Full Send Podcast Episode 136: Jordan Peterson x Nelk Boys

Hosted by Shots Podcast Network, released on September 26, 2024.

Introduction

In Episode 136 of the Full Send Podcast, the Nelk Boys—Kyle Forgeard and Bob Menery—sit down with renowned psychologist and author Jordan Peterson. The conversation delves deep into topics ranging from education reform and personal development to the implications of emerging technologies and societal shifts.

Peterson Academy and Education Reform

[03:25] Jordan Peterson: "We're hoping that we can bring elite level general education and then more specialized education to everyone, everywhere, in multiple languages, for virtually no money."

Jordan Peterson introduces Peterson Academy, an innovative educational platform aiming to revolutionize traditional education by offering high-quality, affordable courses accessible globally. He emphasizes the platform's goal to provide a bachelor's level education for about $2,000, representing a 95% cost reduction compared to conventional universities.

[04:37] Peterson: "We'll do something approximating a great books approach, but that won't be all of it. And we have great professors."

Peterson highlights the academy's comprehensive curriculum, inspired by the great books tradition, and underscores the high production quality and excellence of its instructors. He envisions the platform expanding into multiple languages and reaching the developing world, promoting free market economics and countering leftist perspectives prevalent in Western business schools.

Critique of Traditional Universities

[16:18] Bob Menery: "Courses like that programs are becoming more and more popular. Yeah, but so let's say a student goes through your program and he goes to an employer and on his resume he has your academy. How is that going to work as opposed to like old school?"

[16:48] Peterson: "If we become formally accredited, then the university courses will transfer and the degree will be equivalent to a degree from a typical university."

Peterson criticizes the current state of large universities, focusing on their prioritization of research over teaching quality. He argues that many professors lack effective teaching skills, leading to subpar undergraduate education. Peterson Academy aims to fill this gap by ensuring all courses are of superb quality, with plans to seek formal accreditation without compromising educational integrity.

[19:48] Peterson: "The administration costs have just ratcheted themselves up to a point where it's ridiculous. It's become, I would say, an indentured servitude scam."

He further condemns the inflated administrative costs of traditional institutions, labeling them as exploitative. Peterson asserts that Peterson Academy avoids these pitfalls by maintaining low operational costs and focusing solely on delivering exceptional education.

Purpose, Meaning, and Personal Development

[44:14] Bob Menery: "Sounds like you're saying you got to continue to pursue new things and continue to change as a human as you get older."

[44:20] Peterson: "That's where you derive your deepest source of meaning from. Like it's not the only place because you derive meaning, for example, from relationships, but they transform too."

The discussion transitions to the importance of purpose and meaning in life. Peterson emphasizes that continual personal growth and striving towards meaningful goals are essential for a fulfilling life. He introduces the Future Authoring Program, a tool designed to help individuals articulate and plan their future, thereby enhancing motivation and reducing anxiety.

[50:20] Peterson: "So, you know, it's a kind of game. And you can solve it."

He elaborates on practical strategies for overcoming feelings of being stuck, such as setting clear goals and understanding one's strengths and interests. By writing down your goals, individuals can better navigate their paths and achieve personal growth.

Technological Transformation and Societal Impacts

[73:35] Peterson: "We're headed towards a competition between those two things (dystopian and utopian) at a rate that we have never before made itself manifest."

Peterson addresses the rapid advancement of technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), and its dual potential to create either a utopian or dystopian future. He warns of the dangers of totalitarianism augmented by AI, citing China's implementation of extensive surveillance systems as a cautionary example.

[78:47] Peterson: "This is happening with the World Economic Forum and these... there's a real danger in gigantism."

He critiques the consolidation of power within large corporations and international organizations, arguing that gigantism leads to regulatory capture and the erosion of individual freedoms. Peterson advocates for increased political responsibility among individuals to counteract these trends and preserve democratic values.

Personal Struggles and Resilience

[90:57] Peterson: "I had it. Some sort of unspecified immunological illness that really became acute in 2016."

Peterson shares his personal battle with addiction to benzodiazepines and a severe immunological illness that led to a coma. He discusses the challenges of overcoming addiction and the importance of support systems and opportunities in his recovery journey.

[93:15] Peterson: "What was that experience like? No, I was very ill... things spiraled out of control."

Reflecting on his lowest points, Peterson underscores the significance of purpose and meaning in overcoming adversity. He relates his experiences to the broader themes of his work, emphasizing that meaningful engagement with life can provide resilience against suffering and despair.

Masculinity and Societal Attacks

[106:41] Bob Menery: "Why do you think there's such an attack on masculinity overall?"

[106:50] Peterson: "It's a consequence of the breakdown of the family... they just attribute everything to power and dominance."

Peterson explores the societal backlash against traditional notions of masculinity, attributing it to the breakdown of the family unit and negative experiences young women have had with men. He argues that responsible heroism and the embracement of purpose and responsibility are being undermined, leading to nihilism and lack of direction among individuals.

Closing Remarks and Future Plans

[113:06] Bob Menery: "What about your personal struggles?... How did you get motivated again?"

[114:13] Peterson: "Download the Dutch Bros app to find your nearest shop. ... Start earning rewards."

In the closing segments, Peterson reiterates the importance of personal development tools like Future Authoring and Peterson Academy. He encourages listeners to engage actively with these resources to chart their paths towards a meaningful life.

[111:25] Peterson: "Future Authoring program launched September 9th."

He announces the launch of Peterson Academy on September 9th and teases the release of his next book set for mid-November, inviting listeners to participate in the Future Authoring Program to enhance their personal and professional lives.

Notable Quotes

• Jordan Peterson [00:45]: "We can't just be tweeting about this shit. You can't be just complaining or talking to your boys or posting on X. You got to actually get up off your ass and fucking vote."

• Jordan Peterson [03:25]: "We're hoping that we can bring elite level general education and then More specialized education to everyone, everywhere, in multiple languages, for virtually no money."

• Jordan Peterson [44:14]: "That's where you derive your deepest source of meaning from."

• Jordan Peterson [73:35]: "We're headed towards a competition between those two things at a rate that we have never before made itself manifest."

• Jordan Peterson [94:48]: "I was very ill when I went to Russia for treatment, strangely enough. And the diagnosis of the Russians when I got there was that someone was trying to kill me."

• Jordan Peterson [106:50]: "It's a consequence of the breakdown of the family."

Conclusion

Episode 136 of the Full Send Podcast offers listeners an in-depth exploration of Jordan Peterson's perspectives on education, personal growth, societal challenges, and the impact of technology. Through candid discussions and personal anecdotes, Peterson emphasizes the importance of purpose, responsibility, and continuous self-improvement as antidotes to modern societal issues.

For more information on Peterson Academy and the Future Authoring Program, visit PetersonAcademy.com and SelfAuthoring.com.