Jordan Peterson - How to Know You're Being Authentic Or Fake

Summary

In this insightful discussion, the concept of 'subception' by Carl Rogers is explored as a means to detect inauthenticity within oneself. The speaker suggests detaching from one's thoughts and words to identify what is truly 'you.' They propose an exercise where one observes the internal reaction to their speech, using the autonomic nervous system's signals to gauge authenticity. If a statement makes you feel weak or like you've betrayed yourself, it's likely inauthentic. The speaker uses dramatic examples, like from 'The Lord of the Rings,' to illustrate the importance of genuine self-expression over relying on cliches or societal expectations for communication and personal growth.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Carl Rogers introduced the concept of 'subception', which is akin to a sixth sense that allows us to perceive our internal reactions and states.
• 🕴️ The autonomic nervous system plays a crucial role in providing us with information about our body's state, which can indicate authenticity or inauthenticity.
• 🤔 Detaching from our thoughts and words is a method to identify what truly represents us, as much of what we think and say are influenced by external sources.
• 🗣️ Authenticity can be gauged by how our words make us feel; if they make us feel weak or like we're betraying ourselves, they may not be genuine.
• 🔍 A two-week exercise of observing how our statements affect our internal state can help us discern between authentic and inauthentic communication.
• 🤐 The advice is to stop speaking if a statement makes us feel weak, and instead, search for words that resonate more truthfully with our being.
• 🌪️ The script uses the metaphor of a swamp from 'The Lord of the Rings' to illustrate the importance of choosing our words carefully to avoid slipping into chaos or inauthenticity.
• 🧐 Attention is considered a higher-order function than intellect because it shapes and teaches our intellect, highlighting the importance of being mindful of our speech.
• 📚 The use of cliches in communication is criticized as it often represents dead ideas and can serve as a shield to avoid genuine self-expression and potential criticism.
• 🌱 Encouraging original thought and self-expression, even when it's risky, is essential for personal growth and authentic communication.

Q & A

What is subception according to Rogers?

Subception, as described by Rogers, is like a sixth sense or a form of proprioception. It refers to the internal awareness of one's body and reactions, especially as it relates to detecting incongruence or inauthenticity in oneself.

How can one use subception to detect inauthenticity?

By paying close attention to bodily sensations and autonomic responses, one can detect feelings of weakness or internal discord when speaking or thinking inauthentically. These sensations are often experienced in the midsection and signal a form of existential inauthenticity.

What practical method does the speaker suggest for identifying inauthentic thoughts or words?

The speaker suggests detaching from one's thoughts and speech, then observing bodily responses. If something you say makes you feel weak or uncomfortable, it likely indicates inauthenticity. The rule is to stop talking and try to find more authentic words.

How does Nietzsche's idea relate to inauthenticity in speech?

Nietzsche observed that everyone has perjured themselves at least once in an attempt to maintain their good name. This aligns with the concept of inauthenticity, where people say things to impress others, fit into groups, or hide aspects of themselves, thus betraying their true self.

What does the swamp scene in 'The Lord of the Rings' symbolize in this context?

The swamp scene where Gollum and Frodo carefully step across a swamp of dead souls symbolizes the need to tread carefully through life, testing one's words and thoughts to ensure they are solid and authentic, avoiding the chaos of inauthenticity.

Why does the speaker believe attention is a higher-order function than intellect?

The speaker argues that attention teaches intellect. By paying very close attention to what you say and think, you can separate genuine thoughts from inherited or false ones, highlighting the importance of awareness over pure intellect.

What role do cliches play in inauthentic speech and thought?

Cliches are seen as dead ideas or inherited thoughts that aren't truly representative of the speaker's authentic self. They allow people to hide behind familiar phrases, avoiding genuine communication or thought, often as a defense mechanism.

How can using cliches be a form of self-defense?

By relying on cliches, individuals protect themselves from criticism because the criticism applies to the cliche rather than their own original thoughts. This creates a false sense of having 'gotten away' with something.

What happens when someone is brave enough to express an original thought in writing?

When someone expresses an original thought, it may be rare and fragile, like a small green shoot emerging from a layer of cliches. This exposes the person to vulnerability, and criticism of this genuine thought can feel deeply personal, making it difficult for the person to continue.

Why is it important to expose genuine thoughts despite the risk of criticism?

Exposing genuine thoughts is crucial for authentic communication and personal growth. Although it can be painful to face criticism, it is a necessary part of developing original, meaningful ideas and moving away from inauthentic speech and thought.