How Civilizations Can Easily Turn Totalitarian

Jordan B Peterson Clips
17 Oct 202211:01
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe video script delves into the concept of a 'hellish domain,' drawing parallels between the underworld, nature's negative aspects, and totalitarian regimes, particularly Nazism. It explores the link between disgust sensitivity, orderliness, and the propensity for extreme political attitudes, suggesting that an excess of civilization and order can lead to barbarity. The script also discusses the dangers of rationality becoming arrogant, leading to a totalitarian mindset that imposes strict uniformity and suppresses individuality. The narrative uses mythological and historical references to illustrate the transformation of societies into brutal, deceitful, and resentful entities under the rule of figures like Scar, symbolizing the darker side of order and uniformity.

Takeaways
  • πŸ”₯ The script discusses the concept of a 'hellish' domain, symbolizing negative elements of nature and the underworld, associated with the character Scar.
  • 🐾 It draws parallels between the imagery of Scar's domain and Nazi symbolism, suggesting a totalitarian regime where uniformity is imposed on the population.
  • πŸ‘₯ The script suggests that high levels of orderliness and conscientiousness can lead to heightened disgust sensitivity, which can manifest in extreme ideologies.
  • πŸ“š Reference is made to Hitler's table talk, indicating his use of immunological disgust-like metaphors to describe the Aryan race and his desire for purity.
  • 🌑️ A study is cited that links the prevalence of infectious diseases with the likelihood of totalitarian political attitudes, suggesting a desire for borders and strict rules.
  • 🌿 The script points out the historical use of insecticides like Cyclone B, initially for public health, which later was used in gas chambers during the Holocaust.
  • 🧐 It challenges the stereotype that conservatives are more fearful, instead suggesting that they may be more disgust sensitive due to their high orderliness.
  • πŸ€” The potential for rationality to become arrogant and dogmatic is discussed, with totalitarianism as an example of this extreme form of belief in one's theories.
  • 😣 The script describes the suffering of 'True Believers' in totalitarian regimes, who must suppress their own suffering to maintain faith in the regime's utopian promises.
  • 😈 The character Scar is portrayed with a malicious grin, representing the brutality, deceit, and arrogance of a totalitarian ruler.
  • πŸŒ‘ The crescent moon imagery associated with Scar symbolizes darkness and the underworld, reinforcing the theme of the hellish domain.
Q & A
  • What is the primary theme of the domain outside of knowledge as described in the script?

    -The primary theme of the domain outside of knowledge is the hellish and negative element of nature, which can be associated with the underworld or the negative aspects of nature itself.

  • How is Scar depicted in the script in relation to the hellish domain?

    -Scar is depicted as the ruler of the hellish domain, surrounded by green fire and smoke, symbolizing his negative and destructive power.

  • What symbolism from totalitarian states is the script drawing upon when discussing Scar's domain?

    -The script draws upon Nazi symbolism and the idea of totalitarian states where strict uniformity is imposed on the population, with every individual becoming an identical unit.

  • How is the concept of disgust sensitivity related to the script's discussion of orderliness and totalitarianism?

    -Disgust sensitivity is associated with orderliness and conscientiousness, which can lead to a desire for strict uniformity and control, as seen in totalitarian regimes like Nazi Germany.

  • What historical figure is mentioned in the script as an example of disgust sensitivity and its potential negative consequences?

    -Adolf Hitler is mentioned as an example of disgust sensitivity, where his hatred for non-Aryans and desire for a pure Aryan race led to destructive actions and policies.

  • What is the connection between the prevalence of infectious diseases and political attitudes as discussed in the script?

    -The script suggests that higher prevalence of infectious diseases is correlated with a higher probability of totalitarian political attitudes due to the desire to impose strict borders and control to prevent the spread of diseases.

  • What was Hitler's initial public health campaign that later had a darker application?

    -Hitler's initial public health campaign involved cleaning up factories and fumigating them to get rid of tuberculosis and pests, which later transitioned into the use of Cyclone B in gas chambers during the Holocaust.

  • How does the script relate the concept of the extended immune system to political ideologies?

    -The script suggests that individuals with a heightened sense of the extended immune system, which is a proclivity to avoid contamination, may be more likely to adopt conservative or closed-off political ideologies.

  • What is the script's perspective on the potential dangers of excessive orderliness and conscientiousness in a society?

    -The script posits that excessive orderliness and conscientiousness can lead to a society that is overly sensitive to disgust, which may result in a totalitarian state characterized by strict control and a lack of tolerance for diversity.

  • How does the script connect the idea of rationality and its potential pitfalls to the concept of totalitarianism?

    -The script suggests that rationality, when taken to an extreme, can become arrogant and dogmatic, leading to a totalitarian mindset where one's theories are seen as infallible and must be strictly followed.

  • What is the script's view on the relationship between an individual's suffering and their belief in a utopian theory in a totalitarian regime?

    -The script indicates that in a totalitarian regime, an individual's suffering can be seen as heretical if it contradicts the utopian theory they believe in, leading to a situation where they must either deny their own suffering or face the collapse of their belief system.

Outlines
00:00
πŸ”₯ The Hellish Domain and Nazi Symbolism

The script discusses a domain outside of knowledge, likened to the underworld or negative elements of nature, described as 'hellish.' It transitions to the depiction of a totalitarian state in a movie, drawing parallels to Nazi symbolism. The military uniformity, associated with orderliness and disgust sensitivity, is highlighted, particularly how Hitler's disgust for non-Aryans led to a brutal regime. The concept of an Aryan race as a pure body free from parasites is explored, emphasizing the totalitarian mindset and the association between infectious disease prevalence and authoritarian attitudes.

05:00
🧼 Excess Civilization and Conscientiousness

The narrative explores the notion that excessive civilization, rather than its lack, may lead to totalitarian consequences, using Germany as an example. It describes Hitler's obsessive cleanliness and admiration for willpower, connecting these traits to conscientiousness and its impact on societal judgmental attitudes. The discussion extends to the challenges faced by those with mental illness in conscientious environments and the association between orderliness and conditions like anorexia. The portrayal of Scar's totalitarian rule in the movie is revisited, highlighting the deeper mythological conflict between rationalism and religious faith.

10:02
πŸ’£ The Underworld and Totalitarian Brutality

The final segment delves into the underworld domain ruled by Scar, characterized by totalitarian brutality and deceit. The script draws connections to the antagonism between the Catholic Church and rationalism, noting the danger of rationality becoming arrogant and dogmatic. It references the totalitarian mindset of the Columbine shooters, who justified their actions through perceived personal slights and alienation. The imagery of Hell and the crescent moon symbolizes darkness and the underworld, emphasizing the universal understanding of such symbols and their incorporation into the narrative.

Mindmap
Keywords
πŸ’‘Hellish Domain
The term 'Hellish Domain' refers to a realm or state that is outside of conventional knowledge and is associated with negative elements, akin to the underworld or nature's dark side. In the video's narrative, this concept is used to describe the domain ruled by Scar, which is depicted as a place of fire and smoke, symbolizing evil and chaos. It is a metaphor for totalitarian regimes and their oppressive nature.
πŸ’‘Scar
Scar is portrayed as the 'Adversary' or 'Negative King' in the video, representing the embodiment of evil and the ruler of the hellish domain. His character is used to symbolize leaders of totalitarian states, drawing parallels with figures like Hitler, who imposed strict uniformity and order, leading to destructive and oppressive outcomes.
πŸ’‘Totalitarianism
Totalitarianism is a political system where the state holds total authority over the society and seeks to control all aspects of public and private life. The video script discusses this concept in the context of Nazi symbolism and the imposition of strict uniformity, illustrating how such systems can lead to a loss of individuality and freedom.
πŸ’‘Orderliness
Orderliness, as discussed in the script, is associated with a preference for a well-organized and predictable environment. It is linked to conscientiousness and is portrayed as a double-edged sword, where an excess of order can lead to rigidity, judgment, and even disgust towards those who do not conform, as seen in the video's analogy with anorexia and Hitler's racial purity ideology.
πŸ’‘Disgust Sensitivity
Disgust sensitivity refers to the degree to which an individual is affected by things they find repulsive or contaminating. In the video, it is suggested that this sensitivity can manifest as a desire for order and uniformity, which can be exploited by totalitarian leaders to impose their will on a population, as exemplified by Hitler's metaphor of the Aryan race as a pure body.
πŸ’‘Conscientiousness
Conscientiousness is a personality trait characterized by being careful, thorough, and disciplined. The script explains how this trait can be associated with long-term success but also with a heightened sensitivity to disorder and potential threats, which can be manipulated in a totalitarian context to enforce strict order and control.
πŸ’‘Extended Immune System
The 'Extended Immune System' concept in the script refers to the human tendency to avoid potential sources of contamination, both physical and metaphorical. It is linked to the idea that people with a strong sense of orderliness may develop an aversion to those who do not conform to societal norms, which can be exploited in a totalitarian regime.
πŸ’‘Anorexia
Anorexia is an eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image. In the context of the video, it is used as an example of how extreme orderliness and disgust sensitivity can lead to self-destructive behaviors, as the anorexic individual sees their own body as a source of corruption.
πŸ’‘Nazism
Nazism is the ideology of the National Socialist German Workers' Party, led by Adolf Hitler, which is characterized by totalitarianism, racism, and militarism. The video script uses Nazism as a symbol of extreme orderliness and uniformity, illustrating the dangers of such ideologies and their potential to lead to horrific outcomes.
πŸ’‘Crescent Moon
The Crescent Moon is a symbol often associated with darkness and the underworld. In the video, it is used to represent Scar's domain and to draw a connection between his rule and the hellish, oppressive nature of totalitarian regimes, suggesting a deeper, mythological antagonism between order and chaos.
Highlights

The domain outside of knowledge is likened to the underworld or the negative aspect of nature.

Scar, the adversary, is associated with hellish imagery and Nazi symbolism.

Totalitarian states are characterized by strict uniformity and order, akin to Nazi Germany.

Hitler's disgust sensitivity is linked to his hatred for non-Aryans and his desire for a pure Aryan body.

Political attitudes are influenced by the prevalence of infectious diseases, leading to totalitarian tendencies.

Hitler's public health campaigns, including the use of Cyclone B, foreshadowed his later actions against non-Aryans.

Disgust sensitivity is a key factor in understanding conservative ideologies and behaviors.

Conscientiousness is linked to long-term success but also to a heightened sense of disgust and orderliness.

Anorexia is associated with an extreme form of disgust sensitivity, leading to self-hatred and body rejection.

Scar's domain represents a totalitarian state where order and uniformity are imposed on the population.

Rationalism can become arrogant and lead to the belief in infallible theories, as seen in totalitarian regimes.

Totalitarian believers often suffer in silence, unable to reconcile their personal suffering with their utopian beliefs.

The Soviet Union under Stalin exemplified a society where lies and deceit were pervasive.

Scar's malicious grin symbolizes the brutality and pleasure derived from enforcing totalitarian order.

The crescent moon imagery associated with Scar represents darkness and the underworld.

The story incorporates the hellish underworld and its fragments to convey a universal understanding of evil.

Transcripts
Rate This

5.0 / 5 (0 votes)

Thanks for rating: