The Dark Side of Self-Help: Unmasking Jordan Peterson’s Toxic Philosophy
The self-help industry promises transformation, but when its gurus harbor dangerous ideologies, our personal growth becomes political poison.
In a revealing episode of Philosophy Talk, contributor David Livingstone Smith dissects the disturbing evolution of self-help, pinpointing how figures like Jordan Peterson have corrupted the genre. Peterson, a clinical psychologist turned cultural phenomenon, has built a massive following on the promise of order and meaning in a chaotic world. However, Smith argues that beneath the surface of “clean your room” and “stand up straight” lies a framework deeply rooted in toxic politics and pseudo-science.
The core issue isn’t just Peterson’s personal behavior, which has been widely criticized, but the very structure of his advice. He disguises traditional, often harmful, hierarchies as biological inevitabilities. By misappropriating evolutionary biology and archetypal psychology, he reinforces the idea that patriarchal dominance is natural and necessary. This isn’t empowering self-help; it is a justification for the status quo, dressing up bigotry as wisdom. Smith suggests this brand of guru-ism preys on vulnerable individuals—disproportionately young men—by offering them simple answers to complex problems, while subtly steering them toward resentment and misogyny.
We must be vigilant consumers of “wisdom.” True self-help should liberate us, not trap us in outdated, harmful social structures. It should be based on empathy, genuine psychological understanding, and a desire for collective well-being. The danger of Peterson is that he makes you feel better by making you feel superior to others, a hallmark of toxic movements. The most empowering act is often not following a guru, but developing the critical thinking required to question them. Look for guidance that expands your humanity, rather than one that weaponizes it against others.
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