Jordan Peterson - The Power of Beauty

Summary

In this discussion, Dr. Peterson reflects on the profound connection between aesthetic beauty and religious or mystical experiences. He explains how beauty, particularly in structures like cathedrals, serves as a representation of divine ideals, offering a vision of potential enlightenment and the future. He argues that beauty has immense value, both spiritually and economically, and emphasizes that ignoring beauty can be detrimental to society. For those attuned to beauty, it serves as an undeniable pathway to the divine, similar to the way music resonates on a deep, inexplicable level.

Takeaways

• 🎨 Aesthetic beauty can evoke a religious or mystical experience.
• ⛪ Renaissance cathedrals were built to be beautiful because they were meant to house the 'ultimate ideal.'
• 💎 Beauty is incredibly valuable, and Europe’s historical investment in beauty has had long-lasting cultural and economic impacts.
• 🎶 Beauty, like music, is something that touches people deeply and is often beyond rational understanding.
• ✨ Beauty shows us an ideal or a vision of the potential future, guiding us toward a better, nobler existence.
• 🏙️ The 'Heavenly City' in religious imagery is depicted as paved with gemstones, symbolizing the connection between beauty and spiritual enlightenment.
• 🧠 Beauty is the proper dwelling place for an enlightened consciousness, implying that it can uplift the human spirit.
• 💰 Investing in beauty has both spiritual and economic value, yet many societies, especially in places like Canada, often overlook its importance.
• 🌟 Beauty has a deep, mysterious allure, like gemstones, and we instinctively recognize it even if we can't fully explain why.
• ⚠️ Ignoring beauty in society leads to both spiritual and economic decline, as it is fundamental to human experience and flourishing.

Q & A

What is the connection between aesthetic beauty and religious experience, according to Dr. Peterson?

Dr. Peterson suggests that beauty can evoke a religious or mystical experience because it serves as a pathway to the divine. Beauty, like music, is something that impacts individuals deeply, often without explanation, and reveals an ideal or vision of a better future.

Why does Dr. Peterson believe beautiful structures like cathedrals are important?

He argues that if you are going to house the ultimate ideal, such as a religious or spiritual entity, it should be represented in something beautiful. This reflects a proper dwelling place for an enlightened consciousness, which can inspire and ennoble individuals.

Why does Dr. Peterson think beauty is undervalued in places like Canada?

Dr. Peterson believes beauty is undervalued in Canada because people don't take it seriously. He contrasts this with Europe, where significant investments were made in creating beautiful spaces, which continues to pay off through cultural and economic value.

What is Dr. Peterson’s view on the economic value of beauty?

He asserts that beauty holds immense economic and practical value. For example, the significant investment in beauty in Europe has paid back multiple times over, as people are drawn to beautiful places and make pilgrimages to experience them.

How does Dr. Peterson compare beauty to other pathways to the divine?

He acknowledges that beauty is not the only pathway to the divine, citing love as another example. However, for those with an affinity for beauty, it acts as a particularly strong and undeniable pathway.

How does Dr. Peterson relate beauty to the concept of the ‘heavenly city’?

Dr. Peterson refers to the biblical concept of the 'heavenly city,' Jerusalem, which is described as being paved with gemstones that emit light. He uses this imagery to illustrate that beauty is the proper dwelling place for an enlightened consciousness, much like the divine ideal.

Why does Dr. Peterson think people are afraid of beauty?

He suggests that people may fear beauty because it is a pathway to the divine, which can be intimidating or overwhelming. Beauty has a powerful impact that can't easily be explained or rationalized, making it something people might shy away from.

What role does beauty play in showing us a potential future, according to Dr. Peterson?

Dr. Peterson believes that beauty gives us a vision of a better potential future. If we were to focus on beautifying things, it would create a space that inspires and ennobles us, leading to a more elevated and harmonious society.

How does Dr. Peterson describe the mystery of why humans perceive certain things, like gemstones, as beautiful?

He acknowledges that it’s mysterious why humans experience objects like gemstones as beautiful. Although we may not fully understand the reasons, he believes there are deep, significant reasons underlying this perception.

What does Dr. Peterson mean when he says ‘beauty is the proper dwelling place for an enlightened consciousness’?

He means that beauty reflects an ideal environment for elevated thinking and spiritual growth. A focus on beauty aligns with higher consciousness and awareness, and to ignore it is to risk both spiritual and economic harm.