Early Life and Education

Jordan Bernt Peterson was born on June 12, 1962, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He grew up in Fairview, a small town in the northwest of the province. Peterson obtained bachelor’s degrees in political science and psychology from the University of Alberta and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from McGill University.

Academic Career

Peterson has had a distinguished academic career, teaching at Harvard University before returning to Canada in 1998 to become a professor of psychology at the University of Toronto. His areas of study and research within the fields of psychology are diverse, ranging from psychopharmacology to personality, social, industrial and organizational, religious, ideological, political, and creativity.

Published Works

Peterson is the author of several notable works, including “Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief” (1999), “12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos” (2018), and “Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life” (2021). His books have topped best-selling lists in several countries.

YouTube Presence

Peterson has a significant presence on YouTube, where he posts lectures and interviews. His channel has gathered millions of views and has more than 7 million subscribers.

Controversial Views

Peterson has been known for his controversial views on cultural and political issues. He gained widespread attention in the late 2010s for his views, often described as conservative. He has criticized political correctness, postmodernism, postmodern feminism, white privilege, cultural appropriation, and environmentalism.

Criticism of Bill C-16

In 2016, Peterson released a series of YouTube videos criticizing the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code (Bill C-16), which introduced “gender identity and expression” as prohibited grounds for discrimination. Peterson claimed that the bill would make the use of certain gender pronouns, “compelled speech”.

Health Problems

Throughout 2019 and 2020, Peterson suffered health problems in the aftermath of severe benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome.

Self-Authoring Suite

Peterson, along with colleagues, established a website and company to deliver an evolving writing therapy system called The Self-Authoring Suite. It consists of a series of online writing programs that help individuals analyze their past, present, and future.

Biblical Lectures

In 2017, Peterson began a series of live theatre lectures, also published as podcasts, in which he analyzes archetypal narratives in the Book of Genesis as patterns of behavior ostensibly vital for personal, social, and cultural stability.

Resignation from the University of Toronto

In the fall of 2021, Peterson retired from employment at the University of Toronto, becoming professor emeritus.

Chancellor of Ralston College

In May 2022, Peterson became chancellor of Ralston College, a liberal arts education project.

Deal with The Daily Wire

In June 2022, Peterson signed a deal with the news company The Daily Wire, which includes the distribution rights to Peterson’s video and podcast library.

Twitter Suspension

On June 29, 2022, Peterson’s Twitter account was suspended under the site’s “hateful conduct policy” after posting a tweet misgendering and deadnaming transgender actor Elliot Page. His Twitter account was restored in November 2022 after Elon Musk acquired the company.

Political Views

Peterson has characterized himself politically as a “classic British liberal” and a “traditionalist”. He supports universal healthcare, redistribution of wealth towards the poor, and the decriminalization of drugs.

Influence on Students

Peterson’s lectures have been described as having “something akin to a cult following”. His former students recall his lectures as deeply impactful, with some even crying on the last day of class because they wouldn’t get to hear him anymore.

Criticism of Universities

Peterson suggests that universities are largely responsible for a wave of political correctness that has appeared in North America and Europe. He believes the humanities have become corrupt and less reliant on science.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 16 facts about Jordan Peterson shed light on the life and ideas of this influential figure. Whether one agrees or disagrees with his viewpoints, there is no denying the impact he has made on contemporary discourse. Peterson’s intellectual contributions and thought-provoking insights have challenged conventional thinking and pushed the boundaries of public discourse. As his ideas continue to resonate with many, the influence of Jordan Peterson is likely to endure, leaving a lasting imprint on the intellectual landscape of our time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is Jordan Peterson?

Jordan Peterson is a Canadian psychologist, author, and media commentator. He gained widespread attention in the late 2010s for his views on cultural and political issues.

What are some of Jordan Peterson’s notable works?

Peterson is the author of “Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief”, “12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos”, and “Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life”.

What is Jordan Peterson’s stance on political correctness?

Peterson has been known for his criticism of political correctness, postmodernism, postmodern feminism, white privilege, cultural appropriation, and environmentalism.

What is the Self-Authoring Suite?

The Self-Authoring Suite is a series of online writing programs established by Peterson and his colleagues. It helps individuals analyze their past, present, and future.

What happened to Jordan Peterson’s Twitter account in 2022?

In June 2022, Peterson’s Twitter account was suspended under the site’s “hateful conduct policy” after posting a tweet misgendering and deadnaming transgender actor Elliot Page. His account was restored in November 2022 after Elon Musk acquired the company.