Jordan Peterson | Full Address and Q&A | Oxford Union

The speaker begins by discussing the importance of hierarchy, drawing from his book '12 Rules for Life'. He emphasizes the need for humans to move forward in life, driven by motivations such as approach and avoidance. This movement is inherently tied to value, suggesting that life is inherently about pursuing what is valued. The speaker also touches on the political implications of hierarchy, hinting at how temperamental factors might influence political perceptions and behaviors.

The speaker delves into the social dynamics involved in pursuing value. He argues that as social creatures, humans inevitably form hierarchies based on competence when they pursue goals collectively. This leads to competition and cooperation, and ultimately to the creation of hierarchies. He discusses the political divide that arises from this, with conservatives valuing hierarchies and the left being wary of their potential for tyranny and inequality. The speaker also mentions Price's law and the Pareto distribution, highlighting the natural tendency for success to be unevenly distributed.

Continuing the discussion on hierarchy, the speaker acknowledges that while hierarchies are inevitable in the pursuit of value, they also lead to inequality. He suggests that both conservatives and liberals have valid concerns: conservatives see the necessity of hierarchies for value creation, while liberals warn against the potential for tyranny and extreme inequality. The speaker proposes that a balance is needed, recognizing the importance of both maintaining order and allowing for the questioning of existing structures.

The speaker contrasts two broad worldviews: one that emphasizes individual sovereignty and another that focuses on tribal collectivism. He criticizes the latter for its tendency towards mayhem and its degeneration into tribal warfare. He praises the former, which has been particularly well-articulated in the UK, for its emphasis on the intrinsic value of the individual. The speaker warns against the universities' role in promoting a collectivist view, which he sees as detrimental to the development of a peaceful and functional society.

The speaker addresses the complexity of truth, distinguishing between its ethical and descriptive manifestations. He criticizes postmodernism for its reliance on an 'infinite number of interpretations' and its attempt to sneak Marxism back into intellectual discourse. He argues that while there are indeed many ways to interpret the world, there are fewer ways to operate successfully within it. The speaker also discusses the ethical implications of truth, drawing on examples from animal behavior and the emergence of ethical patterns over time.

The speaker explores the concept of meaning, discussing its neural and psychological underpinnings. He references the work of Russian neuropsychologists, particularly the discovery of the orienting reflex, which drives individuals to make sense of what they do not understand. He also discusses the role of the brain's hemispheres in processing known and unknown information, suggesting that meaning emerges when these systems operate optimally together. The speaker emphasizes the importance of meaning in orienting individuals in the real world and its connection to survival and propagation.

The speaker discusses the eternal danger of pathological order and chaos, highlighting the need for a balance between the conservative tendency to preserve hierarchy and the liberal tendency to question it. He emphasizes the importance of free speech as a means of maintaining this balance, allowing for the expression of diverse ideas and preventing the tyranny of a single perspective. The speaker also touches on the challenges of adapting to change and the necessity of being prepared for the unknown.

The speaker addresses the issue of free speech, arguing against hate speech laws while acknowledging the existence of hateful speech. He emphasizes the importance of allowing all voices to be heard, even those that may be offensive, as a means of promoting understanding and rejection of harmful ideas. The speaker warns against the dangers of regulating speech, particularly the problem of defining hate and the potential for arbitrary regulation to exacerbate rather than alleviate issues.

The speaker criticizes political correctness for its tendency to oversimplify complex issues and to polarize society. He argues that the focus on tribal inequality can do more harm than good, potentially leading to further division and conflict. The speaker suggests that a more nuanced approach is needed, one that acknowledges the complexity of issues and avoids the pitfalls of ideological possession. He also highlights the importance of considering the potential negative consequences of well-meaning interventions.

In the final paragraph, the speaker wraps up his talk and reminds the audience of a book sale taking place in the Goodman Library. He thanks the audience and encourages them to remain seated until he leaves the chamber.