How To Get Brutally Strong And Overcome Anything In Life - Jordan Peterson
This article is a theoretical piece.
The article discusses the concept of human strength in the face of tragedy and malevolence, and the importance of confronting these challenges voluntarily in order to become stronger. The author draws on examples from history, psychology, and personal experiences to illustrate this idea.
Main topics: human strength, confronting tragedy and malevolence, exposure therapy, overprotection, personal responsibility
Secondary topics: history, psychology, panic attacks, agoraphobia, social judgment
- Introduction
- The importance of strength in facing catastrophe
- The value of being both strong and kind
- The benefit of voluntarily confronting challenges
- Finding meaning in the face of death and grief
- Human possibility and the capacity for toughness
- The role of endurance in overcoming challenges
- The manifestation of destiny and the invitation to confront problems
- The role of protection versus strength in human thriving
- The clinical evidence for exposure therapy in overcoming fear
- The dangers of overprotection and the need for personal responsibility
The importance of strength in facing catastrophes
Jordan Peterson discusses the significance of being both strong and kind in facing catastrophes in life. He believes that the best way to inoculate oneself against catastrophe is to confront it voluntarily. It is something like metaphysical invitation to the cross. The idea is similar to that of the notion of the larger dragons hoarding more gold, which manifests the best in one's life. One may find the weakest part of themselves when pushing themselves against the world, which is what Abraham is doing. Destiny makes itself manifest through opportunities that stimulate one's imagination and invite one to confront certain problems. By taking on challenges, one can start to grow and become stronger, and find out how far their limit reaches.
The importance of facing fears and tragedies
Peterson also notes that when facing tragedies and malevolence, strength, not protection is vital for human thriving. The human capacity to thrive in the face of suffering and malevolence can only come from strength, and not overprotection. Exposure therapy for agoraphobia, for example, introduces people to their fears and exposes them to the things that scare them in a controlled and safe manner. This therapy makes them braver, not less afraid. Peterson believes that one's naivety can be shattered when they've had a direct intersection with the threats of mortality and social judgment. In such cases, the alternative is to 'take apart' the things one is afraid of, expose themselves to them in a controlled manner to realize that they are tougher than they ever knew. He advised people not to over-rely on paternity or authority figures, as overprotection makes them weaker and more dependent.
The importance of confronting one's worst problems
Peterson encourages people to find the great adventure of their lives regardless of their problems. He advises people to delve most deciduously into the worst problems that beset them and face them, as that's how they can realize their full potential. He explained that everyone would face problems in life, but the ability to confront them makes one stronger. Pushing oneself out of the comfort zone and taking on bigger challenges, step by step, can lead to substantial growth, and help realize inner strength and potential that they were previously unaware of.
The article by Jordan Peterson discusses the importance of confronting and voluntarily taking on challenges and catastrophe in life. This information can greatly influence and complement multiple areas of knowledge, including psychology, philosophy, and personal development. By understanding that strength comes not from protection but from confronting and overcoming challenges, individuals can improve their mental and emotional resilience.
However, the article does not delve deeply into the role of social support and community in overcoming catastrophes. While taking on challenges can certainly build individual strength, having a support system can greatly aid individuals in getting through tough times. Additionally, there are contradictions in the article when it comes to the idea of protection and overprotection. While overprotection can certainly harm an individual's ability to confront challenges, protection through support and resources can still aid in promoting strength and resilience.
Overall, the information in the article can greatly influence individuals in various areas of life, but it is important to also consider the role of social support and the potential negative consequences of a lack of protection in certain situations.
Question 1: What is the best way to inoculate oneself against catastrophe according to the article?
Voluntarily take on the deepest possible set of catastrophes as if they are an encouraging challenge.
"The best way through the absolute catastrophe of life is to voluntarily take on the deepest possible set of catastrophes as if they're an encouraging challenge."
Question 2: What is the difference between strength and protection when dealing with tragedy and malevolence?
The article suggests that strength is more effective than protection when dealing with tragedy and malevolence.
"The trick for human thriving in the face of suffering and malevolence is strength, not protection."
Question 3: What is the result of treating people with exposure therapy for agoraphobia?
People become braver, not less afraid, after being treated with exposure therapy for agoraphobia.
"We know for example that if you treat people with exposure therapy for agoraphobia, which is roughly speaking the fear of chaos, you don't make them less afraid, you make them braver."
Question 4: What is the benefit of confronting one's problems rather than avoiding them?
The article suggests that confronting one's problems can lead to finding the great adventure of one's life and discovering that there is far more to oneself than previously thought.
"...the answer is you retreat until you're in your house and there's nowhere you can go, you're the ultimate frozen rabbit, and your life is hell because you can't function. The alternative is let's take apart the things you're afraid of, let's expose you to them...the problem with hiding behind the great father is that there's more to you than you think and if you continue to hide behind that figure then you never have a chance to understand that there's more to you than you think, far more to you than you think."
Quiz 1: Foreign Music
- a. To avoid it at all costs
- b. To confront it voluntarily
- c. To always seek protection from an authority figure
- d. To develop overprotective tendencies Correct answer: b. To confront it voluntarily
- a. Protection
- b. Kindness
- c. Courage and strength
- d. Ignorance Correct answer: c. Courage and strength
- a. It makes them forget their fears
- b. It makes them less afraid
- c. It increases their dependence on authority figures
- d. It has no effect on their fear Correct answer: b. It makes them less afraid
Question 1: What is the best way to inoculate yourself against catastrophe?
Question 2: According to the speaker, what is the key to human thriving in the face of suffering and malevolence?
Question 3: How does exposure therapy help people with agoraphobia?
Quiz 2: Facing Challenges
- a. To avoid challenges at all costs
- b. To always seek protection from an authority figure
- c. To confront challenges that are just beyond your grasp
- d. To never leave your comfort zone Correct answer: c. To confront challenges that are just beyond your grasp
- a. By making them braver
- b. By increasing their fear
- c. By exposing them to danger
- d. By teaching them avoidance techniques Correct answer: a. By making them braver
- a. It makes them more independent
- b. It helps them develop strength and courage
- c. It has no effect on their ability to face challenges
- d. It makes them more dependent on authority figures Correct answer: d. It makes them more dependent on authority figures
Question 1: According to the speaker, what is the best way to find the Great Adventure of your life?
Question 2: How does exposure therapy help people confront their fears?
Question 3: How does overprotection affect a person's ability to face challenges?
Quiz 3: Dealing with Tragedy and Malevolence
- a. To always seek protection from an authority figure
- b. To confront it voluntarily
- c. To avoid it at all costs
- d. To develop overprotective tendencies Correct answer: b. To confront it voluntarily
- a. It makes them more prepared to face adversity
- b. It makes them more dependent on authority figures
- c. It has no effect on their ability to deal with adversity
- d. It makes them more independent Correct answer: b. It makes them more dependent on authority figures
- a. Humans are inherently weak and fragile
- b. Humans are capable of withstanding almost any adversity
- c. Humans have a limit to their toughness
- d. Humans are only as tough as they need to be Correct answer: b. Humans are capable of withstanding almost any adversity
Question 1: According to the speaker, what is the best way to deal with tragedy and malevolence?
Question 2: How does overprotection affect a person's ability to deal with tragedy and malevolence?
Question 3: What is the speaker's opinion on the human capacity for toughness?
- Confront challenges voluntarily: Taking on challenges that are just beyond your grasp helps you develop your strength and overcome obstacles. This can be as simple as setting a small goal and achieving it, then pushing yourself a bit more each time. By consistently confronting challenges, you'll become stronger and more resilient.
- Embrace tragedy and malevolence: Recognize that suffering and adversity are a part of life and can help you grow and develop as a person. Instead of avoiding difficult situations, use them as an opportunity to become stronger.
- Choose strength over protection: Rather than seeking protection from authority figures or avoiding challenges altogether, embrace your strength. This will help you develop confidence and resilience that will serve you well throughout your life.
- Expose yourself to what frightens you: If you have a fear or phobia, exposure therapy can help you desensitize yourself to the trigger. Gradually exposing yourself to the thing that scares you can help you overcome the fear and become stronger.
- Recognize your own limits: While it's important to challenge yourself, it's also important to recognize your own limits. Pushing yourself too far can be counterproductive and may lead to burnout, injury, or other problems.
- Find meaning in adversity: Rather than feeling defeated by tragedy or suffering, use it as an opportunity to find meaning and purpose in your life. Many people find that overcoming challenges and adversity helps them develop a more profound appreciation for life.
The best tip to include in daily life is to confront challenges voluntarily. This doesn't have to be a major undertaking, but can be as simple as setting yourself a small goal and working to achieve it. By consistently pushing yourself to take on slightly more challenging tasks, you'll become stronger and more confident over time. This approach is particularly useful as it doesn't require a major change in your life, but instead encourages you to make small adjustments that build up over time.