Jordan Peterson, a Canadian psychologist and author, has garnered significant attention for his perspectives on various topics, including evil. His views, often rooted in clinical experience and personal anecdotes, offer a unique lens through which to understand this complex and unsettling concept.
Peterson's exploration of evil is deeply rooted in his belief in the power of individual responsibility. He argues that evil is not an abstract force, but rather a manifestation of human action or inaction. This perspective is encapsulated in his famous quote, "The fundamental moral question is not 'What is good?' but 'What is evil?' because it's much easier to agree about what's good than it is to agree about what's evil."
Peterson's Definition of Evil
Peterson defines evil as that which causes unnecessary suffering. This definition is deliberately broad, allowing for a multifaceted exploration of the concept. He believes that evil can manifest in many forms, from the mundane to the catastrophic, and that it is often the result of a failure to take responsibility for one's actions.
He elaborates on this definition in his book "12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos," where he argues that evil is not a supernatural force, but a product of human nature. He writes, "Evil is the consequence of the failure to take responsibility for one's own life. It is the negation of the responsibility that is the essence of Being."
Evil as a Failure of Responsibility
Peterson's view of evil as a failure of responsibility is central to his philosophy. He believes that when individuals refuse to take responsibility for their actions, they create unnecessary suffering for themselves and others. This can manifest in various ways, from personal failures to societal breakdowns.
He illustrates this point with the story of the ancient Greek myth of Icarus, who flew too close to the sun and fell into the sea. Peterson interprets this myth as a cautionary tale about the dangers of overreaching and the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions. He argues that Icarus's fall was not caused by the sun, but by his own hubris and his father's failure to guide him.
Evil as a Product of Human Nature
Peterson also believes that evil is deeply rooted in human nature. He argues that humans are prone to evil not because they are inherently wicked, but because they are prone to error and weakness. He writes, "Evil is not something that happens elsewhere, but something that happens here, in our own hearts, in our own lives, in our own families, in our own communities."
He further elaborates on this point in his lecture series "Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief," where he discusses the psychological underpinnings of evil. He argues that evil is often the result of a distorted sense of meaning and purpose, which can lead individuals to act in ways that cause harm to themselves and others.
Peterson's Approach to Combating Evil
Given his definition of evil, Peterson's approach to combating it is deeply personal and introspective. He believes that the first step in combating evil is to take responsibility for one's own life and actions. He argues that this is not an easy task, as it requires facing up to one's own flaws and failures.
He also believes that combating evil requires a deep understanding of human nature. He argues that humans are complex beings, capable of both great good and great evil. He writes, "We are not evil because we are human. We are evil because we are weak and corruptible." Therefore, he believes that the fight against evil is not a battle against human nature, but a struggle to overcome its weaknesses.
The Role of Personal Responsibility
Peterson emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility in combating evil. He believes that individuals have a moral obligation to take responsibility for their own lives and actions. He argues that this is not a matter of self-interest, but a moral imperative. He writes, "It's not just that you should take responsibility for your own life. It's that you must."
He illustrates this point with his famous "Clean your room" metaphor. He argues that taking responsibility for one's own life, no matter how small the task, is the first step in taking responsibility for the world. He writes, "If you cannot bring order to your own house, you will not bring order to the world."
The Role of Community and Society
While Peterson emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility, he also recognizes the role of community and society in combating evil. He believes that individuals are not isolated beings, but members of complex social systems. He argues that these systems can either facilitate or hinder the fight against evil.
He discusses this in his book "Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life," where he argues that societies can either promote or suppress evil. He writes, "A society that does not support its people in their struggle against evil is a society that is itself evil." Therefore, he believes that combating evil requires not just personal responsibility, but also a functioning and just society.
Peterson's views on evil, while complex and sometimes controversial, offer a unique perspective on this challenging concept. His emphasis on personal responsibility and human nature provides a framework for understanding and combating evil. However, his views also serve as a reminder that the fight against evil is a complex and ongoing struggle, requiring not just individual effort, but also collective responsibility and societal change.