TheCanadian1867 t1_iuhumka wrote on October 31, 2022 at 1:29 PM

I would argue his approach really isn't meant to be a feel-good type of self-improvement strategy. He posits that suffering is inherent to the human condition and discusses (through biblical, mythological, literary, psychological, etc. means) how we as a species overcome such suffering. To which he generally says: tell the truth, adopt responsibility, don't ignore your problems, be grateful, improve incrementally.

The community is very polarized on this guy. I think his stuff on the importance of adopting responsibility to overcome suffering and live a meaningful life is an excellent lesson. His politics bother people, but his clinical psychology insight has taught me a ton. So it sort of depends how willing you are to take lessons from someone despite other disagreements (that is if you do in fact actually disagree, there's absolutely nothing wrong either if you don't. It's important for a society to have both liberal and conservative thinkers).

newbalancewearer OP t1_iuhwgpx wrote on October 31, 2022 at 1:44 PM

Yeah I agree with you.

I like his YouTube videos a lot and that’s why I bought the book.

I totally concur with the idea to pick up responsibility and live a purpose driven life, but seeing how harsh he is on those who are going through depression and addictions—-it’s not like those people do not know what they are doing is detrimental to themselves or their families, but it’s kind of a way to avoid the truth JBP told——that life is suffering. So to me by telling people what they’ve already known too well isn’t really a way to give impetus for improvement

I am not against him, and I don’t think we need more polarisation(which is sad to hear this from your comment), but I really think he could do better with his delivery in the book.

TheCanadian1867 t1_iuhyg51 wrote on October 31, 2022 at 1:59 PM

Yeah that's a fair criticism. He can definitely come off as too analytical/matter-of-fact and less compassionate. Admittedly it's been a few years since I read his book so it's tough to recall more than just the major themes. But it's interesting you liked his videos and then disappointed by the book. It's nice to hear reasonable critiques from someone who approaches his work with good-faith.

Agreed on the polarization thing. Which is funny, my post is already getting hit by downvotes. Despite (I think) it being a fairly innocuous opinion of his work. So it's somewhat manifesting on a Monday morning r/books thread!

el_toro7 t1_iuibp0a wrote on October 31, 2022 at 3:32 PM

Yes, both your comments are reasonable. "Polarization" isn't quite accurate when there's a strong negative skew. As with any intellectual/scholar who gets very popular, there are things to admire, appreciate, cringe at, and even disdain.

I do not follow Peterson's work, nor have I read his book(s). I've seen a number of videos (since before his rise to infamy in 2016), and his lectures at U of T. My impressions of him are shallow/not personal, but even still there are certain things that I admire, other things I appreciate, other things I cringe at, and yet other things I disdain. I think it is possible to view people in such variegated ways, especially with respect to their work when you don't know them. The caveat being, you don't know them (don't make a guru out of someone you don't know(

newbalancewearer OP t1_iui23xa wrote on October 31, 2022 at 2:25 PM

I don’t think he is propagating a cult as he clearly opposed and rebuked it in his videos.

I came to some what of a conclusion of my own that he, being an experienced clinical psychologist and a person who’s been through numerous ordeals, is hard not to become a realist himself.

Discrediting his whole because of his parts is not doing him justice, and even more polarising.

Is he still teaching in the U of T? I will be great to see someone who is willing to play the bad guy in a world that likes to appease instead of appeal.

I am living in a city that’s totalitarian and I understand the horrors of being silenced. Polarisation is the first thing a totalitarian state will propagate, please don’t let this happen in Canada :(

monkeydrawsbananas t1_iuicode wrote on October 31, 2022 at 3:39 PM

If you are willing to think, consider this: stoicism and the philosophy of living through pain fits very well with people who are disconnected from their feelings and bodies. They get a reason why it's the right move, and why connecting would not help.

Almost all the guys who are into JBP have very limited connection to their bodies and feelings beyond basic elements (that are clearly coded as safely masculine, no salsa or tango dancer stuff).

TwosidedInfix t1_iujaay1 wrote on October 31, 2022 at 7:22 PM

Well, yes. I’m like that, so stuff like that speaks to me. Don’t really have a deep connection to my body or feelings. It’s a personality thing, I’m more of a thinker than a feeler.

Genshed t1_iujjlay wrote on October 31, 2022 at 8:25 PM

By his own account, he's experienced chronic anxiety and depression most of his adult life. It makes sense that he would endorse the belief that 'life is suffering'.