Fired for Honesty and Competence: One Genuine Teacher's Story | Warren Smith | EP 504

Dr. Jordan B. Peterson sits down with teacher, filmmaker, and YouTuber, Warren Smith. They discuss his unexpected virality after Elon Musk retweeted a video of him teaching critical thinking. They also walk through the aftermath, Warren’s run-ins and eventual firing by administrative bureaucrats, why asking permission to take on the unknown is not needed, and how the choice to live a safe life or accept an extraordinary adventure is ultimately yours to make.

This episode was filmed on November 21st, 2024

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(0:00) Intro
(3:09) Unexpected virality: reflection and careful speech
(8:17) The school where Warren taught, “all the kids with all the problems in the same school”
(21:51) The viral clip
(24:29) Inspired by Jordan Peterson
(30:31) A loaded question, critical thinking
(32:11) Blowback from the school administrators, “use of the technology is not independent from the content”
(36:51) Why students are worried about transphobia, consensus of the moment
(45:55) From upload to Elon Musk, genuine effort will not fail
(52:00) First successes and failures in Hollywood, leaving LA
(55:13) The Piers Morgan interview, why you don’t ask permission from bureaucrats
(1:02:38) Archetypes and Harry Potter
(1:04:29) The bureaucrats were not happy, wisdom and daring
(1:13:56) When rules are written that have no specifics until it’s decided you broke them
(1:16:20) Contaminated by the unknown — and why it’s a worthwhile endeavor
(1:24:28) Opportunity is only limited by your fear, accepting the call

// COURSES //

#JordanPeterson #JordanBPeterson #DrJordanPeterson #DrJordanBPeterson #DailyWirePlus

[SecretScholars]

I am struggling to find the words to describe what an honor and incredible experience this conversation was. Thank you

[HIMMBelljuvo]

He got fired because he taught students to think critically. Let that sink in.

[derwoodsdiy]

When critical thinking from a teacher goes viral, you know we are in a cultural shift.

[sneakyquick]

This guy is literally the teacher every young person needs

[fawkesandhound]

It’s crazy that the criticism: “let’s not go with what other people have said, let’s learn to critically think”
Is such an absolute affront to so many people.

[Filmchica]

As a former kid from a very dysfunctional home, teachers like Warren are the reason I’m even remotely normal. God bless good teachers. There are fewer and fewer each day and it’s a tragedy.

[barbaxamos]

His whole personality is exactly what is needed in an educational figure. He is honest, patient, and open-minded.

[judeodea]

Honesty and competence shouldn’t cost a career. Warren Smith is the teacher every student deserves.

[ays]

I am a retired teacher, principle, special education teacher/director and educational diagnostician. This young teacher would’ve been my delight to let loose in his creativity. God’s blessings on you, young man. May you impact many other young people & beyond throughout your life.

[EnchantedAI-sg]

One of the saddest moments recorded in YouTube is this man calmly and quietly almost whispering “I miss it”. 😢

[christianbaxter_yt]

There is not a better example of Peterson’s genuine impact on a young man, who is following in his archetypal footsteps.

[jamesburke]

The "Problem" was that this man actually TEACHES. He doesn't parrot the woke garbage and indoctrinate young minds. Developing critical thinking: not brain washing. God Bless you, Sir

[CSPaffy]

Wow, Warren is one of those guys who just needed one little spark to grow into a wildfire. Good for him.

[mattharvey]

This guy should be winning a teacher of the year award, instead he is fired for teaching kids to use critical thinking to make sense of all the propaganda that they are bombarded with in society!

[jennifervert]

Best Teacher I’ve seen in a long time. Please move to Montana … we will hire you for our private school MVCA in a heart beat🤗

[bernadettec]

He's a rare teacher. Wish I had the experience of being taught by a teacher of his caliber.

[tranquilbiscuit]

Thank God Warren finally got the opportunity to appear on your channel. Following him has been a wild ride since he was fired for critical thought and the crime of teaching.

[julianachua]

Warren Smith and Jordan Peterson in one conversation - truly Christmas come early. This podcast never disappoints!

[michaelconeys]

As an attorney who spent almost 30 years as a senior counsel in the Office of the General Counsel of the New York City School District, this is truly an invaluably insightful and inspirational podcast episode. May God bless Warren Smith, Dr. Peterson, and their loved ones always in their life journeys. I could write for pages on the many important aspects upon which they touched in these 90 minutes.

[Chiclette-ldxx]

Thank you Doctor JBP for featuring Warren Smith. It is unbelievable where we find ourselves in this time and place. I wish him great success as other doors open for him. Bravo.