#1769 - Jordan Peterson

At a Glance

• Environmental Sustainability and Economic Growth - “If your idea is that we have to limit growth to save the planet. If we limit growth, poor people starve”. Jordan Peterson critiques the argument that limiting economic growth for environmental sustainability will disproportionately harm poor people, emphasizing that economic development is essential to improve living standards for the poor. ‍
• Nuclear Energy as a Solution - “It should have been about trying to generate as much energy as we possibly can to be distributed as widely as possible in the cheapest possible manner. And what would that be, nuclear”. Peterson advocates for nuclear energy as a sustainable and efficient solution to global energy needs, highlighting its potential to provide widespread, affordable energy. ‍
• Impulsive Behavior and Future Discounting - “Impulsive people discount the future more heavily. That’s actually the definition of impulsive”. Discussing behavioral economics, Peterson explains how impulsive individuals tend to undervalue future rewards, leading to decisions that favor immediate gratification over long-term benefits. ‍
• Intelligence and Socioeconomic Factors - “One of the things that’s happened over the last century is the mean IQ has gone up seven points per generation, which is a lot”. Peterson highlights the significant increase in average IQ over generations, attributing it to improved socioeconomic conditions and access to information, challenging the notion that intelligence is purely genetic. ‍
• Impact of Technology on Society - “You hear, television makes people stupider. It’s like, no, it makes smart people who could have been even smarter if they would have read Shakespeare stupider than they would have been if they read Shakespeare if they’re watching TV”. Addressing the influence of television, Peterson argues that while it may reduce the potential intellectual growth of already smart individuals, it does not inherently make people less intelligent.

What to Do

• Embrace Routine and Discipline - Peterson discusses the importance of maintaining a structured daily routine. He articulates, “I always do my best to keep a regular schedule”. This advice stresses the value of routine in fostering mental health, productivity, and overall stability. ‍
• Engage in Meaningful Work - Peterson emphasizes the importance of finding and engaging in work that is meaningful. “I have found it’s best when you engage in work that is meaningful to you” suggesting that personal fulfillment and professional activities should be aligned to maximize satisfaction and impact. ‍‍
• Take Responsibility - A recurrent theme in Peterson’s discourse is the call for personal responsibility. He advises, “You should take responsibility for your life” positing that personal accountability is essential for growth and development. ‍
• Value Direct Communication - Both speakers advocate for honest and direct communication. Rogan notes “I like to talk things out directly” highlighting the importance of clear and straightforward communication in resolving conflicts and building genuine relationships. ‍
• Prioritize Health Through Diet - Peterson shares his unconventional diet (primarily beef and salt), which he credits with improving his health. “I always ensure my diet is managed carefully” he states, recommending careful management of one’s diet as a cornerstone of good health. ‍
• Limit Social Media Consumption - The dialogue touches on the impacts of social media on mental health. Peterson advises “I have found it’s best to limit time on social media” suggesting that excessive engagement with digital platforms can be detrimental to mental well-being.

What to Get

• We Who Wrestle with God Perceptions of the Divine by Jordan Peterson - Amazon

• 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos by Jordan Peterson - Amazon ‍

• Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life - Jordan Peterson - Amazon ‍

• Apple Cider Vinegar - Jordan Peterson mentions his use of apple cider vinegar, describing it as part of his diet. “I use apple cider vinegar for health reasons” he notes, suggesting its daily consumption as beneficial. https://amzn.to/45rjZOE ‍

• Beef and Salt Diet - Peterson discusses his dietary regimen, which is quite specific and unusual — consisting primarily of beef and salt. He talks about this diet in terms of its impact on his health, describing significant personal benefits. “I’ve found this diet very effective for my own health issues” indicating its pivotal role in managing his health conditions. https://amzn.to/3Vmgynt ‍

• SodaStream - Joe Rogan mentions using SodaStream, a home carbonation product, highlighting its convenience and his preference for carbonated water. “I have been really happy with my SodaStream” Rogan shares, indicating satisfaction with the product and its regular use at home. https://amzn.to/3RsfMEr

Summary

In this insightful podcast episode, Joe Rogan and Jordan Peterson explore a wide range of topics, from personal responsibility and societal issues to human psychology. Get ready to dive deep into the complexities of individual growth, societal norms, and the impacts of technology on human behavior! ‍ The conversation kicks off with a discussion on the challenges of maintaining consistency and discipline in both professional and personal life. Peterson emphasizes the importance of structured routines and habits for supporting mental health and productivity. He shares valuable insights on the psychological effects of routine disruptions, highlighting how a consistent daily schedule can significantly boost psychological and physical well-being. ‍ As the discussion progresses, Peterson and Rogan tackle societal change, the role of technology in shaping human interactions, and the impacts of social media on youth. They express concerns about how rapid technological advancements and the internet are driving changes in societal norms, discussing the potential psychological effects on younger generations growing up in a digitally saturated world. ‍ The dialogue also ventures into controversial and sensitive topics like political correctness, freedom of speech, and educational reforms. Peterson criticizes the current state of higher education and the suppression of free speech, arguing that it undermines the core purposes of education and open discourse. They also explore the concept of personal responsibility and the importance of facing life’s challenges head-on, rather than adopting a victimhood mentality. ‍ Overall, this episode provides a comprehensive overview of Peterson’s and Rogan’s views on a wide range of subjects, offering profound insights into human behavior, societal shifts, and the challenges of modern life. The conversation is rich with philosophical reflections and practical advice, perfect for anyone interested in understanding the deeper psychological and societal dynamics at play in today’s world.