Jordan Peterson - The Best Way To Learn Critical Thinking 

How to be a better thinker? Write. How to be a better writer? Read.

'Articulate is the most dangerous thing you can possibly be.' - Jordan Peterson.

"If your students are stupid they are not going to challenge you", deadly accurate words

In college my favorite class was my hardest class (STEM classes notwithstanding). Roman Empire with Prof. Burkholder. The first essay I wrote for that class I thought was the best essay I'd ever written (and it was), and I thought it was going to blow him away. I got a C- on that paper. For the rest of the semester, I struggled up the ladder B-, B, B+, then finally an A- on my last essay. No one gets an A of any sort in Burkholder's classes. That essay is to me a much greater mark of pride than my degree. My degree is in a file cabinet somewhere, waiting to be scanned/copied for administrative purposes, whereas all my Roman Empire essays are in my desk and I look them over every six months or so just to review them; to remember the struggle and the writing lessons learned.

That last line, devastating

“If you can think and speak and write, you are absolutely DEADLY. NOTHING CAN GET IN YOUR WAY.” THANK YOU.

3:25 by far THEE hardest eye roll I've ever seen in my life. Damn near rolled his head off his neck 😂

I like how people who post portions of his videos always give a link to the source video. Somehow being his fan and being a decent person seem to go well together.

The pen is mightier than the sword. But unfortunately contemporary academia rewards students that are good at reciting the instructor rather than evaluating the arguments that students themselves have formulated.

Fantastic video -- I have learned more from 2 weeks of Jordan Peterson than my Bachelor's and Master's degrees.

- Understand the connections between ideas - Identify, construct, and evaluate arguments - Detect inconsistencies and mistakes in reasoning - Solve problems systematically identify - The relevance and importance of idea I read from book ;)

Reading makes a man broad. Writing makes a man prepared. Speaking makes a man concise. Francis Bacon, paraphrase

MATH The other good way to learn critical thinking is to know math. The problem solving skills developed with advanced math courses not only provides the tools, but the ability to think deeply in other cognitive areas. Math combined with good writing skills is even deadlier, than good writing skills alone.

Dr. Jordan is EXACTLY RIGHT! I write for a living (I write organizational histories). Several years ago I thought that my writing skills could benefit from an exploration of critical thinking. After all, I reasoned, writing fully illustrates how you're thinking. Therefore, if I'm a better thinker, I automatically become a better writer. Besides, although I had an idea of what Critical Thinking was, I couldn't really articulate it, so I wasn't sure I even knew what it was. So I dove into this topic, a topic that has consumed a large part of my life. I have been and still am fascinated by it. One of the first things I discovered is that I was already a critical thinker in large measure as a result of my writing. What I really lacked was the vocabulary for what I was doing. I lacked a conceptual framework for thinking and reasoning. I lacked a disciplined way to analyze and improve upon thinking (either my own or someone else's). All of that is very valuable--but I had already acquired the skills (though I had no names for those skills) through writing itself. I wish I would have had training in critical thinking earlier in my life, it could have actually made me a better writer much faster, but it's a chicken and egg question now. Writing IS thinking. Trying to improve upon that writing--that's adding criticality. That all by itself makes you a practicing critical thinker.

Some of the most helpful advice of my life came from my Grandfather. He once told me that school wasn't actually meant to teach you what you need to know in life, beyond giving you a foundation to build on. School is actually meant to teach you HOW to learn. I never properly understood it while I was in school, but I eventually saw how powerful knowledge can actually be, and that all of the best knowledge has been found in my own pursuits, not in a classroom.

I am so thankful that you opened with that. As a certified English teacher almost 20 years ago, I was at a job interview and told the administators my goal was to teach children critical reading, thinking and writing skills. I was laughed at and told I was supposed to say I would teach to the test. That was the year Common Core was implemented, after a large buyout was offered to seasoned teachers who probably knew better. Parents, public schools are not interested in making your children critical thinkers. That needs to be our job. It was a goal I made in raising my kids.

Hints for essay or narrative writing can be found here: jordanbpeterson.com/docs/430_docs/Template.docx (from jordanbpeterson.com) Sorry for missing 2 days in a row, I am having internet problems and I brought my PC to a friend to keep the site updated and answer messages. My ISP says it will be fixed by tomorrow, I hope that's true!

If your students are stupid, they are not going to challenge you! Exactly! As a former writing instructor, this concept should be on a teacher's contract. I have had too many 'students' who told me (all the while pouting and feeling put upon) that they 'graduated' with an 'A' in English, and were therefore entitled to be the lazy-arsed and completely ineffective 'students' at university! I cursed the 'teachers' who passed them! I had 'students' in my writing classes (remedial) who could not think, articulate, or write anything coherent! Furthermore, they themselves were becoming 'teachers,' at which statements I internally rolled my eyes and prayed for a quick and merciful death! For these 'teachers' will pass on all of their own errors and careless habits. And so it goes ...

4 years searching for this answer and I find it not from my university but from a youtube video from a man far more intelligent than anyone on our faculty.

I fell in love with the way this man articulates himself, that every sentence flows into the other. One day I wish to be able to speak as he does to interpret the construct of thinking the way he does.

I haven't written anything in 4 years. Recently I've been unsatisfied with my level of intellectual competence. Recently my professor told me that my class is going to write an essay a week for the next 6 months. And then this video shows up in my feed. Honestly, too many synchronicities are happening in my life to not believe in God. I feel so grateful for channels like this. Bless you

Dc Peterson is genius. I am happy to learn from him.

“Thinking and writing are the same” very valuable I’ve never though of it that way

English was definitely my hardest subject in college, but when I wrote a good essay and actually ace it, I felt really good about myself.

God, I don't even know how to express my gratitude towards Jordan Peterson. He's like a father that I never had for me.

Peterson could not be speaking any more truth here!! As a university instructor myself I can tell you with absolute certainty marking an essay that is poorly written is one of the most difficult tasks you can have in academics. While on the flip side of this, marking an essay that is very well written is an incredibly pleasurable experience. If I could have the majority of my students writing well, my life and my job would be 100 times easier.

Writing is good. It's like we are communicating with ourselves. Writing is not only about words but also about what is in our hearts like what we want.

Deadset no one has ever told me why I should write, and what advantages & empowerment it enables in you. And I've been in STEM fields at uni for 3 years...

Honesty I never knew why we read and write growing up. I know that we do these things to understand the language but other than that I didn't care much about reading or writing. It was not until I got kicked out of college that I started to understand that reading helps you think, organize, and connect your thoughts in a way that help other people understand what you are saying. When you read great writers, you start to understand how to write better.

I think I have to agree with him. I'm in my second semester of a 2 year masters of teaching and after submitting 3 batches of essays I'm starting to get the hang of it. It's like my brain just caught on fire. I'm seeing connections EVERYWHERE! I started writing essays on the side, not for any assignment, just to articulate my thoughts.

Shared this today with my 8th grade summer reading/writing group....very well received by my students!!!! Love this.

Link to the Guide: docs.google.com/viewer?url=jordanbpeterson.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Essay_Writing_Guide.docx

Im always overthinking each situation to substantial degree. I've. Been writting my though and sentiments for a while now either in poetry or just as if comes and read it over to understand myself more. I've slowly began to improve my critical thinking and put it into words. The only thing I need to work on is speaking. I have social anxiety and an introvert. Which is why i'm currently looking for a job that i can practice socializing with other people...i'll be damned in my lion dies within the cage.

Best advice I've heard in a long time. And as someone stuck in writing their thesis absolutely motivating! Thank you for sharing.

Jordan Peterson is a beautiful mind. We need more great thinkers like him.

"If your students are stupid they're not going to challenge you." My boss wishes I was stupid.

the way people treat him (especially people on the left) is mind blowing.....he's a one of a kind

His essay guide became the foundation to how I write my essays. There is a lot to learn from it. Thanks Dr. Peterson

So true. I know I understand something well when I can write it in a structured way.

Don't tell what's wrong can be super annoying but that bitter action can stimulate one to think critically,that's the introspection. And tell what's right and say "Could you find more right things then?",and one can start discover what kind of things are needed and one can know why they are needed. That's the difference between knowing and understanding.

I remember my mother telling me, “when you write things down, it registers in your brain.” It’s easy to memorize something when it’s laid down on paper,

That’s true. Awesome. Also learning other languages, because then you’re exploring building blocks of another language with a learned conscience and switching between the two dialogoues. Not long into studying and the mind has already adapted an entirely new thought process. Learning other languages is super beneficial if you want to *remember how to think critically.* Musicians also know how the gift of songwriting impacts the thought process

you can find the word template here: jordanbpeterson.com/classes/psychology-434/ it's under the "Announcements:" section

Here's a link to the writing guides Jordan mentioned. www.reddit.com/r/JordanPeterson/comments/9i18n6/jordan_peterson_writing_guide_in_a_more_concise/?

I like how his main point is simply trying to instill to people seeking an education the basis of why they should learn and be better in their areas of expertise in which they pursue. A really dedicated person to spread what should be basic common knowledge to academics

'I guess that keeps the competition down'. i love this saying sooo much

I didnt realize how much I needed those video. No one has ever put it like that. It makes so much sense now. Thank you

Thank you so much Sir for this valuable information. I was never serious in studies and thought my memory was bad and could not remember what I studied for many hours. But now I realised the importance of writing the important points down so that learning will be successful.

Wow! I love this so much. Thank you for holding all of us to a higher standard.

More people need to listen to this man, his knowledge can save lives

So glad I was raised "old school" and loved writing since I was a wee one. Brilliant.

bit.ly/2FhE7YR - This is my humble attempt to translate Doctor Jordan Peterson's lectures into visual notes. I extracted this bit out of one of Dr. Peterson's lectures. I am also planning to upload more synthesized animated material I took out from his other lectures.

To know how to write you need to have a deep and clear thoughts flow with influential emotions can be felt by the reader backed up with sophisticated word play, you need to be versed and on top of the language you use to deliver your message

Thinking, along with the ability to articulate your thoughts so that they are compelling and sensible to others, is the whole point of education. The pen is only mightier than the sword if the pen is wielded by someone who knows how to use it.

I hope JP is doing well. I watch this in 2020 and miss his gift to the world.

I learned how to write by reading books, and then further refined it in my AP English class senior year of high school. I enjoyed analyzing and interpreting and coming up with my own ideas about the texts we read, and the books we chose ourselves. I learned more about myself as I wrote.

I can't believe I went through my entire university career without ever hearing this. It might have been said, and I might have been mentally outside the classroom, but I don't recall ever hearing anything like this. This is absolutely key to learning. BTW I got good grades on my papers; how I don't know.

I was introduced to Dr. Peterson in my final undergrad year. Gave me a total different perspective and I now understand better about what it takes to grow up. Thank you very much, bit-sized philosophy and Dr. Peterson.

This is definitely one of the best clips I have needed. Thanks for sharing such a bite-sized philosophy. ✌✌✌✌

I have since found my voice since I was young. I feel like I know how to speak and think for the most part. I left college early, I live at my moms and im almost 30 but I feel unstoppable.

"If your students are stupid, they cant challenge you" :) Made my day

"University lecturer encourages students to learn how to use assault rifles"

Thank you, thank you, thank you. Lovely to have this intelligence spoken of in no uncertain terms. I've given up telling people to write and the benefits of it. Deadly clip.

I swear this guy drops so many truth bombs in casual conversation that they're the kind of quotes that will become legendary, and people will live their lives by in the future!!

❤️ Jordan Peterson. He’s spot on with his analysis and hilarious in his delivery without even meaning to be.

I (believe it or not) graduated university and never ever had an instructor that held my attention like this guy. Wow

This is really good, wish I a had teacher like Peterson back in school.

Having the bravery to share your REAL thoughts and feelings in life and online - THAT is powerful :-)

The simple answer is read more books and the main field or subject that causes critical thinking is philosophy because philosophy is the study of logic! Until you can truly understand the concept of knowing thyself you sincerely wont be able to comprehend just about everyone else

As someone who (like so many) loves the language, I am heartened by the depth and mindfulness of all these replies.

Just what I needed. Thanks for sharing this.

Thinking makes you act effectively in the world, WOW, I am winning the battles that I undertake

I need this man in my life......Thank you, RU-vid.

Reading is focused on gathering information. Writing is about how you process it.

Thank you for this Dr. Peterson this changed my perspective on writing and speaking.

I totally agree. Cheers, Russ

I'm currently on my Creative Writing course in college and I believe he is dead on point that learning how to write is necessary for critical thinking. It can be quite meddlesome and time consuming, and certainly at times even outright daunting, because of the learning aspect of how to be a good writer or the amount of things you have to know about literature and how to write about literature, is not only exhausting, it can take your joy from writing. But because of this I found meaning in justifying my suffering or my hardships. Because it is hard, therefore it becomes meaningful. It just goes to show that happiness is not the end goal in life. Yes, it is important that you pick a career that you enjoy or at least passionate about, but your hardships is what makes it meaningful. Not because you are happy with it. And these things that pressures you, that pushes you, that tells you to read more or to write more actually shapes your critical thinking.

I study Computer Science, and my whole career has nothing to do with philosophy, but if i got a philosophy teacher like this in my Uni, i would just sign up for classes to just go there and listen to his beautiful words

Fantastic advice, will be adopting this more in my life.

Brilliant! ..... Dr. Peterson on the faults of higher (mis)education. I taught grad and undergrad classes in social work. Vast parts of a college education are actually prolonged rites of passage ending in a certificate. Some of my best students were mature adults who had lived lives of hard-knocks and who had ongoing problems of varied kinds. Some were battle tested Vietnam War vets. Some were mom's or dad's raising families. Academically, many were raw material not even 1/2 polished for competition with the more privileged younger students. I could tell stories all day about college level teaching and of some sociological aspects that were disturbing to me. Dr. PETERSON, YOU DA MAN!!!!

"The pen is mightier than the sword" Edward Bulwer-Lytton (1839)

I can tell you from my time in prison that if jordan peterson was mandatory viewing for inmates the crime rate would fall dramatically

Anyway we can get our hands on the writing template Dr.Peterson spoke about at the beginning. What a genius and may I say gracious way to help his students and himself by making a writing guide rather than taking all that time correcting.. In a world where people would rather punish others and themselves, this is a breathe of fresh air. Thank you Dr.Peterson

well, this was more than perfect. Thank U

I want to be deadly. -determined emoji

Thx for these bits man. Always appreciate them! Do u work for mr Peterson

This is 100% correct, Yes exactly

This has just given me a new lease of life. Thankyou Jordan Peterson.

His words are so noteworthy they need 2 mics on his shirt

When I was child 7 - 10 years old I like to write, to speak. I can write essays easily and I love to speak my mind. Until my Dad said Math is better than writing essays, I need to excel my math, than I stop writing, calculating things is easier,but somehow I lost ability to explain well to others. Well it's time to claim my ability back.. Thank you Sir

This is probably one of the best Peterson videos I've seen.

Professor tem contribuído muito e de maneira factível a minha vida! Muito obrigado! Esse é o maior grau de agradecimento vindo de minha pessoa! Thanks teacher!

Wow...amazing. I have an 8th grade education and am a convicted felon. I've always had a strong vocabulary and the ability to innately spell, write and communicate in an effective manor. My education and background has never been an obstacle to financial success. Imagine what one can achieve when adding formal education and effort to the mix!

I'm a high school history teacher struggling with students with low reading and writing abilities. Many of them are english language learners, but many have also just been pushed through. Theres no consequences for failure in school. Unfortunately that's not how the real world works. I've made it my mission to teach them to read and write. Even though I teach history, I'd rather them learn a skill than the content. They can look up the history and I will use it as the medium we discuss, but man, writing and thinking are so important.

Very concise and precise statements summarise the entire subject matter.

Pure timeless practical relevant truth. Takes mental-powerlifting to come up with the right words.

"If your students are stupid, they're not gonna challenge you. That's one way to keep the competition down."

Two Takeaways : 1) If you can think and speak and write, you are absolutely deadly. 2) Articulate is the most dangerous thing you can possibly be.

I believe that writing helps with speech. Especially understanding how to get right to the point with clear explanation using less.

I don't agree with Mr Peterson on some of his more general views, but he absolutely nails it here. I'm learning German at the moment, already have 2 degrees and I'm just now realising how important it was to learn well-structured writing.