Jordan Peterson

Jordan Peterson[1†]

Jordan Bernt Peterson (born 12 June 1962) is a Canadian psychologist, author, and media commentator known for his conservative views on cultural and political issues. Educated in Alberta and holding a PhD from McGill University, he taught at Harvard and the University of Toronto. His first book, "Maps of Meaning" (1999), explores belief systems. Gaining media attention in the late 2010s, Peterson published "12 Rules for Life" in 2018 and "Beyond Order" in 2021. After health issues, he resigned from academia, joined The Daily Wire, and became Chancellor of Ralston College. His online lectures have millions of views[1†].

Early Years and Education

Jordan Bernt Peterson was born on June 12, 1962, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada[2†][1†][3†]. He was the eldest of three children, raised in Fairview, Alberta[2†]. His father was a schoolteacher and his mother worked as a librarian at the Fairview campus of Grande Prairie Regional College[2†].

During his school years, Peterson was introduced to the literary works of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, Aldous Huxley, Ayn Rand, and George Orwell by Sandy Notley, the librarian of his school[2†]. In 1979, he graduated from Fairview High School and began studying English literature and political science at Grande Prairie Regional College[2†][4†].

Throughout his teens, Peterson worked for the New Democratic Party (NDP), but he became disenchanted and left the party at the age of 18[2†][4†]. He transferred to the University of Alberta, where he obtained his B.A. in Political Science in 1982[2†][1†][3†][5†].

After completing his bachelor’s degree, Peterson spent a year in Europe before returning to the University of Alberta to pursue a second bachelor’s degree in psychology[2†][1†][3†][5†]. He then moved to McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, where he earned his Ph.D. in clinical psychology[2†][1†][3†][5†].

Career Development and Achievements

After obtaining his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from McGill University, Peterson remained at McGill for a couple of years as a post-doctoral fellow[2†]. He then moved to the United States and served the psychology department of Harvard University as an assistant and then associate professor[2†][1†].

In 1998, Peterson returned to Canada and became a full professor at the University of Toronto[2†][1†][2†]. His primary areas of study include social, personality, and abnormal psychology, with a special focus on the psychology of religious and ideological belief, and the evaluation and improvement of personality and performance[2†].

In 1999, Peterson published his first book, "Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief"[2†][1†][2†]. The book, which became the basis for many of his subsequent lectures, combined psychology, mythology, religion, literature, philosophy, and neuroscience to analyze systems of belief and meaning[2†][1†][2†].

Peterson’s work has received support from agencies like the Canadian Institute for Health Research and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Councils of Canada[2†]. He is an author and co-author of over a hundred academic papers[2†].

In 2016, Peterson released a series of YouTube videos criticizing the Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code (Bill C-16), passed by the Parliament of Canada to introduce “gender identity and expression” as prohibited grounds for discrimination[2†][1†]. Peterson argued that the bill would make the use of certain gender pronouns compelled speech and related this argument to a general critique of political correctness and identity politics[2†][1†]. This attracted significant media coverage, both support and criticism[2†][1†].

In 2018, Peterson paused both his clinical practice and teaching duties and published his second book: “12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos”, a self-help book[2†][1†]. Promoted with a world tour, it became a bestseller in several countries[2†][1†].

In 2022, Peterson signed a content distribution deal with the conservative media company The Daily Wire and became Chancellor of Ralston College[2†][1†]. His various lectures and conversations, available mainly on YouTube and podcasts, have gathered millions of views[1†].

First Publication of His Main Works

Jordan Peterson’s main works have made significant contributions to psychology, philosophy, and self-help. Here are some of his most notable publications:

• Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief[6†]: Published in 1999, this book combines psychology, mythology, religion, literature, philosophy, and neuroscience to analyze systems of belief and meaning[6†]. It was Peterson’s first book and became the basis for many of his subsequent lectures[6†].
• 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos[6†]: This self-help book, published in 2018, became a bestseller in several countries[6†]. It was promoted with a world tour[6†].
• Beyond Order: 12 More Rules For Life[6†]: Published in 2021, this book is a follow-up to “12 Rules for Life” and continues to explore themes of order, chaos, and personal responsibility[6†].
• Personality And Its Transformations[6†]: Published in 1998, this book delves into the complexities of human personality[6†].
• The Psychological Significance Of The Biblical Stories: Genesis[6†]: Published in 2017, this book explores the psychological and philosophical implications of the biblical stories[6†].
• Essay Writing Guide[6†]: Published in 2014, this guide provides practical advice for writing effective essays[6†].

Each of these works reflects Peterson’s interdisciplinary approach, drawing on psychology, philosophy, literature, and other fields to explore complex questions about belief, meaning, and the human condition[6†].

Analysis and Evaluation

Jordan Peterson’s work has been the subject of extensive analysis and evaluation. His contributions to psychology, philosophy, and self-help have been both praised and criticized[7†][8†].

Peterson’s first book, “Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief”, has been critically examined for its contribution to the psychology of well-being[7†]. The book’s exploration of religious values, the importance of personal responsibility, and the acceptance of suffering as a foundation for well-being have been noted[7†]. His ideas have found empirical support and have contributed to the emerging domain of existential positive psychology[7†].

His second book, “12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos”, was a bestseller and has been reviewed from various perspectives[7†][8†]. Some reviewers have praised the book for its practical advice and unique insights, while others have criticized it for its perceived lack of coherence and depth[7†][8†][9†].

“Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life”, Peterson’s third book, has also received mixed reviews[7†][8†]. Some reviewers have noted that the book reflects Peterson’s roles as a therapist, father figure, and spiritual leader[7†][8†]. However, others have criticized the book for trying to do too many things at once, resulting in a work that lacks a significant intellectual contribution[7†][8†].

Peterson’s work has been analyzed in the context of contemporary political and intellectual culture[7†][8†]. His rise to fame during the polarizing Trump years, his mastery of social media, and his unique speaking presence have all been factors in his popularity[7†][8†].

Despite the controversy surrounding his views, Peterson’s work continues to generate discussion and debate. His exploration of complex questions about belief, meaning, and the human condition has undeniably left a mark on psychology, philosophy, and self-help[7†][8†].

Personal Life

Jordan Peterson is married to Tammy Roberts, and they have had a long-standing relationship of over three decades, filled with both highs and lows[10†]. They have two children, Julian Peterson and Mikhaila Peterson[10†][2†]. Mikhaila Peterson has faced significant health challenges, including the destruction of her hip and ankle, leading to two years of continuous, intense pain[10†][11†]. Despite these challenges, she has managed to maintain her spirit[10†][11†].

Peterson has a unique hobby of collecting Soviet-era paintings, which he began around 2000[10†][1†]. He displays these paintings in his house as a reminder of the relationship between totalitarian propaganda and art, and as examples of how idealistic visions can become totalitarian oppression and horror[10†][1†].

Peterson and his wife have faced severe health scares[10†]. In 2019 and 2020, Peterson himself suffered from health problems due to severe benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome[1†].

Conclusion and Legacy

Jordan Peterson’s influence on modern cultural discourse is undeniable[12†]. His philosophy, which emphasizes personal responsibility, truth, honesty, and the pursuit of meaning over happiness, has resonated with many, even as it has sparked controversy[12†].

Peterson’s rise to prominence is not just a tale of an individual speaking his mind, but a reflection of society’s hunger for candid, unfiltered discourse on complex issues[12†]. His clashes with detractors, journalists, and protestors have become legendary[12†].

However, some critics argue that Peterson’s moment is over and that we have entered a "Post Peterson Paradigm"[12†][13†]. They contend that his popularity and the lessons learned from his influence should serve as a moment of warning, reflection, and change[12†][13†]. Critics also argue that Peterson’s emphasis on personal responsibility and individualism often overlooks systemic issues and can lead to victim-blaming[12†][13†].

Despite the controversy, Peterson’s impact is significant. His books, lectures, and interviews have reached millions of people, sparking debates about personal responsibility, political correctness, free speech, and the nature of truth[12†].

Peterson’s legacy is complex and multifaceted, reflecting the polarizing nature of his ideas. While his work has been criticized, it has also sparked important conversations, challenging individuals and society to grapple with difficult questions about personal responsibility, truth, and the meaning of life[12†].

Key Information

• Also Known As: Jordan Bernt Peterson, Jordan B. Peterson[1†]
• Born: June 12, 1962, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada[1†]
• Nationality: Canadian[1†]
• Occupation: Clinical psychologist, author, media commentator[1†]
• Notable Works: “Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief” (1999), “12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos” (2018), “Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life” (2021)[1†]
• Notable Achievements: Peterson’s work has received support from agencies like the Canadian Institute for Health Research and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Councils of Canada[1†][2†]. His books have sold more than seven million copies[1†][14†].

References and Citations:

1. Wikipedia (English) - Jordan Peterson [website] - link
2. The Famous People - Jordan Peterson Biography [website] - link
3. Facts.net - Turn Your Curiosity Into Discovery [website] - link
4. The National - Background: Who is Jordan Peterson and why is he famous? [website] - link
5. Popular Timelines - History of Jordan Peterson in Timeline [website] - link
6. Goodreads - Author: Books by Jordan B. Peterson (Author of 12 Rules for Life) [website] - link
7. Dr. Paul Wong - Assessing Jordan B. Peterson’s Contribution to the Psychology of Well-Being: A Book Review of 12 Rules for Life [website] - link
8. Springer Link - Jordan Peterson, Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life [website] - link
9. New Statesman - Jordan Peterson’s rules for selective quotation - New Statesman [website] - link
10. Newsweek - Inside Jordan Peterson, Wife Tammy's Private Struggles—Rehab, Cancer [website] - link
11. Foundation for Economic Education - How Jordan Peterson’s ‘Antidote to Chaos’ Saved His Own Life [website] - link
12. Values Institute - What are the Core Values of Jordan Peterson? [website] - link
13. Springer Link - 12 Rules for (Academic) Life - Chapter: Conclusion: Our future is in the post [website] - link
14. Jordan Peterson - About [website] - link