The Reason of Jordan Peterson
20th March 2021
If only Hamlet had known Jordan Peterson. To be or not to be, Dr Peterson believes, is indeed the burning question — but it’s a question that can be resolved decisively in favor of Being with a capital B. And he’s willing to walk any modern-day Hamlet who cares to listen through the math.
This reasoned position in favor of existence is at the heart of Jordan Peterson’s latest book, Beyond Chaos: 12 More Rules for Life. It’s also, I’d argue, at the heart of his popular appeal. Sure, his undeniable charisma doesn’t hurt; and of course, he’s brilliant, well-read and articulate. But so are many other public intellectuals. What’s unique about Peterson is his insistence that we can use human observation and reason, guided by traditional wisdom (contained in ‘myths’), to determine that existence is objectively better than non-existence, and that there are demonstrably good reasons (and good ways) to engage energetically in the business of living.