The Necessity Of Virtue

At a Glance

• Importance of Virtue - “Virtue ethics morality isn’t a field of study. It’s a mode of being upon which all fields of study rest.” This highlights the foundational role of virtue in shaping our lives and interactions.

• Existential Necessity - “Virtue as an existential necessity.” This concept delves into the deep connection between virtue and our existence, emphasizing the importance of understanding being in relation to virtue.

• Materialism vs. Being - “We make the assumption that the fundamental constituent elements of reality are material. We fail to notice that the fundamental constituent elements of our own reality are not material.” This contrast sheds light on the limitations of a purely materialistic perspective and the need to consider non-material aspects of our existence.

• Power of Truth - “A lot of what you do in a real relationship with people is provide a forum where people tell the truth.” Emphasizing the transformative power of truth in relationships and personal growth.

• Pain and Consciousness - “Pain transcends rational argument… consciousness is fundamental.” Discussing the undeniable reality of pain and consciousness, challenging materialistic explanations and highlighting their significance in understanding virtue.

What to Do

• Stop with the obvious lying - Being honest clears things up and allows for better communication with others.

• Follow your internal intuitions and be honest about it - Trusting your instincts and being truthful can lead you in the right direction towards a meaningful life.

• Take yourself seriously and understand your interconnectedness with others - Recognizing your impact on others and the world can help you make more meaningful choices.

• Fulfill your obligations every day to avoid worrying about the future - By completing tasks and responsibilities daily, you can alleviate anxiety and focus on the present moment.

• Fight for what you find meaningful and be honest with yourself - Standing up for what truly matters to you requires courage and integrity, leading to a more fulfilling life.

What to Get

• Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi - Amazon - To understand the deep, mythological base of the story and its significance in human culture

• Tow Te Ching by Lao Tzu - Amazon - To explore the concept of selflessness and being fulfilled

• Genesis The Bible - Amazon - To analyze the sequence of events that befall Adam and Eve and their implications on human behavior

• Milgram Experiments - Amazon - To study the susceptibility of individuals to malevolent actions in certain situations

• Zimbardo Prison Experiments - The Lucifer Effect: Understanding How Good People Turn Evil by Philip Zimbardo - Amazon - To examine the impact of power dynamics on human behavior

• Sermon on the Mount The Bible - Amazon - To explore the concept of focusing on the present moment and letting go of worries about the future

• Gospel of Thomas - To illustrate the concept of the kingdom of heaven being spread out on earth but not seen.

• Stars - To explore the concept of wishing for something transcendent and beyond the immediate concerns of life

Summary

In this podcast episode, Jordan B. Peterson discusses the concept of virtue and how it relates to our daily lives. He starts off by talking about people who are “in hell” all the time, implying those who struggle with negative emotions and behaviors. He suggests that heaven is also a real place, but we often don’t notice or believe in it because of our own biases.

Peterson then references an old gospel, the Gospel of Thomas, which says that the kingdom of heaven is spread out on earth, but men do not see it. He takes this as a metaphor for how life can be very expansive and multifaceted, with extremes like hell and heaven existing within us. The key takeaway from this discussion is that we have the power to choose where we want to be in life - either in a state of suffering or joy.

One of the most interesting points Peterson makes is about the importance of self-awareness. He suggests that if you look at someone who is struggling (i.e., “in hell”), you will likely avoid them because it’s uncomfortable to witness their pain. However, if you are able to see and understand this person’s struggles, they may become defensive or ashamed. This highlights the significance of recognizing our own flaws and shortcomings in order to grow and improve.

Peterson also emphasizes the importance of living a virtuous life - one that is guided by a sense of what is good for ourselves and others. He encourages listeners to reflect on their past year and identify moments when they would have rather avoided certain experiences or situations. By acknowledging these patterns, we can take steps towards changing our behavior and cultivating a more positive outlook.

Another thought-provoking idea Peterson discusses is the concept of human potential. He suggests that people are capable of great good and great evil, but that there may be an infinite range of possibilities within us waiting to be explored. This idea underscores the importance of self-discovery and exploration in order to unlock our full potential.

Finally, Peterson concludes by emphasizing the significance of living a virtuous life - one that is guided by what is good for ourselves and others. He encourages listeners to reflect on their values and priorities, and to make choices that align with these principles. By doing so, we can cultivate a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment in our lives.

Overall, this podcast episode offers valuable insights into the importance of self-awareness, personal growth, and living a virtuous life. Peterson’s discussions are thought-provoking and encourage listeners to reflect on their own values and priorities.