You are very astute and fortunate to have found that family and respectable work yield true happiness despite the bumps on the way. That portrays the good perceptions and qualities that you have to prepare you for the challenges yet to come. On the way you will continually find that God does exist and loves you.
Well done Joe. I’ve been an admirer, listener, reader of Jordan since about 2014. He’s unique and powerful. However, I think he’s been over-exposed as of late. By that I mean his ‘image’ in my mind has been diluted by too much of his ‘light’ falling on my eyes, ears and mind. Thus creating an over-exposed negative (to use a photographic analogy).
With an over-exposure it is difficult to maintain details in the highlights as they become burned out. And the shadows lose their depth and richness. It takes careful, meticulous work in the darkroom to make a positive print from an over-exposed negative.
While his work with Daily Wire is interesting it’s TOO MUCH EXPOSURE. I don’t need more Jordan. I need less. I need to feel a thirst for him like in the early days when I had to wait a bit to see him again. His over-exposure has become the preverbal ‘drinking from a firehose’ experience—I can’t catch my breath. I’m drowning in Peterson water.
Aside from all this, you raise some things to think about as it pertains to what he’s selling today. I’ll be taking a deeper closer quieter look at JBP for the immediate near term. I’ve basically already put him on hiatus for the past several months.
Painful to read, only because it's (largely) true. Though I'd say Peterson is/has been an agnostic, not an atheist.
The older I get, the less bothered I am by the tarnish we find on those whom we consider heroic. Contrarily, the discovery of cracks in the finish only serves to remind me of their frailty and imperfection, and yet, in spite of that crude imperfection, they still choose to persevere.
Everyone is keenly aware of their weakness, and for most, that awareness paralyzes them into inaction and silence. Jordan has spoken often of his shortcomings, and still, he chooses to rise above himself. ...which is more than most men, especially in the age of cancel culture.
I was interested in hearing your take on his joining The Daily Wire. If all of that is true (and I don't disagree), I am already excited to see him on the other side of his departure.
Fundamentally, people despise someone who talks a big game, but has no strong principles- it is the commitment to one's beliefs and ability to argue them that brings forth the intensity and intentions of one's arguments. Despite his prowess, arguments Peterson makes are woolly and hard to define, which makes it easy to knock them aside, once you see past the appearances. This is not to say that Peterson is wholly without morals, but that mix of ideas,doesn't make for a clear worldview.
One of the biggest unspoken rules I had when managing his socials, content and some marketing was: to stay away as much as possible from politics, and to focus on what us “regular joes” actually wanted to hear.
I hear what you’re saying and echo it in many ways. Lots more to say, but it’s within his reach to somewhat rediscover that former light and connection he had with people.
Nothing is linnear. And I suspect that Peterson is aware of his own faults and neurotic personality traits. I still respect him and admire him, but the fall off has been stumbling and chaotic. I want him back in form.
I couldn’t quite figure out why some people like yourself turned on JP. After all, a lot of people had trust in government healthcare, until the Covid cataclysm laid bare their mal-intent for all the world to see. Most of us fell for it, lesson learned. But it quickly became clear what your angle was with the allusion to being ‘under the boot’ of The Daily Wire and Ben Shapiro, and another to Nick Fuentes. Yikes. Perhaps Dr. Peterson didn’t change; perhaps you did. So spare us your deigning to offer advice on how to improve Jordan to your liking; you might be better served to clean up your room and walk with your shoulders back before you throw stones at the world. Especially to someone who single-handedly gave voice to disaffected young men, at a time when society gleefully plotted their demise. At the very least cut him some slack, eh?
I didn't "turn" on JP. I said many times I still admire and respect him and value his content and voice on certain topics.
Whether or not you agree or disagree with Shapiro's worldview, Peterson is certainly under his boot. He is part of a media company and that company has been notorious in sidelining personalities that clash with the primary ideological persuasion of Shapiro. That's just a fact.
Nor do I support Nick Fuentes, I was simply using him as an example.
I appreciate you taking the time to read, and I'll continue to write about whatever I like. Peterson is a public figure who has helped me out immensely, but that doesn't make him immune to criticism and I certainly won't mince my words when I feel as though they are necessary (Just as Peterson would do)
Your article was interesting and thought-provoking. I'm sorry that your hero has clay feet. As you get older, you realize that everyone does. There are no real heroes. No one does it perfectly or thinks perfectly clearly. No one has all the answers. You will think that you have it figured out and then once you pass your "productive" years, you will discover your own limitations and mortality. It will be forced upon you by a culture that is attempting to move beyond you and your generation. At least in some degree you have made it through the first stage, you are aware and out of the big illusion. Is that what you're attempting to share here? The piercing of the veil of illusion? Because if you think he can change and fit your perfect mold, even if he reads your article, that is itself an illusion. Or are you simply explaining how you have outgrown your old model and, thanks to your experience, are becoming more aware and moving on? What exactly are we supposed to take away here?
He's not my hero by any means. And I don't appreciate the snarky condescension.
I don't think Peterson can fit my perfect mold. I'm simply articulating what I feel about the man and the dissolution of his primary message, just as Peterson himself has done, and countless others. Take away what you want.
I don’t disagree with much of this. I too think it was a terrible idea to represent himself as a Christian on YouTube. Awful.
The idea that he “isn’t saying much” other than espousing old ideas that we already know work, I’m not sure that’s a fair representation. Apparently there was either no one or very few saying those things. This is why it resonated. So regardless of how profound or not, it was clearly needed.
I’ve written about him twice now in the last month or so. Mainly stating that
1- his only actual claim of expertise is to be a clinical psychologist and a personality psychologist.
2- he is currently on a very public spiritual journey. And all spiritual journeys are messy.
3- he can only perceive religious texts through psychology. Until he draws a parallel, he can’t quite grasp it.
You and I share a similar experience. Jordan brought some meaning and healthy introspection to what otherwise seemed like a bleak and senseless life.
I haven’t found any kind of extravagant success but because of him I more or less “got my room in order.” I am loved, I have a second child on the way and am with a woman I connect deeply with.
I’ve watched his downward spiral with utter disappointment. This man really spoke on issues with absolute zeal and grit. Now his content seems to be an almost haughty display of his pseudo-intellectualism. The same interviews with different people.
I think that aside what the popular narrative says, the bulk of his audience feels massively disenfranchised in this country. Whatever it is, lack of self awareness or maybe arrogance, his unwillingness to depart from TDW. It will be his downfall.
Unfortunately the conversation has moved onto much more fringe issues. He is clearly unwilling to address them. I have a feeling that he does feel trapped by TDW and that may be why we are seeing his crash out.
I hope he regains his confidence so he is once again willing to weigh in on matters that are of highest cultural relevance. That man does an impeccable job of making his thoughts very linear and coherent.
Gosh, Jordan’s early material was the best! I think he’s still on the right track—there’s just so much content of him that we get to see so much good and bad. I think he’s working towards placing his flag on solid ground like you say, perhaps there’s something behind the scenes that’s holding him back.
You are very astute and fortunate to have found that family and respectable work yield true happiness despite the bumps on the way. That portrays the good perceptions and qualities that you have to prepare you for the challenges yet to come. On the way you will continually find that God does exist and loves you.
Don’t do drugs kids.
Well done Joe. I’ve been an admirer, listener, reader of Jordan since about 2014. He’s unique and powerful. However, I think he’s been over-exposed as of late. By that I mean his ‘image’ in my mind has been diluted by too much of his ‘light’ falling on my eyes, ears and mind. Thus creating an over-exposed negative (to use a photographic analogy).
With an over-exposure it is difficult to maintain details in the highlights as they become burned out. And the shadows lose their depth and richness. It takes careful, meticulous work in the darkroom to make a positive print from an over-exposed negative.
While his work with Daily Wire is interesting it’s TOO MUCH EXPOSURE. I don’t need more Jordan. I need less. I need to feel a thirst for him like in the early days when I had to wait a bit to see him again. His over-exposure has become the preverbal ‘drinking from a firehose’ experience—I can’t catch my breath. I’m drowning in Peterson water.
Aside from all this, you raise some things to think about as it pertains to what he’s selling today. I’ll be taking a deeper closer quieter look at JBP for the immediate near term. I’ve basically already put him on hiatus for the past several months.
Totally admiring your posts BTW.
Painful to read, only because it's (largely) true. Though I'd say Peterson is/has been an agnostic, not an atheist.
The older I get, the less bothered I am by the tarnish we find on those whom we consider heroic. Contrarily, the discovery of cracks in the finish only serves to remind me of their frailty and imperfection, and yet, in spite of that crude imperfection, they still choose to persevere.
Everyone is keenly aware of their weakness, and for most, that awareness paralyzes them into inaction and silence. Jordan has spoken often of his shortcomings, and still, he chooses to rise above himself. ...which is more than most men, especially in the age of cancel culture.
I was interested in hearing your take on his joining The Daily Wire. If all of that is true (and I don't disagree), I am already excited to see him on the other side of his departure.
Keep'em coming, sir!
Fundamentally, people despise someone who talks a big game, but has no strong principles- it is the commitment to one's beliefs and ability to argue them that brings forth the intensity and intentions of one's arguments. Despite his prowess, arguments Peterson makes are woolly and hard to define, which makes it easy to knock them aside, once you see past the appearances. This is not to say that Peterson is wholly without morals, but that mix of ideas,doesn't make for a clear worldview.
One of the biggest unspoken rules I had when managing his socials, content and some marketing was: to stay away as much as possible from politics, and to focus on what us “regular joes” actually wanted to hear.
I hear what you’re saying and echo it in many ways. Lots more to say, but it’s within his reach to somewhat rediscover that former light and connection he had with people.
Nothing is linnear. And I suspect that Peterson is aware of his own faults and neurotic personality traits. I still respect him and admire him, but the fall off has been stumbling and chaotic. I want him back in form.
I couldn’t quite figure out why some people like yourself turned on JP. After all, a lot of people had trust in government healthcare, until the Covid cataclysm laid bare their mal-intent for all the world to see. Most of us fell for it, lesson learned. But it quickly became clear what your angle was with the allusion to being ‘under the boot’ of The Daily Wire and Ben Shapiro, and another to Nick Fuentes. Yikes. Perhaps Dr. Peterson didn’t change; perhaps you did. So spare us your deigning to offer advice on how to improve Jordan to your liking; you might be better served to clean up your room and walk with your shoulders back before you throw stones at the world. Especially to someone who single-handedly gave voice to disaffected young men, at a time when society gleefully plotted their demise. At the very least cut him some slack, eh?
I didn't "turn" on JP. I said many times I still admire and respect him and value his content and voice on certain topics.
Whether or not you agree or disagree with Shapiro's worldview, Peterson is certainly under his boot. He is part of a media company and that company has been notorious in sidelining personalities that clash with the primary ideological persuasion of Shapiro. That's just a fact.
Nor do I support Nick Fuentes, I was simply using him as an example.
I appreciate you taking the time to read, and I'll continue to write about whatever I like. Peterson is a public figure who has helped me out immensely, but that doesn't make him immune to criticism and I certainly won't mince my words when I feel as though they are necessary (Just as Peterson would do)
Your article was interesting and thought-provoking. I'm sorry that your hero has clay feet. As you get older, you realize that everyone does. There are no real heroes. No one does it perfectly or thinks perfectly clearly. No one has all the answers. You will think that you have it figured out and then once you pass your "productive" years, you will discover your own limitations and mortality. It will be forced upon you by a culture that is attempting to move beyond you and your generation. At least in some degree you have made it through the first stage, you are aware and out of the big illusion. Is that what you're attempting to share here? The piercing of the veil of illusion? Because if you think he can change and fit your perfect mold, even if he reads your article, that is itself an illusion. Or are you simply explaining how you have outgrown your old model and, thanks to your experience, are becoming more aware and moving on? What exactly are we supposed to take away here?
He's not my hero by any means. And I don't appreciate the snarky condescension.
I don't think Peterson can fit my perfect mold. I'm simply articulating what I feel about the man and the dissolution of his primary message, just as Peterson himself has done, and countless others. Take away what you want.
I don’t disagree with much of this. I too think it was a terrible idea to represent himself as a Christian on YouTube. Awful.
The idea that he “isn’t saying much” other than espousing old ideas that we already know work, I’m not sure that’s a fair representation. Apparently there was either no one or very few saying those things. This is why it resonated. So regardless of how profound or not, it was clearly needed.
I’ve written about him twice now in the last month or so. Mainly stating that
1- his only actual claim of expertise is to be a clinical psychologist and a personality psychologist.
2- he is currently on a very public spiritual journey. And all spiritual journeys are messy.
3- he can only perceive religious texts through psychology. Until he draws a parallel, he can’t quite grasp it.
Here’s an example: https://open.substack.com/pub/tidbitsofaudacity/p/will-the-real-jordan-peterson-please?r=h20p2&utm_medium=ios
You and I share a similar experience. Jordan brought some meaning and healthy introspection to what otherwise seemed like a bleak and senseless life.
I haven’t found any kind of extravagant success but because of him I more or less “got my room in order.” I am loved, I have a second child on the way and am with a woman I connect deeply with.
I’ve watched his downward spiral with utter disappointment. This man really spoke on issues with absolute zeal and grit. Now his content seems to be an almost haughty display of his pseudo-intellectualism. The same interviews with different people.
I think that aside what the popular narrative says, the bulk of his audience feels massively disenfranchised in this country. Whatever it is, lack of self awareness or maybe arrogance, his unwillingness to depart from TDW. It will be his downfall.
Unfortunately the conversation has moved onto much more fringe issues. He is clearly unwilling to address them. I have a feeling that he does feel trapped by TDW and that may be why we are seeing his crash out.
I hope he regains his confidence so he is once again willing to weigh in on matters that are of highest cultural relevance. That man does an impeccable job of making his thoughts very linear and coherent.
I miss the old JP 😕
TYPO - "he's in a positiona at" feel free to delete this comment once you fix it
Gosh, Jordan’s early material was the best! I think he’s still on the right track—there’s just so much content of him that we get to see so much good and bad. I think he’s working towards placing his flag on solid ground like you say, perhaps there’s something behind the scenes that’s holding him back.