Slaying The Dragon Within Us

At a Glance

• The Power of Storytelling - “What if it was the case that we were adapted to the world, really adapted to it?” This quote highlights the idea that our experiences and stories can shape us in profound ways.

• Facing Fears - “If you run away from any of it and in particular the parts of it that frighten you which you know there’s endless reasons to run away from…” Dr. Peterson emphasizes the importance of confronting and using our fears, rather than avoiding them.

• The Concept of “The Dragon” - “A piece of its center nature a piece that can defend you against anything Including other dragons.” The concept of “the dragon” represents the idea that we have everything we need to overcome challenges, but only if we use all of our talents and resources.

• Adaptation and Resilience - “If we made full use of all the talents we had, we’d be okay. If we set out consciously to never run away from something we know we shouldn’t run away from…” Dr. Peterson suggests that we have the potential for great resilience and adaptation if we choose to face our fears and use our abilities.

• The Importance of Parental Guidance - “I’d take my sword, I’d get my dad… Dad, there’s the real dad and then there’s the tradition dad…” This quote highlights the importance of guidance and support from parents or authority figures in facing challenges.

• The Idea that We Have Everything We Need - “You have absolutely everything you need but you have to use all of it.” Dr. Peterson emphasizes the idea that we have the potential for great success and fulfillment if we choose to use all of our talents and abilities.

What to Do

• Use all your talents and don’t run away from challenges - This is the key to becoming whole and being able to defend yourself against life’s difficulties.

• Confront the parts of yourself that frighten you - Running away from them will only make you more vulnerable, but facing them head-on can help you become stronger and more resilient.

• Make full use of all your abilities and don’t leave any chink in your armor - This means being aware of your strengths and weaknesses, and working to develop yourself as a whole person.

• Don’t run away from the things that scare you, but rather face them head-on with courage and determination - This is the key to personal growth and becoming the best version of yourself.

What to Get

• There’s No Such Thing as a Dragon by Jack Kent - Amazon

Summary

Episode 6 of the Jordan B. Peterson podcast delves into the concept of confronting our inner demons and adapting to the complexities of life. The conversation starts with a story about a young boy who dreams of overcoming his fears and anxieties. He imagines a dragon that spits out dwarfs, which represent the problems and worries we face in life.

The discussion takes an interesting turn as Dr. Peterson asks the listener (and presumably someone he’s having a conversation with) how to tackle these problems. The response is unexpected - instead of suggesting ways to deal with the dwarfs directly, the person suggests focusing on the dragon itself. This idea resonates with Dr. Peterson, who emphasizes that we often neglect our own inner struggles in favor of external solutions.

The story serves as a metaphor for human development and growth. Dr. Peterson explains that if we want to overcome our fears and anxieties, we must confront them head-on rather than avoiding or suppressing them. He uses the analogy of a puzzle, suggesting that each piece (or problem) is essential to creating a complete picture.

The conversation takes on a more existential tone as Dr. Peterson posits that humans may be “adapted to the world” in a way that we’re not fully aware of. This means that if we make full use of all our talents and abilities, we’ll be able to navigate life’s challenges effectively. He also hints at the idea that facing our fears and using them as opportunities for growth can lead to personal development and increased resilience.

The episode concludes with a thought-provoking message: if we don’t confront our inner struggles, we risk becoming vulnerable and less capable of helping others. Dr. Peterson encourages listeners to reflect on this idea and consider the importance of facing their own fears in order to become stronger and more effective individuals.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Peterson’s signature wit and storytelling style make complex ideas accessible and engaging. The episode offers a unique perspective on personal growth, self-awareness, and the human experience, making it an interesting listen for anyone looking to explore these themes further.