The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast – 377. This is for the Anonymous Online Trolls | Dr. Gad Saad

Intro

In this episode of “The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast,” Jordan Peterson is joined by Dr. Gad Saad, an academic who has been a long-time supporter of Peterson. They discuss various topics including the psychology of entrepreneurship, evolutionary psychology, and the threat of idea pathogens. They also delve into the characteristics of online trolls and the importance of speaking up against oppressive ideologies. The conversation touches on the role of religion, the universal nature of archetypal narratives, and the pursuit of happiness. Dr. Gad Saad’s unique perspective and playful approach to serious topics make this episode both informative and engaging.

Main Takeaways

Support and Courage

• Dr. Gad Saad was one of the first academics to support Jordan Peterson during his first round of controversy.
• Courage is a rare virtue, and many people are easily led into a state of pathological silence.
• Dr. Gad Saad exhibits no cowardice and stands up for what he believes in.

Idea Pathogens and Memorable Stories

• The Paracetic Mind argues that humans can be parasitized by idea pathogens, causing maladaptive behavior.
• Idea pathogens include postmodernism, social constructivism, biophobia, and cultural relativism.
• A Darwinian race between sets of ideas for memorability and community can help prevent the spread of idea pathogens.
• Stories are memorable and are often communicated by those who remember them.

Left-Wing Authoritarianism and Dark Tetrad Traits

• Left-wing authoritarianism combines progressive ethos with the willingness to use fear and compulsion to implement them.
• Verbal intelligence, being female, having a feminine temperament, and having taken a politically correct higher education course are predictors of the proclivity to have left-wing authoritarian views.
• The dark tetrad personality characteristics, including malignant narcissism, have a powerful relationship with left-wing authoritarian views and have subclinical characteristics of psychopaths.

Online Trolls and Parasitic Ideas

• Online culture enables predatory psychopaths on the criminal and sub-criminal front.
• Dark Tetrad traits are more likely to be exhibited by online trolls.
• Parasitic ideas wish to be free from the pesky shackles of reality.

Religion, Archetypal Narratives, and Happiness

• The highest animating principle in the biblical corpus transformed from nature gods to a personal God.
• Religion offers a solution to the fundamental problem of mortality.
• Archetypal narratives are universal because they are an indelible part of human nature.
• Authenticity, play, and finding shared values contribute to happiness.

Summary

The Importance of Courage and Standing Up Against Oppressive Ideologies

Dr. Gad Saad’s support for Jordan Peterson highlights the rarity of courage and the ease with which people fall into pathological silence. In a world where many individuals exhibit cowardice, Dr. Gad Saad stands as a credible observer who fearlessly speaks his mind. Together, Jordan Peterson and Dr. Gad Saad explore the psychology of entrepreneurship, evolutionary psychology, and the threat of idea pathogens spawned in the university ecosystem. They emphasize the need for a Darwinian race between sets of ideas to prevent the spread of these idea pathogens and the importance of memorable stories in conveying and preserving important concepts.

The Characteristics of Online Trolls and the Dangers of Parasitic Ideas

Online culture enables predatory psychopaths, and research shows that individuals with dark tetrad traits are more likely to exhibit trolling behavior. Parasitic ideas thrive in the virtual world, seeking freedom from the constraints of reality. These ideas can be harmful and spread easily, making it crucial to be aware of their existence and develop strategies to combat them.

Left-Wing Authoritarianism and Dark Tetrad Traits

Left-wing authoritarianism combines progressive values with a willingness to use fear and compulsion to enforce them. Verbal intelligence, femininity, and politically correct education are predictors of proclivity towards left-wing authoritarian views. Additionally, individuals with dark tetrad traits, such as malignant narcissism, exhibit characteristics of psychopaths and are more likely to hold left-wing authoritarian views.

Religion, Archetypal Narratives, and Happiness

The conversation delves into the role of religion in human society, highlighting its ability to offer solutions to existential questions and provide a sense of purpose. Archetypal narratives, found across cultures, reflect universal aspects of human nature. Happiness is found through authenticity, playfulness, and shared values. The importance of finding a partner who shares similar mindsets and the impact of religion on happiness are also explored.

Conclusion

This episode of “The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast” with Dr. Gad Saad covers a wide range of topics, from the importance of courage and standing up against oppressive ideologies to the characteristics of online trolls and the dangers of parasitic ideas. The conversation also delves into the role of religion, the universality of archetypal narratives, and the pursuit of happiness. Dr. Gad Saad’s playful approach to serious topics and his unwavering support for Jordan Peterson make this episode both informative and engaging.