'Mysticism, Spirit and the Shadow' - Jordan Peterson interview part 1 

I love to see JP relaxed with an interviewer who isn’t constantly trying to set a trap for him.

“Humans are all too powerful to be naive. we are not going to survive unless we face our darkness.” -J Peterson, circa 2019

Jordan Peterson seems to be to Western thought what Alan Watts was to Eastern thought. He presents a very compelling and interesting collection of the best lessons from an entire tradition and presents them in a way that you can effectively integrated into your life. Fantastic stuff.

One time someone asked CS Lewis where evil comes from and he said, "I have to look no further than my own heart."

This is the Dr. Peterson I love. Calm, wise, funny.

Him and his little cup. So relaxed. He deserves every interview to be like this, not attacks and anxiety ridden clashes that he needs days to recover from

Im a 45 yr old Canadian white guy. I totally believe the good Dr to be a perfect Canadian. This was what men were, and were encouraged to be like when I was young. Rugged manhood, tempered with love, intelligence responsibility and self sacrifice....I dont know why/how/when it all changed......

This man wears a cardigan like a boss.

Let me watch this about 50 more times to pick apart all the nuances. Holy crap...he puts out more intricate ideas within 30 seconds than the average person does in 30 days lol.

21:32 "You’re stuck with a certain number of profound experiences, and all of them can be negative if you let the default manifest itself." That statement really resonated with me. It took me a while to realise from ruminating on my own suffering that when brought down to its most cardinal form, it all came from me letting the world go by, and allowing time to decide things for me, instead of actively making things happen for myself.

I literally have had shivers down my spine for the first 10 minutes of this video. I don’t know how to explain it very well and i know that maybe it’s a wasted comment here... but none the less I am grateful for this video and both speakers

First time I've heard Peterson interviewed by someone who also had something to say. Nicely done.

diamond in the rough, this deserves more views.

4:30 I agree with Dr. Peterson here... I've been to raves and nightclubs where in the later hours of the event, the music gets better and everyone is dancing and making a statement but it felt like we were all on the same frequency.. like there was this unspoken mutual understanding that's beyond our human condition... times like that where I felt so connected to the "family"... i love that feeling of unity with my brothers and sisters.

I'm in awe of this man's intelligence and eloquence! And I love the way he says "body"!

(Serious) I'm coming down from probably the most eye opening/life changing psychedelic experience I'll ever have and I'm simply amazed at how much of what I learned during the trip is basically confirmed in this video.

"We are too powerful to be naiive" basically sums up what I've been trying to convey to the people around me for the last couple of years. It is not easy to shake somebody (full grown adults, I mean) out of naivety as it comes with a very comfortable cushion of irresponsibility... for years I felt like I've been drowning in a sea of carelessness, dispassionate attitudes and cynicism; JP has helped me gain clarity to my situation, to what I stand for; he ingeniously found a way to put it into words that ever present "thing" that consistently has me down and that I am forbidden from talking about. It ignites rage in people when addressing certain truths too directly. I know first hand about the power of emotionally-underdeveloped adults. I think being the younger sibling allowed me this perspective.... they say younger siblings are the most pampered. Perhaps, although that comes with the burden of two things: not being taken seriously, ever, and being very easily influenced by most everybody, since instinctively you feel that everyone is more powerful than you, so the best survival strategy is to be a good follower; then you realize, not everyone enjoys being followed even if they say they do. Even if they think they do.

He compels me to think and be proud of striving for truth. He is the man I wish I could be

He's changing my life.

Who is this man!!!??? OMG!! I have found truth!! I completely relate. Wow....Thank You!! Life changing.

"you take your responsibility for moving the world closer to the heaven or hell"

Man… Man … Man … This Man is Amazing !!! When he talk about the continual undermining of the child being a sophisticated way to violent them !!! This Man is the most important person of this decade for sure !!!

Potential for havoc. One who understands one sword is so sharp yet remains sheathed for the benefit of all!

Jung believed that the guru was inside of us not another person. Take the good from JPB but do not idolize him or become addicted to him.

My favorite of jp so far, and I’ve been obsessing over him watching his videos everyday for over a year. If you want to comprehend the concept of “integration” as it applies your experience of self on this planet, this video will take you farther and deeper into understanding, as everything he says s Is nestled within archaic foundations of spiritual truth.

My life is forever changed after watching this. More research is needed. I'm hungry.

this is how an interview should be held

I enjoyed the calm, gentle nature of this interview. Both people seem very relaxed and at ease discussing these topics. Great content also. Thank you for sharing.

"Gentlemen, you had my curiosity… but now you have my attention."

Jordan I have never watched you but at 61 I am from the Old School raising my Grandson and I absolutely love the way that you think.You are right on in your thinking.I work so hard to do all the right things for the young one with my husband and totally ❤️ agree with you.I could tell you how hard I have fought for this little one whom is very smart.It seems as though schools in general to some children are against the children instead of helping them.Their idea of help is Adderall well not mine.Im homeschooling.What a job but I love him.Thank you for the information will subscribe as you talk Real. Nice to hear truth 👍💯

It will be interesting to hear from Dr. Peterson once he has fully recovered from his present difficulty. No doubt he will have been profoundly changed by the experience. I have tremendous respect for Dr. Peterson.

When he said “I had experiences when everything came together “ I feel like that is what other gurus and saints experience when they say they got enlightened ,,

Imagine having a therapy session with Dr Peterson. The amount of value to be found in his interviews, lectures and public speeches is immense. A personal conversation would be mind blowing to say the least...

You 2 have genuine chemistry that is pleasurable to watch play out within a fascinating discussion! More please!!! :)

truly brilliant. count yourself lucky if you've seen this.

This person is a blessing to humanity.

27:05 "If you're gonna play with fire, you better be a master of fire" Don't know where he got that from, but I wrote it down regardless

*“I knew that in finding the mandala as an expression of the Self I had attained what was for me the ultimate. Perhaps someone else knows more, but not I."* -Carl Jung Memories, Dreams, Reflections, Jung’s Autobiography recorded and edited by Aniella Jaffe pg. 197

When I was younger I was the type of person who would get drunk in my moms basement and fantasize about the most brutal things. And then I'd sober up the next day and I'd feel like a scared, pathetic little mouse who couldn't move. And I didn't know which of me was the "real" me. Was I this sociopathic anti-hero or was I this pathetic, scared little mouse? Well, Peterson is right that it can seem preferable to be the tyrant than to be the weakling. Overtime I've realized that I am of course both of those forces, and that they in fact grew up beside each other and are the opposite ends of the same spectrum. But at the time, it was a serious crises and the thought that I was either some evil maniac OR some pathetic coward was terrifying.

I look back at my childhood and I thank God every day that I made it to 18. My parents were a horrible dynamic. My mom was authoritarian, manipulative, mean. My dad was well...he was very submissive and weak-minded. They prided themselves in punishing me for everything I did wrong, while not praising or appreciating the good things that I did. They were also very hypocritical as they would always tell me to always be myself, but then scold me the second I do just that. Oh, and then there was my sister...let's just say she's the mini-me version of my mom. And Jordan Peterson is right. I did "get my revenge" in a sense. The second I turned 18 I walked out the door and never looked back. I'm now 26 and happily married and fathering a child.

I think this might be one of my favourite interviews of JBP. Subscribed

Thanks for the interesting post. The true nature of the religious experience. "For the core of religious faith is that mystic feeling which unites Man with God." ~ Shoghi Effendi, Baha'i Faith

beautifully shot, great interview too, thanks for that mate!

I would love to interview his wife. She must be amazing in her own right.

Right on! This is by far the best and most accurate explanation I have heard of mysticism and what it is trying to convey through its specific language. We need more of these people.

"They were done with putting up their hands to go to the bathroom". Love this guy, man.

This has got to be one of my favorite Jordan Peterson interviews.

I needed someone as wise as you to point me in the right direction 60 years ago, Dr Peterson. I'm so glad I've found you now. I felt I was drifting aimlessly on an endless sea.

JBP at his best along with the camera work, editing and gentle interviewing Thankyou all

I've only just found jordan peterson and he's help my mental health out no end .

Every single thing this man says puts an emotional bullet into my soul. Most times I just can't take it, because I don't feel like crying tonight or whatever... But, damn.

He literally described most of what i went after enlightenment, and why u should recognize your bad side and choose the good side as oppose to the bad side of you. The way he describes stages of intelectual and spiritual knowledge and awarness and the realization of you being one with everything and everyone is amazing.

I love listening to this man lecture! I’ve been keeping him and his family in my prayers after learning of their travails. Wishing them well! Can’t wait for you to have him back. He will be even more wise after what he’s been through. 🙏🏼💗🙏🏼

No matter how weak any may perceive me I am the divine Light of loving strength !!! We all have the loving strength the loving knowledge it resides Within .

I love to listen to Dr. Peterson. This is perhaps his best interview to date. Very deep and multi-layered. Sharing.

Few can be rightly compared to Dr Peterson. His education, experience, reflection, and morality are on such fine display as is the eloquence and passion with which they are expounded. In this day (as I restudy the end of the Roman republic) I can only think of Cato the Younger as an example with which to compare. Regardless of the times, attacks, and outrageous disregard for the truth and freedom, they both stood as pillars of these very virtues that each society claimed to represent. These two great men have stood in front of the ever growing storm and shouted “I will not cede.” And that bravery and commitment is something we all must aspire to in our own lives.

What he’s talking about musically I witnessed in full bloom at a Tool concert during ozzfest 98. I was at the Massachusetts show what was then call Great Woods. They opened with Stinkfist and when I looked around every sing person in the crowd was nodding to the rhythm. It was an amazing pulse effect and looked like the people’s movements were dictated by the vibrations from the music. It was almost indescribable but if you were there you felt like I did and that everyone there was one being at that moment.

It stopped me cold when Jordan Peterson said exactly what I have telling people for years ...”at least don’t make it worse but if you can make it better”. I have found this does not occur to many people and it blows me away every time. Self awareness of our personal darkness is essential to making the decision to be as part of the light.

God bless you all. Thank you. Searched on ‘distinguishing the shadow’ and learned so much from your conversation. Long time fan of CG Jung and experiencing incredible organic awakening after years of commitment. So worth it👍🏼💕👊

This is absolutely remarkable. What I can say to anyone who is serious about exploring the questions posed here is: read Rudolf Steiner. Steiner was a clairvoyant who endeavored to make a scientific exploration of psychic/mystical experiences, basically trying to put a name to things experienced by shamans and gurus (among others) and make them accessible to the Western rational mind. I'd recommend starting with Theosophy, then try to tackle Esoteric Science. Not easy reading but worth the effort in my opinion. I think Jordan Peterson would find his work highly enlightening and inspiring.

JP is changing my life. So glad i found him.

Maybe the best JP interview I have seen. I love when JP discusses Christian ideas.

good times produce weak men, weak men produce hard times, hard times produce strong men, strong men produce good times

Mr. Peterson knows the good he can do in the world, because he is doing it, and we are all so grateful for him doing so, and now we can lead our own courageous adventure and get to work changing ourselves and change the world.

44 year old Australian here. Peterson reminds me of when the Simpsons came out... it was funny but also just a relief to know other people had my sense of humor and outlook. Peterson goes too far in some regards, especially in his support of hard-heads like Ben Shapiro, but overall it's a relief and a pleasure to see his work and hear his talks online. I've been on quite a journey in recent years and much of what I have had to accept and realize neatly gibes with Peterson's thoughts. Good stuff. On Polarization, plenty of people I would otherwise agree with have a quite disappointing attitude to Peterson. Yes he does support views that go beyond sensible, but anyone who is taking this shit seriously is bound to. I shun polarized people now and focus on what is right rather than who is right. Peterson is right about a lot of stuff and it's often stuff no one is saying. He is actually a bridge between divided camps.

PS- This interview, done four years ago, is the most relaxed I have ever "seen" Dr. Peterson. It's amazing (painful) to see what the last four years have done to him. I deeply appreciate his willingness to stand for his beliefs and take on opposing views in a very measured and disciplined manner.

Peterson is so on point, modern day/updated version of crazy wisdom....love this man

How this man has the time and energy to not only learn and teach all he does, but to meet and take in many other individuals and their ideas as well. While struggling with health at that.

"A person who knows he is a monster and integrates his shadow is dangerous in the sense that he has the potential to wreak havoc. If this is not done consciously, it is a bad thing". I see this all the time in military commanders, especially generals. Their job definition requires some amount of monstrosity and they integrate 'the fight' into their psyche so much so that they tend to attack themselves during peace times. An ordinary person - a journalist, a farmer, a housewife - rarely has the same amount of shadow integration and it's always an illuminating encounter when such two parties meet for a debate. I had seen a shocking "nagotiation talk" arranged by KFOR forces between a Serbian general who was a mass murderer and a school teacher who knew absolutely nothing about monsters and how to deal with them. In the end, the KFOR people forsake the villagers who were taken to a field and butchered to the last man. Those mass murderers are the ones who integrate the shadow unconciously, not integrating but becoming the monster as a result. Integrating the monster means having control on it to an extent that its uses are reserved for only the most dire; life or death kind of situations. A skill I wish that School teacher had when facing that genocidal maniac. ANYONE can integrate the shadow with enough effort but it comes more naturally to some - military people, law enforcement, criminals, politicians, etc. - while the ordiary masses lack even the awareness for the necessity of doing so. The shadow is not always anger or aggression mind you, it can be any one or more of the cardinal sins. I find mine to be sloth rather than anger for instance. My shadow is lazy af and I am doing my best these days to integrate and passify it.

Genius points. His words ignite action in me. You can not be weak and truly kind. Your shadow side must be absorbed. Then!

"In my Father's House there are many Mansions; I go there to prepare a place for Thee" (Jesus)

Peterson makes so much sense to me, I have never listened to a speaker like him. He conveys the message in such a way that it is not only easy to understand but allows you to grasp the deeper meaning that he is conveying which makes you delve further in.

At his finest, may you have a speedy recovery...

As usual, my brain and heart have exploded after listening to JP! Thanks for this great interview.

JP is such a boss. I'm addicted.

I've heard a lot of things about Mr. Peterson. I don't care what anyone says. His intelligence is exquisite. It has elegance. It has grace. It has consciousness. He displays a depth of mind that is beyond comprehension, even his own...however, he's exploring his own. He speaks from somewhere beyond himself which is within himself. He is an impressive mind. Inspiring. Thank you, Mr. Peterson.

Psalm 111:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

I really like that closing sentiment, to go find out how much good you can do in the world, through wisdom. It's very empowering. It takes the power the catholic church took away through things like confession, and you can only reach the divine through us, and puts it squarely back into our center as individuals.

22:33 I feel Peterson is referencing Handy here ““I hope if dogs take over the world, and they choose a king, they don't just go by size, because I bet there are some Chihuahuas with some good ideas.” - Jack Handy” And in all seriousness, I like that someone is trying to pin him down on the subject of Mysticism. I think he’s Jung at heart.

Having followed Dr. Petersons advice now for about two years, it astounds me how quickly life seems to support good decision making. The people who initially were ideologically opposed to my interest in him now are confounded that my life is so much better. I can only hope the example will change minds as the conversation rarely gets past the very superficial criticisms of him. I can attest to the truth of what he talks about. Profoundly powerful. We literally are capable of changing the world around us. I would suggest to anyone who is doubtful or seeking advice: try it, earnestly, for six months. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain, and you will be a hero to your family or loved ones. There is freedom and respect in taking responsibility.

It's nice to hear a perspective that inspires us to be better, to do better. There is to much of a "Why Bother" out there these days.

This is the hands down the best and most meaningful lecture I have ever watched. Jordan Peterson in a nutshell.

well done. long time fan and follower of JP. i wish you well with Rebel Wisdom. i feel i might be 'Rebel Catholic'.. someone needs to be (st francis was a long while ago..).

Its an amazing inner journey he shows me, also i learn a few new english words, he is probably the best teacher i ever had. Thnx!

Amazing. I subscribed as I thought the adoption of the principles Peterson purports would be powerful for mens work and self development as a whole. Blown away that you actually travelled over to meet the man. I'm in. - Midlands

He raises humanity to a whole new level.

“We’re too powerful to be naive” There’s not a single ounce of fat in that statement. It is just dense enough to outweigh the length of the sentence.

I was seriously mentally ill when I was having my children. From an ACE, I did not remember until I was 65 and living in my hometown. Their father was beating me, I was truly a victim. I began to get well after the divorce. It has been a lifelong journey. I exposed my young children to sickness and rage and now I deeply understand why they do not like me, and I don't have a relationship with them. I am more integrated today than ever and I feel grateful for this, I am much more loving and nonjudgemental and I am growing my capacity to love. I have crawled out of the cave, moving through purgatorio. Alleluia.

"Implicit potential for havoc" = one humble bad ass

I feel he is a dangerous man if ever given power.

Always with the green sweater. I want one. When is the JP clothing line coming out?

Kudos to the interviewer who did a splendid job allowing the subject space to bloom.

JBP needs to star in his own version of Mr Rodgers. I can see him walking into a house singing about post-modernism and religious symbolism as he puts on a sweater. He can have a puppet he calls the great fool. A train which goes of a cliff and into a labor camp. "It's a beautiful day to destroy the world, a beautiful day to remove oppression. Would you please die? Could you please die?"

Jordan Peterson THE GREAT ONE!!! May God keep you safe cause humanity needs leaders like you!!! All my love and blessings 👏👌😍❤️❤️❤️

26:28 This quite resonates with what 20th century Zen Master Kodo Sawaki said: "We mustn’t forget that today’s science and culture have only developed out of the lowest levels of consciousness. Everybody is talking about culture, but what is it besides a refinement of our illusions? However much we iron out our drives, from a Buddhist standpoint, it’s got nothing to do with progress or civilization. Everyone is talking these days about progress, but I wonder in which direction we’re actually progressing. When you observe insects in a tank, you see how they bite into each other and hold on with all their might. It must be amusing to observe from another corner of the universe how humans stock up on atomic and hydrogen bombs. Acting clever while at the same time being the biggest idiots - that’s human fate. People love it when things are complicated. Though things are complicated enough - even when we try to keep them as simple as possible - there are still some who make an effort to be especially complicated in everything they do. The modern world musters up all of its knowledge just to run down a dead end street. People were idiots in the old days too. They wasted a fortune in gold and manpower building castles. And what was it all for? To bicker with each other. Today, people are even dumber. They build atomic and hydrogen bombs in order to erase humanity with one push of a button. How is it that humanity itself, unlike its science, hasn’t progressed in the least? An idiot sits at the computer, a dimwit in the cockpit of the jet and a madman at the control panel of the atomic rockets - that’s the current problem. Perhaps we can save our friends with atomic and hydrogen bombs - but not our enemies. Only zazen is capable of saving friends as well as enemies." By zazen he means zen meditation.

“Implicit potential for havoc.” Powerful and articulated the idea of being a monster in the world, in being dangerous, and choosing to only leverage that potential when absolutely necessary - intentionally with focus. Bravo 👏🏼

I think, it's true what Dr. Peterson said about being hardened when we get integrated; the childish view of the world if no longer keeps us from seeing the world as it really is. On the subject of harmony in music concerts, I'll give the example of the Eagle's California Hotel (MTV unplugged) in 1994. I'm impressed by the harmony between the crowd cheering , clapping, and band members playing. I even prefer this version to the studio release.

Jordan Peterson is one of the most authentic people in the public eye . I believe that is why so many people attack hum.

Very engaging interview, great job!

Jordan tells us that we do not do shadow work to judge, reject, or diminish ourselves. We do shadow work to become more powerful by integrating our shadow. Then we can use our power to make our world a more good and beautiful place.