"You Should Be A Monster" | Jordan Peterson Motivation

Summary

The video script delves into the concept of spiritual development through the integration of one's 'shadow' or darker tendencies, rather than rejecting them. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and controlling these aspects to develop self-respect and the capacity for strength without succumbing to cruelty. The speaker argues that being 'dangerous' in a controlled manner is essential for personal empowerment and societal competence, drawing parallels with mythological heroes and anti-heroes. The script also touches on the balance between rights and responsibilities, suggesting that embracing one's inner 'monster' can lead to a more enlightened and peaceful existence.

Takeaways

• 🧘 Spiritual development involves recognizing and integrating one's 'satanic' or shadow tendencies rather than rejecting them outright.
• 🤼‍♂️ People who have integrated their shadow side tend to be more self-respecting and less naive compared to those who haven't.
• 🔪 The capacity to be dangerous, yet choosing not to act on it, is a sign of strength and self-control, akin to a martial artist's discipline.
• 🐰 Being harmless is not the same as being virtuous; it can indicate a lack of power or agency, similar to a defenseless rabbit.
• 🦸‍♂️ Heroes in mythology often embody a controlled form of 'monster', capable of breaking rules for higher purposes, as seen in characters like Harry Potter and Batman.
• 🤝 The balance of rights and responsibilities is crucial for personal growth and societal harmony; focusing solely on rights neglects the importance of responsibilities.
• 🛡️ Developing competence and the potential for strength is essential for self-respect and the ability to face life's challenges effectively.
• 🗡️ The New Testament's phrase 'the meek shall inherit the Earth' may be better understood as those who are capable but choose peace and restraint.
• 💪 Encouraging young people to be harmless can lead to weakness and inability to handle life's adversities, whereas embracing one's potential for strength can foster resilience.
• 👶 Treating adults as if they were infants can be detrimental; it's important for young men and women to develop their competence and power.
• 🦄 The journey to self-respect and character strength often involves embracing and controlling one's darker aspects, not just pursuing happiness or pleasure.

Q & A

What does the speaker suggest is a part of spiritual development?

The speaker suggests that recognizing and integrating one's 'satanic tendencies' or darker aspects is part of spiritual development, rather than casting them away.

How does the speaker describe the difference between people who have integrated their shadow and those who haven't?

People who haven't integrated their shadow are described as naive and often resentful, as they are more likely to be taken advantage of. In contrast, those who have integrated their shadow are portrayed as potentially dangerous but not necessarily harmful, exuding an implicit potential for havoc.

What is the speaker's view on the relationship between being harmless and being virtuous?

The speaker argues that being harmless does not equate to being virtuous. Instead, it likens being harmless to the nature of a rabbit, which is merely unable to cause harm rather than being virtuous.

How does the speaker relate the concept of being a 'monster' to virtue?

The speaker suggests that if you are a 'monster' but do not act monstrously, you can be virtuous. It implies that having the capacity for harm but choosing not to use it is a higher form of virtue.

What role does the speaker attribute to the capacity for cruelty in self-respect?

The speaker posits that having the capacity for cruelty but choosing not to be cruel is better than being incapable of cruelty. It suggests that this capacity, when controlled, contributes to self-respect and the ability to demand respect from others.

How does the speaker connect the idea of being dangerous with the ability to be peaceful?

The speaker implies that being dangerous but choosing to be peaceful is a more effective guarantee of peace than being harmless. It suggests that the strength developed from embracing one's 'monstrousness' can deter conflict.

What does the speaker suggest is the common mythological notion about heroes?

The speaker suggests that a common mythological notion is that heroes must be 'monsters' but controlled ones, capable of great deeds but choosing to use their power for good.

What is the speaker's perspective on the importance of responsibility compared to rights?

The speaker believes that responsibility is just as important as rights, and that focusing solely on rights without considering responsibilities has left a void in people's lives.

How does the speaker interpret the New Testament statement 'the meek shall inherit the Earth'?

The speaker interprets 'the meek shall inherit the Earth' as referring to those who are powerful and formidable but choose to be peaceful, rather than those who are simply naive and weak.

What does the speaker argue is necessary for personal growth and self-respect?

The speaker argues that recognizing and integrating one's darker aspects, or 'growing teeth,' is necessary for personal growth and self-respect, as it allows individuals to understand their capacity for harm and choose not to act on it.

Why does the speaker believe that understanding one's own 'shadow' is important for societal understanding?

The speaker believes that understanding one's own 'shadow' is crucial for recognizing the potential for evil in oneself and others, which is necessary for preventing atrocities and promoting societal understanding and control.

Outlines

00:00

🔮 Embracing the Shadow for Spiritual Growth

The first paragraph discusses the concept of spiritual development through the recognition and integration of one's 'satanic tendencies,' or darker aspects. It emphasizes the importance of not merely casting these traits away but transmuting them into something positive. The speaker contrasts the naivety and resentment of those who have not integrated their shadow with the self-respect and implicit power of those who have. The narrative uses examples from Harry Potter and Batman to illustrate characters who, despite their flaws, act virtuously because they have the capacity for evil but choose not to use it. The paragraph concludes with a critique of a society that focuses solely on rights without responsibilities, suggesting that true strength and virtue come from embracing one's potential for harm and then choosing to act peacefully and responsibly.

05:01

🦄 The Virtue of Being 'Dangerous'

The second paragraph expands on the idea that true strength and self-respect come from acknowledging one's capacity for harm and then controlling it. It argues against the societal push towards harmlessness, asserting that being harmless is not virtuous but rather a sign of weakness. The speaker suggests that the ability to be cruel, when paired with the choice not to be, is a higher moral state. The paragraph delves into the psychological appeal of anti-heroes and villains, suggesting that people are drawn to these figures because they represent the unacknowledged 'monster' within. The speaker also touches on the importance of self-respect, the role of martial arts in teaching peacefulness alongside the ability to fight when necessary, and the philosophical underpinnings of being 'dangerous but controlled.' The paragraph concludes with a discussion of the importance of recognizing one's potential for evil as a means of understanding and preventing atrocities, as well as the value of self-awareness in parenting and discipline.

10:02

🗡 The Consequences of Suppressed 'Monstrousness'

The third paragraph delves into the potential repercussions of not acknowledging and integrating one's darker side. It discusses the idea that if individuals do not respect themselves as capable of causing harm, they may inadvertently inflict long-term psychological damage on children through subtle forms of abuse. The speaker suggests that understanding oneself as a 'monster' can actually lead to better self-treatment and more effective parenting, as it prompts individuals to avoid exposing children to their darker impulses. The paragraph ends with a reference to Freudian psychoanalysis, positing that recognizing and integrating one's darker side is essential for personal safety and the safety of others.

Keywords

💡Satanic tendencies

The term 'satanic tendencies' in the script refers to negative or dark aspects of human nature that one might associate with evil or destructive behavior. It is linked to the theme of self-awareness and personal growth, suggesting that recognizing and wrestling with these darker aspects is part of spiritual development. The script implies that integrating rather than rejecting these tendencies can lead to a more authentic and powerful self.

💡Shadow

The 'shadow' is a concept from Jungian psychology, representing the unconscious aspect of the personality that the conscious ego does not identify with. In the script, integrating the shadow is presented as a necessary step in personal development, allowing individuals to understand their full range of capabilities, including both positive and negative traits. It is suggested that those who fail to do so may appear naive and are more likely to be exploited or resentful.

💡Naive

'Naive' in the context of the video refers to a lack of sophistication or worldly experience, which can make a person vulnerable to being taken advantage of. The speaker argues that those who have not integrated their shadow are naive, as they lack a full understanding of their own potential for both good and evil, which can lead to resentment due to their inability to navigate complex social dynamics.

💡Self-respect

Self-respect is the sense of intrinsic worth and dignity. The script suggests that being harmless is not synonymous with virtue; rather, it implies a lack of power or agency. In contrast, having the potential for havoc but choosing not to act on it is seen as a form of self-respect, as it demonstrates an individual's ability to control their darker impulses and act virtuously.

💡Martial arts

Martial arts, as mentioned in the script, are not just about fighting skills but also about developing a certain mindset. The speaker uses martial arts as a metaphor for personal development, emphasizing the importance of being dangerous in a controlled way. This concept is tied to the idea that having the capacity for violence but choosing peace can lead to a more profound sense of self-respect and strength.

💡Responsibility

Responsibility in the script is portrayed as a crucial aspect of personal growth and societal contribution. It is suggested that focusing solely on rights without considering responsibilities has left a void in people's lives. The speaker argues that embracing responsibility for one's well-being, family, and community is what provides meaning and allows individuals to withstand life's difficulties.

💡Competence

Competence, as discussed in the video, is the ability to do something successfully or efficiently. The speaker encourages the development of competence, particularly in the context of being 'dangerous' in a controlled manner. It is suggested that being competent and dangerous in the right way can lead to a more fulfilling life and a proper place in the world.

💡Enlightenment

Enlightenment in the script is used to describe a state of deep understanding and wisdom. The speaker argues that developing the capacity for harm and then choosing not to be harmful is a step towards enlightenment. This paradoxical idea suggests that understanding and controlling one's darker side can lead to a higher level of personal growth and moral development.

💡Meek

The term 'meek' is discussed in the context of a misinterpretation of the New Testament. The speaker suggests that the meek are not simply those who are passive or submissive but rather those who possess power and the ability to act but choose to keep it sheathed. This interpretation aligns with the video's theme of power and control.

💡Integration of the Shadow

The integration of the shadow is a process of acknowledging and assimilating the darker, unconscious aspects of one's personality into conscious awareness. The script suggests that this process is essential for understanding human nature, including one's own potential for evil, and for developing a more profound sense of self-respect and character strength.

💡Discipline

Discipline in the script refers to the act of training oneself or others to obey rules or a code of behavior, using punishment or correction. The speaker implies that understanding one's own potential for monstrous behavior can lead to better discipline, as it motivates the individual to ensure that they do not expose others, especially children, to their darker side.

Highlights

Recognize and integrate satanic tendencies to transmute them rather than cast them away.

People who haven't integrated their shadow tend to be naive and often resentful.

Martial arts philosophy: be dangerous but not have to use it; this presence radiates potential for havoc.

Self-respect is tied to the potential for havoc and being capable but controlled.

Being harmless is not virtuous; a rabbit is harmless because it can't do anything, not because it's virtuous.

Heroes in mythology, like Harry Potter, must be monsters who control their monstrous tendencies.

Competence is necessary for facing life's difficulties; weak people often become bitter and dangerous.

True meekness means having power and knowing how to use it but keeping it under control.

Weakness and naivety are dangerous as they lead to being a victim to those capable of cruelty.

Respecting oneself and demanding respect from others comes from realizing one's dangerous potential.

Martial arts train people to avoid fights but to be prepared and confident if necessary.

Strength and the capacity for monstrousness guarantee peace and reduce the probability of conflicts.

Understanding your own shadow helps understand and control the capacity for atrocities seen in history.

The path to enlightenment involves facing the things you least want to face, not just seeking happiness.

Disciplining children properly requires recognizing your own capacity for dark behavior and keeping it in check.

Transcripts

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[Music]

part of Spiritual Development is to

recognize the satanic tendencies that

characterize you

and to fully wrestle with them and to

and to integrate them that's the thing

it's it's not so much to cast them away

it's to transmute them you know and you

can see the difference between people

who've done that and people who haven't

at least to some degree because people

who haven't integrated the shadow at all

are naive and you can tell that when you

look at them and you can tell that when

you talk to them and because they're

naive they're often resentful as well

because they get taken advantage of it

and someone who's integrated that more

they're dangerous

in in the martial arts sort of way which

is they're dangerous but they don't have

to be they don't have to use it because

their presence radiates implicit

potential for havoc and that's really

necessary

it's one of the things that gives people

self-respect

if you're harmless you're not virtuous

you're just harmless you're like a

rabbit

a rabbit isn't virtuous it's just it

just can't do anything except get eaten

it's not virtuous

if you're a monster and you don't act

monstrously then you're virtuous but you

also have to be a monster while you see

this all the time Harry Potter's like

that too it's like he's he's flawed he's

hurt he's got evil in him he can talk to

snakes man he breaks rules all the time

all the time he's not obedient at all

but you know he has a good reason for

breaking the rules if he couldn't break

the rules him and his little Clique of

rule-breaking you know troublemakers if

they didn't break the rules they

wouldn't attain the highest goal so it's

very peculiar but it's a very very very

very very common mythological notion you

know the hero has to be

the hero has to be a monster

but a controlled monster Batman is like

that you know I mean it's it's

everywhere it's a story you always hear

if you're going to be a fighter you have

to want to win and you have to want to

hurt people I mean not for the sake of

hurting them that's what makes you

different than an evil person

but you have to have that capacity you

have to develop that

and you know that's the step on the way

to Enlightenment weirdly enough because

that isn't what people think people have

been fed this diet of pablum rights and

impulsive freedom for so long there's

just an absolute starvation for the

other side of the story there are no

rights technically speaking without

responsibilities and all we've had for

60 years is a dialogue about rights well

that leaves a hole on the other side of

the story and it's a whole that it's in

people's hearts essentially because

responsibility well perhaps that's not

more important than rights like I said

their their part and parcel of the same

formula but it's in responsibility that

most people find the meaning that

sustains them through life it's not in

happiness it's not an impulsive pleasure

those things blow away at the first ill

wind but to adopt the responsibility for

your own well-being and to try to put

your family together and to try to serve

your community and to try to seek for

Eternal truth and to live them that's

the sort of thing that can ground you in

in your life enough so that you can

withstand the difficulty of life

and when you tell people that especially

when you include yourself in the

audience let's say and you're not finger

waving from above then everyone knows

that it's true there's been this attempt

to identify masculine competence and and

power let's say but mostly competence

with tyranny and that's very very hard

on

on young man it's also hard on young

women for that matter but it's very

helpful for people to hear that they

should make themselves competent and

dangerous and take the proper place in

the world because it's the alternative

to being weak

and weak is not good the people who

shoot up the high schools they're weak

they're weak and life is a very

difficult process and you're not

prepared for it unless unless you have

the capacity to be dangerous that

doesn't mean that you should be cruel it

doesn't mean any of that there's a

statement in the New Testament the meek

shall inherit the Earth but the meek

isn't well translated it means something

more like

those who have swords and know how to

use them but keep them sheast will

inherit the world

that's a way better way of thinking

about it you have to be powerful and

formidable and then peaceful in that

order right and that's not the same as

being naive and weak and harmless which

is what young men are being encouraged

to be it's like that's a very bad idea

it's a very bad idea because naive weak

and harmless means that you can't

withstand the tragedies of life you

can't bear any responsibility you'll end

up bitter and when you get bitter then

you get dangerous

you don't treat adult men as if they're

infants

but the young men really need to hear

this more I think is that you 'd be a

monster

you know because everyone says well you

should be harmless virtuous you

shouldn't do anyone any harm you should

sheath your competitive Instinct you

shouldn't try to win you know you you

don't want to be too aggressive you

don't want to be too assertive you want

to take a back seat and all of that it's

like no

wrong you should be a monster an

absolute monster and then you should

learn how to control it

someone who is incapable of Cruelty is a

higher moral being than someone who is

capable of Cruelty and I would say and

this follows young as well that that's

incorrect and it's dangerously incorrect

because if you are not capable of

Cruelty you are absolutely a victim to

anyone who is

and so part of the reason that people go

watch anti-heroes and villains is

because there's a part of them crying

out for the incorporation of the monster

within them which is what gives them

strength of character and self-respect

because it's impossible to respect

yourself until you grow teeth and if you

grow teeth and you realize that you're

somewhat dangerous or maybe somewhat

seriously dangerous and then you might

be more willing to demand that you treat

yourself with respect and other people

do the same thing and so that doesn't

mean that being cruel is better than not

being cruel what it means is that being

able to be cruel and then not being

cruel is better than not being able to

be cruel because in the first case

you're nothing but weak and naive and in

the second case you're dangerous but you

have it under control and you know a lot

of martial arts concentrate on exactly

that as part of their philosophy of

training it's like we're not training

you to fight right we're training you to

be peaceful and awake and avoid fights

but if you happen to have to get in one

and then I guess the philosophy also is

is that if you're competent

at fighting that actually decreases the

probability that you're going to have to

fight because when someone pushes you

you'll be able to respond with

confidence and with any luck and this is

certainly the case with bullies with any

luck a reasonable show of confidence

which is very much equivalent to a show

of dominance is going to be enough to

make the bully back off

and so the strength that you develop in

your monstrousness is actually the best

guarantee of peace and that's partly why

Jung believed that it was necessary for

people to integrate their Shadow and he

said that was a terrible thing for

people to attempt because the human

Shadow

which is all those things about yourself

that you don't want to realize reaches

all the way to hell and what he meant by

that was it's through an analysis of

your own shadow that you can come to

understand why other people are capable

and you as well of the sorts of terrible

atrocities that characterize let's say

the 20th century and without that

understanding there's no possibility of

bringing it under control when you study

Nazi Germany for example or you study

the Soviet Union particularly under

Stalin

and you're asking yourself well what are

these perpetrators like forget about the

victims let's talk about the

perpetrators the answer is they're just

like you and if you don't know that that

just means that you don't know anything

about people including yourself and then

it also means that you have to discover

why they're just like you and believe me

that's no picnic so that's enough to

traumatize people and that's partly why

they don't do it and it's also partly

why the path to Enlightenment and wisdom

is seldom trod upon because if it was

all a matter of following your bliss and

doing what made you happy then everyone

in the world would be a paragon of

wisdom but it's not that at all it's the

it's a matter of facing the thing you

least want to face

this is an interesting thing about the

integration of the Shadow because

recognizing yourself as the locus of

evil let's say actually in some sense

gives you far more respect for yourself

strangely enough because the same

respect that you might have for a wild

animal or even a monster

so then maybe you learn to treat

yourself differently like I I think this

is particularly true with regards to the

discipline of children you know if you

know that you're a monster

and that that will manifest itself in

your life consciously or unconsciously

and if it's unconsciously it's it's not

good then you become better at

disciplining children and the reason for

that is that you don't want to expose

them to your dark side

and so if they behave and don't provoke

you which means they'll also behave for

other people then the Monstrous part can

stay in abeyance and then that's great

but if you don't understand yourself as

capable of wreaking havoc and that can

be the kind of Havoc that unfolds over

decades right because if you're going to

abuse a child it's the Primitive form of

abuse is the physical abuse the

sophisticated form of abuse is the

continual undermining of the child's

courage across perhaps their entire life

and that there's a terribly monstrous

element to that and if you're not

respected properly by the child say you

will absolutely take revenge on them and

you know in some sense that's the whole

Freudian psychoanalytic story it's it's

not all of it but you either have that

or it has you those are the options

and you don't become safe by being

castrated

[Music]

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