'Beyond polarisation? The left & Jordan Peterson', with Ronan Harrington, Alter Ego

Jordan Peterson has become one of the polarising public figures in the world, especially to those on the left of the political spectrum. But especially given that the left seems to be losing ground around the world, is there something that people on the left can learn from him? And how can we even have that conversation in a hot tempered political climate that seemed fuelled by the need to cast instant judgement on people and ideas.

Is the left ready to have the conversation, if not, why not?

Ronan and David Fuller (Rebel Wisdom) discuss what is inspiring and challenging about Jordan Peterson, and try to unpack why the left seems to be in such crisis around the world.

He discusses with Rebel Wisdom's David Fuller about what he finds challenging about Jordan Peterson.

This film is part of a larger Rebel Wisdom series, "Jordan Peterson and the left, a new conversation". The other films are as follows.

[MissNatalonga]

17:24 As a woman I do feel Peterson's message is integrative. As he has stated over and over again, his aim is towards the individual and because of that, he speaks to the universal. If one is not caught up in being identified with ones' gender or other external definitions then one is in the position of welcoming his message, which I find highly uplifting, logical and profound.

As far as him opening his searches to include the divine feminine as well as the masculine, I agree it could be beneficial and interesting, but maybe it's just a matter of time. He has obviously set out on his own Hero's journey with the peculiarity of having millions of strangers observing, critiquing and following it from afar. From what I've seen he has the curiosity, strength and intellect to carry this journey out to his fullest, which, following the law of pendulum, I'm guessing might lead him to the other side. (Perhaps it is the role of someone else to dive into that?)

Personally I have loved revisiting the ancient Patriarchal themes that I grew up with as a Catholic and then later rejected growing up. It has made me excited to revisit these from a fresh perspective.

Anyway, this comment wasn't meant to be this long. I applaud you guys from Rebel Wisdom for this space, and I think what Ronan is doing is a step in the right direction.
Cheers!

[marianam]

When I listen to Mr Harrington, he seems like such a gentle compassionate person, but the more I listen, the more he seems to be arguing that we should all try to reproduce an AA circle where we are all listening and feeling and sharing etc. What seems to me to be missing is the discrimination of good vs bad ideas, intellectual judgements, strength of purpose, nobility, and strength of character. Where are those virtues?

[MandrakeDCR]

Major issue here: Peterson regularly went out of his talks on campuses to check on and interact with students. He even went so far as to calmly interact with the protesters far longer than any other person I've ever seen. As the protests have grown louder, and the larger and louder crowds prevent him from interacting with those students who refuse to hear him, simply to prevent him from speaking - I find it disingenuous to paint him as someone unwilling to reach across the aisle. He has offered discounts for his self authoring program on so many occasions, on all spectrum of radio, podcasts, etc. for those willing to try - even if the interview wasn't positive.
I believe that all you would have to do - is approach Dr. Peterson with any question, and even a terse request for a dialog, and he would take you up on it without hesitation. THAT's your problem. That's "his problem" getting through. Because nobody is letting him. Not because he doesn't want to. I'm not even a fanboy, but I can recognize an even thinker when I see one vs. someone who refuses to even begin a conversation.

[rexsovereign]

My immediate sense from this dialog, and I may be wrong, is perhaps Ronan is steeped in new age group think and seeking to find answers outside his own individual heart connection. He's trying to effect spirituality externally. On the other hand, Peterson is in touch with his inner knowing. He's living his archetype. He's actualized. Ronan will not be able to bridge the gap through groupism alone. He must live his dream, and his dream isn't found in his group idenitity.

[berniejii]

Stunning and beautiful conversation. Many ideas that I disagree with but not the people who hold them. I have real hope this is catching on.

[peeznqs]

This is the kind of conversation we need to have the possibility to hear frequently . It is so encouraging to sense, the struggle and to see people willing to work towards a better future.

[Varlwyll]

Petersons interviews with Russell brand are absolutely fascinating.

[KevinThompson]

If a person wants to appeal to those who resonate with Peterson who says simple things like, “clean your room, ” it might be helpful to come your hair before coming on camera.
This isn’t just a blank insult, but if a person’s initial appearance shouts “chaos” on the first impression, you immediately have to now dig yourself out of the hole of that first impression. Chaos is the very thing that many of us want to either reduce or better manage in our lives.
To visibly embody chaos when discussing the views of a person who is trying to help people manage it, it makes you come across as someone trapped in chaotic quicksand while trying to sell us on how delightful it is. No thanks. I can see right away that it’s not something helpful.

[watsonmusica]

This might be my favorite dialogue so far on Rebel Wisdom, and that's saying a lot as you guys are putting out stellar content. I loved the back and forth here, some respectful push back and disagreement, but always from a place of "yes, and.." Thanks for modeling what true conversation can look like.

[craig]

This level of discussion is amazing. Thanks

[OLIAMOROW]

I like Ronan's metamodern adoption of both/and. It's so much more powerful than the absolutist tendency of Peterson. But the irony is, you need someone batting for both sides and someone else to say both/and. I don't know if it's all possible within one mind. This is why these dialogs are so important.

[scottcoston]

This discussion was about *FEELING*... not much about *THINKING*, I don’t care how you feel! Focus on the facts. The world is full of folks whose main approach is emotional NOT cognitive.

[benguin]

Fantastic discussion here. Really helped me reframe my interactions with leftist ideologies. It really is difficult, for some of us who have been rebuked by all of it's narrative structures and suffered because of it, to maintain the balance that gives us the ability to maintain strong relatedness and openness with people who are simultaneously hypocritical and judgmental. You 2 gentleman here have renewed by intention to do so. Great rebuttal to the materialist view that "goodness" is related to material privilege. The most judgmental of the left typically have zero contact with the people they purport to be speaking on behalf of.

[lanagordon]

Peterson is not male centric ffs! Women are individuals who better themselves by engaging in the “hero’s journey” too.

[ciarandudley]

The ultimate paradox: a “both and” mentality must be so universal as to include even the “either/or” mentality in all its exclusivity. To be truly unconditional one must accept even the conditional. The infinite includes the finite.

[astraea]

I don't agree with many of Ronan's political arguments, but I think some good points are also brought up here, and I think it is very positive that the conversation is being opened up more from the "other side" of the divide.

[hossskul]

Voting age Must be raised to 30, that is the age that most of the people in the west now emerge from adolescence

[rsteve]

Can left and right thinkers/doers coexist? Absolutely, especially if they match their strengths and weaknesses to reach a common goal. Peaceful and prosperous coexistence is a worthy goal. My wife and I work at just that. Sometimes it is difficult, but most of the time it is easy.

[donna.g]

I'm 77 and I think that age may help give me an overview perspective. It's good but rare to see this level of reason from a leftie. I'm surprised that the dialogue did not get into Ken Wilber's integral analysis. Theodore Dalrymple, "Life At The Bottom", sees the left as enabling dysfunctional behaviors in the poor - the Left needs to acknowledge that a hand-up works much better than a hand-out.
The conversation made me think of a mediaeval university theology debate, quite alien to the wider societal behaviors. Even Wilber recognises that alien cultures are antagonist to intellectual/spiritual mass improvements. Will the battle/polarisation in the West and movement toward an integrated higher state be destroyed by mass migrations from 3rd world cultures? The Left immediately dismisses such a question with name calling nastiness.

[pseudonamed]

Thanks for opening up your show to more diverse viewpoints. Keep up the good work.