The Current Crisis of Masculinity

Summary

In this insightful discussion, Jordan Peterson addresses the crisis of masculinity, suggesting it stems from a lack of understanding of original sin and the existential burden it brings. He argues that societal views portray men as inherently destructive, leading to a self-defeating response of emasculation. Peterson emphasizes the importance of channeling masculine traits positively and criticizes radical ideologies that reduce human motivation to power struggles, advocating instead for the spirit of voluntary play as a healthier social dynamic.

Takeaways

• 🧩 The perceived crisis of masculinity is linked to a lack of a concept of original sin, leading to a sense of existential burden and guilt towards nature and culture.
• 🌿 The speaker suggests that societal views portray men as inherently destructive to nature and oppressive in social structures, causing a negative self-image among men.
• 🔪 The idea of 'castrating' oneself as a response to societal accusations is both a metaphor and a real phenomenon, indicating extreme measures taken by some men to cope with societal pressures.
• 🤔 The speaker reflects on the need to take seriously the potential for damage humans can cause to the world, but argues against self-destructive reactions to this realization.
• 👨‍👧‍👦 The role of fathers is discussed as crucial in providing a secure environment ('the walls') for the spirit of play to manifest within families and communities.
• 👿 The anger directed at the speaker for advocating for the positive aspects of masculinity may stem from personal negative experiences with men and a lack of positive male role models.
• 💔 The script touches on the issue of family fragmentation and its impact on forming healthy perceptions of masculinity and male-female relationships.
• 🔮 There is a critique of the 'dark triad' traits (narcissism, machiavellianism, and psychopathy) that some women are attracted to, due to their mimicry of competence and confidence.
• 🤝 The speaker emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between power (the ability to use compulsion) and competence, which are often conflated, especially in the context of relationships.
• 🌐 The debate about free speech on campuses is framed not just as a political issue, but as a deeper philosophical one about the nature of human motivation and the possibility of dialogue.
• 🎈 The speaker proposes 'voluntary play' as the antithesis to the 'will to power', suggesting it as a fundamental purpose of human interaction and a key to optimism.

Q & A

What is the main subject of the new series 'Dragons, Monsters & Men'?

The new series 'Dragons, Monsters & Men' is focused on the concept of masculinity and how men can be men, addressing the perceived crisis of masculinity.

What does Jordan Peterson suggest as a root cause for the crisis of masculinity?

Jordan Peterson suggests that the crisis of masculinity is a consequence of the lack of a concept of original sin, leading to a sense of existential burden and guilt, which can be weaponized against men and boys.

How does Peterson describe the societal view of men in relation to nature and society?

Peterson describes a societal view where men are seen as a malevolent force in antagonism to nature and as the driving force behind oppressive and patriarchal social structures.

What does Peterson believe is the proper response to the potential damage humans can do to the natural and social worlds?

Peterson believes that while it is important to take the potential for damage seriously, the proper response is not to withdraw from participation but to channel masculinity in a positive, productive, and useful way.

Why does Peterson think there is anger directed at him for speaking to men about masculinity?

Peterson attributes the anger to a complex issue involving the despoiling of nature, the idea of an oppressive patriarchy, and the personal experiences of individuals, particularly women, who have not had positive relationships with men.

What is the connection Peterson makes between family fragmentation and the attraction to dark triad traits in men?

Peterson suggests that family fragmentation has led to many women not having positive male role models, making them more likely to be attracted to men with dark triad traits, which can mimic competence and generosity.

How does Peterson differentiate between power and competent ambition?

Peterson defines power as the willingness and ability to use compulsion to attain one's aims, whereas competent ambition serves competence and is not about the expression of power per se.

What does Peterson consider the fundamental motivation of human beings according to radical ideologies?

Peterson criticizes radical ideologies for positing power as the fundamental human motivation, which he believes is a pathological doctrine and a confession of their own motivations.

How does Peterson view the debate about free speech on campus?

Peterson sees the debate about free speech on campus as deeper than just who should be allowed to speak freely; it's about whether the idea of free speech is a mask for justifying oppressive power structures.

What does Peterson propose as the antithesis to the will to power?

Peterson proposes the spirit of free and voluntary play as the antithesis to the will to power, suggesting that optimal structuring of relationships allows for the manifestation of this spirit.

What role does Peterson suggest fathers should play in child rearing?

Peterson suggests that fathers should play a role akin to erecting the walls of a walled garden, providing security and structure within which the spirit of play can manifest and children can develop freely.

Outlines

00:00

🚷 Crisis of Masculinity and Societal Antagonism

The speaker initiates a discussion on the crisis of masculinity, attributing it to a lack of understanding of 'original sin' and the existential burden that leads to feelings of guilt towards nature and culture. He suggests that societal structures are viewed as oppressive, causing young men to feel like they are inherently destructive forces. This perception has led to a form of self-castration among conscientious men as a misguided response to societal accusations. The speaker emphasizes the importance of addressing our potential to harm the natural and social worlds but warns against overreacting to this potential by withdrawing from participation in society.

05:02

🤔 The Misinterpretation of Power and Its Societal Impact

This paragraph delves into the confusion between competence and the expression of power, particularly among women who have not had positive relationships with men. The speaker discusses how the mimicry of competence by those with dark triad traits can be misleading. He argues against the idea that power is the fundamental human motivation, highlighting its instability and ineffectiveness in forming genuine relationships. The speaker criticizes radical ideologies that view power as the sole motivation, suggesting that such beliefs hinder dialogue and promote conflict rather than cooperation.

10:02

🐵 Challenging Power Structures with the Spirit of Play

The speaker contrasts the unstable social structures based on power with the stability found in reciprocal interactions, using the social dynamics of chimpanzees as an example. He proposes the spirit of voluntary play as the antithesis to the will to power, suggesting that play is essential for the development of children and the health of relationships. The speaker posits that the role of fathers, akin to constructing walls around a garden, is to provide security within which play can flourish, representing a balance of freedom and structure that fosters positive development.

Keywords

💡Masculinity

Masculinity refers to the qualities traditionally associated with being male, such as strength and assertiveness. In the video, it is discussed as being under crisis due to societal perceptions that associate it with negative traits like oppression and environmental harm. The speaker argues for a reevaluation of masculinity, suggesting it can be channeled positively.

💡Crisis of Masculinity

The 'Crisis of Masculinity' is a term used to describe the perceived societal decline in traditional male roles and the confusion about the male identity. The video explores this concept, suggesting that it stems from a lack of positive male role models and the negative portrayal of men in society.

💡Original Sin

Original Sin is a theological concept suggesting that humans are born with a burden of sin inherited from Adam and Eve's disobedience. The speaker uses this concept metaphorically to explain the existential guilt that people feel in relation to nature and society, which can be weaponized against men in modern discussions of masculinity.

💡Antagonism

Antagonism refers to a state of opposition or conflict. The script mentions that there is a prevailing view that humans, and by extension men, live in antagonism to nature and society, which contributes to the crisis of masculinity by painting men as inherently destructive.

💡Patriarchy

Patriarchy is a social system in which men hold primary power. The video discusses the concept of an 'oppressive patriarchy,' suggesting that societal structures are seen as inherently male-dominated and oppressive, which negatively impacts the perception of masculinity.

💡Atrocity

Atrocity refers to a grave moral offense or wickedness, typically on a large scale. The script uses the term to describe the negative actions that are associated with male-dominated social structures, contributing to the crisis of masculinity.

💡Conscientious

Conscientiousness is the quality of being careful, thorough, and vigilant. The speaker mentions that conscientious young men are particularly hurt by accusations of being part of an oppressive system, indicating a desire to align with positive values.

💡Dark Triad

The Dark Triad is a group of three personality traits: narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. The video discusses how the lack of positive male figures can lead women to be attracted to men with these traits, which can be deceptive and harmful.

💡Power

Power, in the context of the video, refers to the ability and willingness to use compulsion to achieve one's goals. The speaker argues against the notion that power is the fundamental human motivation, suggesting instead that the spirit of voluntary play is a more positive and constructive force.

💡Free Speech

Free Speech is the right to express one's opinions without censorship or restraint. The video touches on the debate about free speech on campuses, suggesting that radicals view it as a mask for justifying oppressive power structures rather than a fundamental right.

💡Play

Play is a concept that the speaker posits as the antithesis to power and oppression. It is described as a spirit of voluntary and free interaction, which is essential for healthy development and social relations. The speaker suggests that play is a fundamental purpose of fathers in child-rearing, providing a secure environment for children to develop freely.

Highlights

Discussion on the crisis of masculinity and its origins, relating it to the lack of a concept of original sin.

The existential burden and guilt associated with living in harmony with nature and culture.

The portrayal of men as a malevolent force in society and its impact on young men and boys.

The societal ethos associating masculinity with destructiveness and oppression.

The negative consequences of weaponizing the sense of guilt in men.

The idea that men should 'castrate themselves' as a response to societal accusations.

The psychoanalytic view of the anger towards masculinity as a manifestation of a 'devouring mother' archetype.

The hatred directed towards efforts to speak positively about masculinity.

The cultural demand for advocating the utility of the masculine spirit.

The impact of family fragmentation on women's perceptions of men.

The attraction of younger women to men with dark triad traits due to a lack of positive male role models.

The difficulty in distinguishing between power and competence in relationships.

The multi-generational pattern of negative relationships with men and its societal effects.

Critique of the pathological doctrine that power is the fundamental human motivation.

The argument that free speech is a mask for justifying oppressive patriarchy.

The importance of play and its role in the development of children and social relations.

The role of fathers as the 'erection of walls' to create a secure environment for play.

The spirit of voluntary play as the antithesis to the will to power.

Transcripts

so

[Applause]

jordan obviously this new series dragons

monsters men the first one that we're

doing together this series is focused in

on how men can be men why do you think

there is such a crisis of masculinity in

the first place and why are there so

many people out there who are angry at

you for even talking to men

well i think it's i think you could

think about it as a consequence in some

sense of the lack of a concept of

original sin

oddly enough

i mean people bear an existential burden

you know

it's an intrinsic part of life to

i suppose

to feel guilty in relationship to nature

and to feel guilty in relationship to

culture

you know it's difficult for us to live

in harmony with the natural world

and for the natural world to live in

harmony with us by the way

and

none of us are all we could be on the

social front and

one of the consequences and so we we

have that sense intrinsically you know

that there's a lack in us that needs to

be redressed

and unfortunately that can be

weaponized

and has been and what i see happening

to young men in particular boys as well

not just young men and maybe even

you know

maybe starting at the age of toddlers is

that

we have this sense in the world that

human beings live in antagonism to

nature and that we're actually a

malevolent force

and that our social structures

which are clearly capable of the

commission of atrocity are fundamentally

oppressive patriarchal in their nature

and so then if you're a

male in a society with that ethos

you're

the motive force that drives you into

the world to live is associated with

rapaciousness

and despoilation on the natural front

and then oppression and atrocity on the

social front

it's like well then if you're the least

bit conscientious because this sort of

accusation hurts conscientious young men

the most then the best you can do is

well let's say castrate yourself how

would that be and that would be real

comical except that it's also happening

so i guess that's why that's why i think

there's a crisis and

it there's something serious at the root

of it right because we do have to take

the fact of our

the potential damage we can do

to

the natural world and the social world

we have to take that seriously but the

the

proper consequence of taking that

seriously is not to

commit harry carey let's say in a fit of

moral

anxiety and take yourself completely out

of the game but that's the insistence

now and it's really and i see that

psychoanalytically you know i see that

as a manifestation at a symbolic level

of something like

well symbolically that's associated with

the devouring mother right it's

it's an overweening and destructive

false compassion that has this devouring

quality and

yeah and that's basically where we're at

so

so

you know it's

one of the things that's striking about

the sort of hatred that you've gotten

from so many is that you you've

literally been asked why you're even

bothering to speak to men i mean there

is this crisis masculinity right there

is this idea that every form of macular

and masculinity is toxic and you've

spent your life trying to talk to men

and say no no you can channel that

masculinity in not only a good way but a

necessary and productive and and useful

way and people gotten angry at you for

this where do you think that's coming

from why

it's obviously a good thing that you're

doing why are so many people upset with

you well the thing is i never really set

out to talk to men specifically i but i

did set out at least in part to make a

case for the utility of both the

feminine and the masculine spirit and it

turned out that making the case for the

masculine spirit was something that was

more demanded by the culture let's say

the anger that's a complicated issue we

touched on some of it in relationship to

the despoiling of nature and the idea of

the oppressive and atrocity atrocity

committing patriarchy but then there's

another issue too which i think is

germane

because of family fragmentation

there's a very large number of women

who have just like there's a very large

number of men who

have never had a real word of

encouragement in their whole life

it's a really sad thing to see it's a

really really sad thing to see to see

that deeply and to have seen that

reflected in so many thousands of people

but there are many women who've never

had a positive relationship with anyone

male in their life

and so one of the consequences of that

we know for example that younger women

are more likely to be attracted to men

who show dark triad traits narcissistic

machiavellian and psychopathic and

people who have those traits are

characterized by the mimicry of

competence and so what women want in men

more than anything else is competent

generosity and the data on that are very

clear but you can mimic that if you're

narcissistic and if you're a young woman

you woman you can be deluded by that

it's partly because it points to the

problem of dissociating

competent confidence

from

the expression of power per se

so we could call power

i'll define that as the willingness and

ability to use compulsion

to attain your aims now if you are

someone who

has a proclivity to manifest

power then that looks like

the manifestation of both ambition and

will

and if you haven't had a positive

relationship with anyone masculine in

your life and maybe with not even with

your own internal masculinity say you

can't discriminate between

power and

competent the ambition that serves

competence and so because that's

terrifying because the power if you have

nate had only negative relationships

with men their their capability to use

power becomes such a threat

that

it has to be opposed at all costs even

if it manifests itself within the

say within the

developmental pathway of your own son

and so

so some of that's familial breakdown and

then you have a multi-generational

pattern of that that makes it even worse

and so that's that's definitely part of

it you know there's an ideological drum

that's being beaten constantly

both on the

sociological constructivist front right

that's the oppressive patriarchy and

then on the environmental front and then

you add to that the fact that

well on the leftists especially the

radical types their whole damn doctrine

it's the most pathological doctrine you

could invent if you set out to invent a

pathological doctrine and i i mean that

i'm not making a joke i i really mean

that in the deepest possible sense the

notion that

the fundamental human motivation is the

willingness and ability to use

compulsion power power it's all about

power and every time i hear that now

from someone i think that is not a

sociological observation

that is a confession

on your part and so and it's also just

complete bloody nonsense i mean

all you all know this

you have friends because they're

compelled to be your friends

like

that's definitely not how you have

friends you might have

bully henchmen that way but you don't

have friends

power is an extraordinarily unstable

basis to establish a marriage on plus it

just doesn't work because it turns out

that women who are so annoying are very

difficult to oppress you know so you can

try but

it's not that easy and i don't think

that we've been all that historically

successful in doing so but it's also a

pr it's also a preposterous proposition

because

because

the expression of power with an intimate

relationship does not produce intimacy

or a relationship the best it can

produce produces like a combination of

tyranny and slavery and that does not

characterize the institution of marriage

per se

so there is this insistence among them

among the radicals that power is the

fundamental

motivation and that's and then you think

too

okay you're only motivated by power that

means that we can only get along if our

interests align because if you're

motivated by power and i'm motivated by

power and our interests don't align

and there's nothing else but power

then the only option i have is to turn

you into an enemy and try to destroy you

because

we can't engage in dialogue

that's dialogos and the reason we can't

engage in dialogue is because there's no

logos there's just power so there's no

such this is why it's good thing for

conservatives to understand you have to

understand that the debate about free

speech on campus

in the deepest sense is not a debate

about who should be allowed to speak

freely

that's nothing that's that's a trivial

debate

you can even understand it in some sense

if i don't agree with you maybe i don't

want you to talk but the debate is about

something much deeper which is whether

or not

the idea of free speech itself

is just a mask developed essentially by

europeans to justify the oppressive

patriarchy in the most devious possible

way and the answer the radicals have to

that question is yes that's exactly what

it is and so there's there's no free

speech whatsoever that's an illusion

that's promulgated by people who are

only trying to justify their claim to

power that's what the bloody argument is

about

and so and i just think all of that's

i it's wrong in every way it's wrong

theologically it's wrong psychologically

it's wrong scientifically even

chimpanzees who have a patriarchal

social structure

their social structures if they are

based on the

on power on compulsion

they're unstable

and the alpha chimps who use power are

very likely to meet an extraordinarily

brutal and premature end so franz dewal

the dutch primatologist has detailed out

this wonderfully he's shown that even

among our closest biological relatives

it's the ability to make peace and to

engage in reciprocal interactions that

constitutes the basis for a stable

polity even among chimps and it's

obviously the case that that's

the proper basis for social relations

especially among free people and i've

been trying to puzzle out

especially my lecture tour recently what

the antithesis to

power is or to the will to power let's

say in terms of arbitrary compulsion and

it's something like the spirit of free

and voluntary play

and that's a wonderful thing to know

it's so optimistic we guys were talking

about optimism earlier you know if

you're so imagine this is that if you

structure your relations optimally and i

mean optimally

with yourself with your intimate partner

with your family with your community

the highest level of attainment of that

structuring

is the manifestation of the spirit of

voluntary play and that's so lovely

because there's nothing better than

playing fundamentally and you know human

beings and other mammals as well also

have a biological circuit that mediates

play that was discovered by a man yak

pancep and he showed that

play is unbelievably important to the

development of children

for a variety of complicated reasons

partly because they're practicing to be

competent adults but also that it can be

suppressed by almost any other emotion

or motivation so your kids can't really

play if they're hungry or tired or wet

or or upset

the same would apply within your

relationship if there's stresses and

tensions the play disappears

but if you optimize the relationship and

the circumstance then the spirit of play

can manifest itself and i would also say

that's also the fundamental purpose of

fathers in some sense is to imagine that

paradise that's a walled garden that's

what paradise means so it's walls

structure and then the garden inside is

nature and a nature that's tended

the masculine role in

in child rearing is something like the

erection of the walls

so that play can manifest itself within

the walls that's a real good combination

of security because that's what the

walls are for but then

the kind of freedom that allows for

untrammel development to occur in the

most positive possible sense and so i

would say that

those of us who are standing against the

radicals who insist that the only human

motivation is power

can oppose that in part by putting

forward the observation that the proper

antithesis to that is the spirit of

voluntary play and that's what i hope

we're going to do with the daily wire

you