds total authority over the society and seeks to control all aspects of public and private life. In the video's context, it is used to discuss the misconception that such states are solely oppressive from the top down, whereas the script suggests that tyranny is a pervasive feature that exists at every level of society, including within families and organizations.
💡Holographic structure
The term 'holographic structure' metaphorically describes a system where each part contains the whole, implying that in a totalitarian regime, the essence of tyranny is not just centralized but reflected at every level of the society. The script uses this concept to challenge the idea of top-down oppression, suggesting that the responsibility for atrocities extends beyond the ruling class to the individuals within the society.
💡Individual responsibility
Individual responsibility refers to the moral obligation of each person to act in ways that are ethical and just. The video emphasizes the importance of recognizing individual responsibility in preventing the recurrence of historical evils. It is highlighted through the speaker's reflection on the role of ordinary people in past atrocities and the potential for individuals to contribute positively to society.
💡Inmates
In the context of the script, 'inmates' refers to prisoners, specifically those in the Soviet Gulag system, which was partly run by the prisoners themselves. This serves as a metaphor for the broader point that individuals within oppressive systems can also perpetuate the same oppressive structures, thus implicating them in the system's actions.
💡Group identity
Group identity is the sense of belonging and self-definition that comes from being part of a group. The script discusses the dangers of an overly rigid group identity, which can lead to dehumanizing actions, such as those seen in totalitarian regimes. It also contrasts this with the loss of identity, which can leave individuals feeling isolated and directionless.
💡Mythology
Mythology in the video refers to the collection of myths and stories that form the cultural narratives of a society. The speaker uses the underlying structure of mythology to explore the concept of the heroic path, which involves taking supreme moral responsibility as an individual, as a means to navigate between the extremes of rigid group identity and nihilistic disbelief.
💡Nihilistic disbelief
Nihilistic disbelief is a philosophical viewpoint that life is without objective meaning, purpose, or intrinsic value. The script contrasts this with the idea of adopting a heroic path, suggesting that individuals can find a meaningful role in society by taking on moral responsibility, rather than succumbing to despair or disengagement.
💡Ordinary men
The term 'ordinary men' is taken from the book 'Ordinary Men,' which the script cites to illustrate how ordinary, seemingly non-ideological individuals can be drawn into committing horrific acts. The book provides a chilling account of how the descent into such behavior is a gradual process, often initiated by seemingly small concessions to authority.
💡Ethical requirement
An ethical requirement in the video refers to the moral obligations or duties that individuals feel compelled to fulfill, even in the face of atrocities. The script uses the example of the German police force in Poland, where the men felt an obligation to stay with their comrades and share in the burden of their actions, leading to their participation in horrific acts.
💡Sins of mankind
The concept of 'sins of mankind' is drawn from the New Testament, where Christ is said to take on the sins of humanity. The script uses this idea to emphasize the psychological realization that one must identify with the perpetrators of historical atrocities, recognizing the potential for evil within oneself, as a means to understand and prevent such actions in the future.
Highlights

Totalitarian states are not just top-down structures but have a holographic nature with tyranny existing at every level.

In Eastern Germany, one in three people were government informers, indicating the pervasiveness of state control.

The concept of 'following orders' is challenged, emphasizing the individual responsibility in acts of tyranny.

Individual responsibility is key to understanding the great evils of the 20th century and potentially preventing future catastrophes.

The importance of balancing group identity and individual autonomy to avoid becoming a cog in a mob or feeling bereft.

The difficulty in finding a 'third path' between rigid group identity and complete dissolution of identity.

The realization that belief systems are necessary for psychological and sociological stability but can also lead to totalitarianism if too rigid.

The adoption of supreme moral responsibility as an individual as a heroic path, contrasting with nihilistic disbelief and ideological possession.

The New Testament's concept of Christ taking the sins of mankind, suggesting a deep psychological understanding of individual responsibility.

The idea that recognizing one's own potential for evil is a crucial step in understanding and preventing atrocities.

The historical evidence showing that ordinary people were responsible for the catastrophes of Nazi Germany, the Soviet Union, and Mao's China.

The book 'Ordinary Men' detailing the descent of ordinary policemen into perpetrators of horrific acts in Nazi Germany.

The psychological and physical suffering of the men in 'Ordinary Men' as they were drawn into committing atrocities.

The incremental nature of how ordinary people can be led to commit horrific acts, as seen in the stages described in 'Ordinary Men'.

The ethical dilemma faced by individuals in quasi-military organizations, where leaving is seen as cowardice.

The concept of taking the burden of sinful activity upon oneself, as a form of heroic action, contrasting with allowing others to do the dirty work.

The terrifying thought that ordinary people can participate in atrocities, as illustrated by the transformation of the men in 'Ordinary Men'.

Transcripts

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Related Tags
TotalitarianismIndividual ResponsibilityHolographic StructurePsychological ImpactSociologyEthical DilemmaHistorical CatastropheOrdinary MenMoral ResponsibilityMythologyRedemption