Jordan Peterson: How to Deal with Existential Despair

[@lunedune4548]

I am not bitter towards life I love it but there’s a part of me that would rather be back to wherever I came from, connected to something more than being isolated in my body alone forever

[@Heyheywereallfriendshere]

i’ve felt like this before. the thing is, and this is just my opinion, it seems the only way to perceive and therefore be conscious and aware of “life” or to have it at all is to be in the body, alone. Bliss might not exist in that pure form of consciousness, ie wherever we came. Perhaps neither was suffering, but I like to think that God, ie where we came (in a not strictly religious sense) existed, and was “perfect” but thought that there might be some use to diverse perception, think of each of us as a cell in the giant, slugging, human shaped organism moving through space and time. There must have been some merit to it, otherwise why this compared to that? Why go anywhere from where we came if that is the ideal state of existence? I don’t know, but I have a hunch there’s a reason, and we are all little cells fueling the human thing to fulfill that reason, to make due on the prophecy, or hunch. It doesn’t really help make anything less confusing, I searched the title too, but it makes a little more sense when I think of it like that

[@AndrewHedlund100]

Sorry you can’t go back in your moms womb

[@gregkirk1842]

Where you came from is probably the same place your going. Might as well take it in while your hear.

[@ARINOXMUSIC]

@@gregkirk1842 I'm happy about that lol

[@Taldaran]

If you want to get closer to where you came from, mindfulness meditation helps. You won't be able to do away with yourself. That's impossible. What you can do though, is learn to align with your higher self and witness the ego construct that drives us. That higher witness will help us see what we need to do and make choices.

[@chopin65]

I like his suit.

[@vaporwingfauxmcloud1190]

Me too...

[@georgefoggin8892]

Love your suit..

[@Austingrey789]

Remember guys, the world has changed drastically in the last 30 years, this time right now with technology and social media is the first time our DNA is experiencing anything like that. We're obviously not used to of this kind of life. This is an experimental era for so many thing. We're all trying to cope up with this world that is constantly changing at an unbelievable pace.

[@uzisbaked]

Thanks bro I needed that

[@Impaled_Onion-thatsmine]

Well we are going to hope we just wanted to

[@sergegassity7395]

The advancement in genetics is adding a new dimension to the existential angst by showing that our soma, our bodies, with all their complexities and intricate conscience is just another evolutionary adaptation to fulfill just one task - to pass genes to the future. It is rather shocking realization that we’re are nothing other than a vehicle, a logistics for DNA to perpetuate. Single-use, disposable, recyclable, tossed to the bin after use…. We’re no more valuable to the evolution than fruit fly or banana for that matter. The role of a phenotype is to serve the genotype - to struggle, compete, survive, mate and pass info in DNA. That’s it. That’s my way of facing the dragon, looking into the abyss. And then you have a second thought. Wait a second,…despite it all - it is still a hell of a great experience, to emerge from nothingness to have this amazing experience…

[@peenusweenusyeenus]

Responsibility doesn’t cure existential dread, it just distracts you from it

[@h.k.3704]

Theres no remedy to this feeling.

[@jimmyhopkins8447]

Dread is a negative fixation, if you distract yourself with things that matter now instead of the unknown you stop fixating on it, which works like a cure

[@jimmyhopkins8447]

@@h.k.3704hey, don’t be so pessimistic, you can lead a normal happy life, you just need to improve your mindset

[@jmh6132]

He doesn't mean responsibility like adopting a puppy or getting a job. He literally means stop trying to distract yourself from it and face those feelings till you reach their very core.

[@freemindas]

Yes but here you are and death is certain. Embrace your suffering and enjoy your happy moments!

[@phoenixlight1111]

Wow, I absolutely stumbled on this as I sit in my car feeling miserable. In hell. Going through ALL of this. I haven't been able to verbalize my inner torture.....this is exactly it. Thank you, I've needed this soooo much. 🕉

[@TheThomasAaron]

Change your perspective, theres a chance to put your heart in good or bad places, on memories, or thinking of the future....... good or bad things..... choose the best.... and be open to anything at anytime, who knows what will ever occur but God? And be PATIENT...... Patience is serenity, calm in the chaos..... and more.... peace of mind is thru this... to persevere.... Pray and Read the word too.

[@pauldilley8974]

I think the best way to meaning is to sit down and write down what is important, and then what's needed to work towards that. And involve what inspires as part of the important things.

[@shcaskey]

I am slowly and deliberately taking my life apart. I seem to think that if I isolate myself it will get better. I move frequently and it feels better for about 3 years until I catch up with me. I prefer being alone and have little contact with my family; have none of my own. I’m no spring chicken. I’m contemplating an existential journey to try to resolve the issue/s. This shit is not much fun.

[@parmiggianoreggie-ano1832]

How are you doing? Keep going. I’d like to say “you are not alone” but that’s something you have to discover by yourself :)

[@franklinayala4879]

Everything matters! And don’t say gratitude, put it to practice trust me. Thoughts are emotions and learn to love more feel more.

[@mattXCGaming]

Frodo how are you doing today? Has It gotten better for you. I feel just like your comment Im scared I’m going insane or something I’m severely depressed. Any help or advice you have learned? Peace and love be with you friend

[@HunterGaming-gu4xf]

@Frodo, we’re here for you man

[@bilaliq1449]

You sound like me. I move cities/ countries too every 3-5 years. Currently moving 8th time. Lol

[@AndJusticeForMe]

Yep, I’m in hell. Trying to claw my way out. Might not make it. Time will tell.

[@napoleonisthegreatest.2448]

Dm me, my friend. My instagram @simbirtsev_gleb

[@TATZELWURMFORSAKEN]

Same journey, I just hope I can destroy hell and emerge stronger.

[@Heavywall70]

Is it different for someone like me who put himself here in hell? I’m afraid of mistaking denial for “clawing my way out” God help me I’m so miserable

[@AndJusticeForMe]

@@Heavywall70 Hell can certainly be self-imposed. Sometimes not. For me, it’s both. Everyday is difficult, but we’re still holding on, my friend.

[@AndJusticeForMe]

@@TATZELWURMFORSAKEN It’s an ongoing war.

[@auroraborealis3915]

I just discovered Dr JP, what an amazing amazing man

[@jkedmond]

And now this will be your rebirth atleast it was for me.

[@hyrumkeith8467]

Good for you! Life changing.

[@s.s.1644]

Welcome to the club

[@You-Know-Youre-Right]

Agreed

[@pecan11]

Such a sheeple

[@hart3113]

The tower of Babel(social media) is making people sick.

[@Classic_Flashback]

LA

[@abduladil7332]

@@Classic_Flashback Naam

[@uri7793]

Do you think social media is the direct cause? How do you think social media is causing it? Do you think the cause is the worldwide ability to connect or the structure of social media itself or something else?

[@art_pilat]

"If you've ever been visited by the spirit of existential dread, congratulations-you’re in a pretty blessed position. It means your basic needs are met to the point where you get to sit around wondering about your place in the universe. Think about it, when you’re fighting for survival, the last thing on your mind is the meaning of it all."

[@cellslave]

A cost/benefit analysis of existence (my existence, at least) reveals that any and all good, pleasure, etc. is far outweighed... FAR outweighed... by suffering.

[@Dman9fp]

That's the funny thing about human existence- or at least one of them- nobody asked or forced us to take inventory of whether seemingly based on subjective feelings that seem objective- if light outshines the darkness. No doubt I've suffered tremendously, constant rejection, loss of what I do have, speculative long term future, Loads of family living the dream and making it look easy, and meanwhile I have to have loads of resilience and patience and digging into existential meaning, enlightenment books & lectures, etc.-- Just to Survive. Life is truly not fair, not that it's against us but worse-- it doesn't care about us... It seems hopeless, how the hell can it get better, even all the money in the world feels like it couldn't fix me... But then one day it may hit us, who's the one saying we are truly broken and cannot feel better some day, even just a little bit?... It's all too easy to trust the rational-feeling urges to end the suffering/ may even tragically fail to realize it's all truly a game, we are all intimately connected and yet feel that family & the world is somehow better off without us (a mere product of this broken society and largely misunderstood existence)... Yet this may be the one single half a blink of existence we ever get- a very very brief vacation from non-existence (just doesn't seem it since by definition living is all we can do!). Yes the world doesn't care about me, but that liberates me since it's not about me-- and there's not one set purpose or meaning we must follow in life (leads to despair for most people, understandably since we crave and think security will somehow "fix" and "fulfill" us automatically... But there's plenty of stable existences and families that are awfully hellish and cruel. Solitude is better than bad company- hard to believe for those who never been in a relationship yes, but they must know it's not actually us ourselves the other loves, but an ideal person they see in their mind of us, we are all truly selfish no matter what we do and it's still okay and beautiful.... Somehow your comments elucidated this extra depth out of me-- probably because I've largely felt the same A Lot of the time. But it misses the big picture of course- joy can always still be had and coexist with suffering... We don't have to live a super long life, or at all!- just as we don't truly have to get married, have kids, work a good paying full time stressful job, etc... Still I know in vast majority of circumstances- there is chance of enough freedom and joys for it to be worthwhile But if you guys wanna keep on believing it's just because we're 'lazy', stupid, etc. insecurities other people throw at us to make themselves stay sane- go ahead. But the antidote to despair is not to feel less but to feel more- to own our emotions and understand them instead of automatically controlling us from beyond our awareness

[@joshk7051]

My analysis says it doesn't matter. Existence is just a dream slammed in-between two states of sleep. A dream you'll never remember.

[@cellslave]

@@joshk7051 Then problem is..... I STILL REMEMBER IT!!!!!!!

[@joshk7051]

@@cellslave we have two different issues that are probably both stemming from the same root cause. "God is dead and we have killer him".

[@cellslave]

@@simoncat "Your cost/benefit analysis is bias..." ..........WRONG! .......I'll say it again.... A cost/benefit analysis of existence (my existence, at least) reveals that any and all good, pleasure, etc. is far outweighed... FAR outweighed... by suffering.......... You might not agree, but you are certainly entitled to you own opinion.....As am I..... As is everyone....... Your opinion does not trump anyone's analysis of their own existence.

[@Mopantsu]

Ignorance truly is bliss.

[@j4n3h5b2]

exactly, sometimes i wish i was mentally impaired

[@bandolierboy1908]

Some people believe that the story of Adam and Eve was a story regarding the blissful ignorance of the realities of life, such as death and aging. Self awareness is suffering

[@zacara8469]

​@@j4n3h5b2the curse of having a High iq

[@tombrown5508]

Brutal. When you are at your lowest and weakest the only way out is to expend what little energy you have left and accept more responsibility and labor in a last ditch effort to merely survive.

[@jimmyhopkins8447]

That’s a very pessimistic view. Think of it this way, responsibility gives humans purpose and fulfilment. People are less happy without it. Early humans were responsible for their own are those around therm’s survival, they had to work hard hunting, gathering, child rearing, escaping predators etc. Our brains aren’t as evolved as we like to imagine, we still need things like social interaction and responsibility to stimulate us. It is written into our dna, it’s an integral part of human nature and the closer aligned we are with human nature the better our minds and lives become. I truly hope you are feeling better or will soon at least. There is so much beauty and wonder all around us.

[@stevegeorge3903]

It's like the guy who held the last bit of corn in his hand and the creator says... If you bury what you have in the ground and patiently wait, you will see a miracle. 😮🤔🤯

[@officiallyeffectivevideos]

Yet the early humans likely weren't as "moral" as Dr Peterson would have us believe... They had to hunt and kill for their own lion diet, despite their moral desires not to cause suffering

[@Autonova]

“Human beings do not live forever, Reuven. We live less than the time it takes to blink an eye, if we measure our lives against eternity. So it may be asked what value is there to a human life. There is so much pain in the world. What does it mean to have to suffer so much if our lives are nothing more than the blink of an eye? I learned a long time ago, Reuven, that a blink of an eye in itself is nothing. But the eye that blinks, that is something. A span of life is nothing. But the man who lives that span, he is something. He can fill that tiny span with meaning, so its quality is immeasurable though its quantity may be insignificant. Do you understand what I am saying? A man must fill his life with meaning, meaning is not automatically given to life. It is hard work to fill one's life with meaning. That I do not think you understand yet. A life filled with meaning is worthy of rest. I want to be worthy of rest when I am no longer here”

[@hesohit]

Despair my actually only fear

[@thunderwolf2576]

Was born and raised in a hole in all of my 24 years so far. It's like being chained up and bound and I know nothing outside of the place. Can never escape or be able to truly live for myself. It's just so foreign to me and it is getting worse and worse these days. Feel it's all I'll ever know. 😔

[@timhensley3695]

🫂

[@Asehpe]

So basically JP is an existentialist. Adopt a meaning-giving structure, such as what he calls an ethical life, and this will help you out of the unavoidable depressive abyss of reality. Even if everything is meaningless, don't stay as you are, because there are ways of suffering less which involve accepting the finitude and meaninglessness of live and doing the right hting. I wish this were as true as he thinks it it. Not because it won't work -- it will. But after it works, you'll still wake up someday... and see what lies behind.

[@jjolsson1863]

Dude cry me a fucking river.

[@philemonevans1814]

He wouldn’t regard himself as an existentialist, he would most likely identify as religious. Peterson has studied and understands the existential philosophy, however he merely uses it as a tool to explain his more crucial points. If I understand Peterson correctly, he would say that the morals that you would discover through your existentialist inquisition would inevitably resemble that of many others’ moral discoveries. Take this ad Infinitum and collect all the moral discoveries and formulate them into meta principles and we arrive at a type of meta moral hero; a saint; Jesus. I’m not religious in the typical sense, but these ideas have incredible merit and do not fall into existentialist thinking at least not strictly.

[@Asehpe]

@@philemonevans1814 But he does seem to think that these morals are not so much discovered -- they're not out there in the atoms that compose thu universe -- as they are created and accepted, which I always took to be an existentialist position, right? (There are deeply religious existentialists; Kirkegaard jumps to mind.)

[@philemonevans1814]

@@Asehpe he does think morals are “out there to be discovered” (it’s the same thing as the ‘Jesus/hero’ theory; we’re just rediscovering the same ideas). But I don’t think he believes morals exist in atoms themselves (awkward language). More accurately Peterson is a phenomenologist, at least in practice. Phenomenologist’s claim that Cartesian Dualism is incorrect, the claim that the universe consists of mind (subject) and matter (object). Phenomenology claims that belief in this ‘barrier’ between qualities is an error. Therefore, moral values can be ‘found in the world’ for a phenomenologist, but not in strictly ‘objective matter’, as a phenomenologist claims that both matter and their perception of it are unison. So yes, Peterson would claim that moral values are out “in the world”, but not through a strictly materialist position which I think you are discussing. I might be wrong about Peterson, but my references on phenomenology stand correct nonetheless

[@hotstuff1167]

@@jjolsson1863 go fuck yourself

[@YT-CesarB]

I’m here because I’m in so much despair that I feel like throwing up… 😩

[@SantiagoMunozMagan2003]

May I ask how you coped with it? Just entered the phase

[@IM_MOUNTAIN]

I think there is no better cinematography than GoT and the tale of Hodor. Imagine living your entire live knowing away the misery that awaits you. But you choose to confront it regardless. With a smile.

[@Paul-nn9oj]

I find the struggle (overcoming each tiny insummountable step) is what makes me feel most elated & alive (eg homeless & hungry feels so low, but tiny victories bring elation) Things will get better. You can do it. I used to say "Everyone has as much crap as they can deal with, some people have to handle more crap than others". When you are sufficiently burried in crap you will start to dig your way out.

[@jdharmeyer6831]

It's like I want to be alone forever yet I'm afraid of losing my close ones, wtf is wrong with me? Does anybody else feel this? I'm so deep in I've only slept 6 hours the past 3 days. Idk what to do.....

[@Mopantsu]

Living alone can be the biggest cause. When you have nobody to motivate you and too much time to think, you go inwards.

[@shreyashabhinav1979]

I think what u fear is that your loved ones will feel eternal abyss or leave u forever , so u have to move on from denial and understand your problems even more In this case it is death(I think), accept that,Death is not pain , death is not calmness or coldness like portrayed I used to think death was vaccum of emotions it was literally sleeping forever with no dreams But then I realized death is completely different then that ..... This might look be out of topic but it helped me(and it might trigger a different type of existential crisis so scroll at your own risk ) , but we don't know what the universe or conscience it If u r in a room the planet is in a galaxy and the galaxy is in an universe and let's say universe is in multuverse ....then where is the multi verse ,somewhere it has to end, I like to believe that their is DEFINETLY an almighty being or creature that created us , people say it is God,some say it is a 4-D being, some say we are in a game,some say it is an ocean of conscience , so my point is that if even one if these theory is true then death is nothing like we thought , maybe death is fake if we are in a game, maybe death is actually going into a different dimension if their is a 4-D being or God

@@Mopantsu Many people would motivate themselves on the premise that being good will attract good company. I did that, it worked for 3 years, then she left, and now I wonder if any of my beliefs were ever true at all.

[@flyingknee23]

@ stay good and true to yourself even in betrayal. You can’t force your values on others. It’s their choice to leave or stay regardless. Let go.

[@timcj8375]

I don't even see the point if anything anymore, seeing the systems in place in the United States, seeing how hard I've worked saving up money for two years working overtime and everything selling my fucking soul to making some bucks and a third of it was gone within a week due to something that had come up. I don't see anywhere to go, I see how impossible it is to claw myself out of the rat race, school makes up employees, damn near every food and drink is not good for us, debt and chemicals shoved down our throats. Working my job and having enough energy to keep up with life takes all my will power as it is let alone attempting to eat healthy every day (also keeping that stocked), exercising, enough water, enough stretching, doing the exercises correctly. Like I'm just slowly becoming more nihilistic or something along those lines because so many problems so massive and rooted so deep into society and seeing none of my family even look twice at them, makes it impossible to even try fighting it. What fight the whole government? Ranting so hard bro😑

[@MrBrar-dh3lj]

How are things now in your life? Did something change? Did you find a way out of all that yet? I ask all this because a lot about what you said is also true for me. These past few years I've felt trapped. Hell I am just 18. How on earth am I supposed to keep up with this for the remainder of my life? Is it really how it is meant to be or life can just be THAT unfair?

[@MarkSoutherland-o1k]

I never felt existential dread like I do now after a recent manic episode that was so intense, coming back down from it has made me feel so lacking in purpose now that I can't even find the reason to sing (life long musician) because I can't comprehend the purpose of joy anymore. Everything I use to do is questioned for purpose now and I can't seem to move forward out of it. I'm sitting through my days to survive myself.

[@lesterdiamond6190]

I find just going to work and being productive is totally necessary. I like to take maybe 2 weeks off, fish/hunt like mad, then I’m ready to go back to work. Retirement is going to be a challenge without some type of productivity

[@izawaniek2568]

What a brillant and eyeopening talk! Truth, humility and reason. Thank you Jordan Peterson.

[@joshk7051]

Hard to feel like anything really matters when existence is essentially a blink of an eye and then nothing. The same nothing that we remember before our lives started.

[@tonyfonta4094]

Actually you don't know what's after or before. And that's what I beautiful. Live for the doubt, the hope

[@arc5015]

We don't know what came before or what comes after, I do think it's something, no idea what though. And I find the problem with nihilistic thinking like this is that basically, your scope of things is far too broad. You're here now on Earth as the person you are, so why are you worrying about things 1,000,000 years from now or ago or whatever?

[@joshk7051]

@@arc5015 I think the thought process is to find some sort of meaning. In which, I haven't. Existence is fleeting. It's almost a cruel trick at times. Filled with so much joy and love but for what? Why push through the angst if there's no real meaning behind it all?

[@ottoelg2748]

I think I understand his point. By taking on responsibility and facing our problems head on, we create meaning and deal with the existential despair. Even though I could get much better at this, I feel like i am doing it quite well. I get top grades in school, and live a healthy life with regular training and social interactions. In spite of this, this existential dread and these feelings of meaninglessness keep returning. Are we supposed to ignore these thoughts and live life in a state of happy, deliberate ignorance? Or do I just need to keep improving until I reach a new state?

[@mattbab]

These are the questions I ask my self every day. I feel that

I was in your shoes once, but the pain and suffering didn't disappear. Until I found their root cause: Meaninglessness. So I concocted a meaning that worked well for about a year. My purpose for the time being would be to improve myself. The thinking was that if I was to strive to be my best self, then good things would come. And both to my surprise and as part of a very big coincidence, good things came very quickly. What happens next might not interest you, but I'll throw it out anyway: I was very lucky to meet a girl when I was not looking for one. I was blessed to fall in love. And over the course of the past three years, I came to the conclusion that our relationship was supposed to be my purpose. This is how most people will live their lives -- They will put their spouse and children at the top of the hierarchy. It was only just when I decided this and began putting even more care into my actions that she decided she would leave. It breaks my heart not knowing whether I'd been betrayed and cheated on, not knowing the reason she left, and wondering if perhaps it could all have been salvaged had we met just one more time. It is now immensely painful to try and reconstruct purpose and meaning for myself, in complete isolation. As much pain as it brought me, doing it the first time over seems to have been easier, in retrospect. At least back then I didn't yearn for the love of my life to return to me -- I might have been sad I was alone, but this pain hits so much harder when you experience the joy of holding and being held by another person.

[@ashleyriosrizo]

@@mattbab I don't know if what I feel is an existential crisis but I sometimes feel like I don't understand my own existence.

[@jimmyhopkins8447]

It’s not deliberate ignorance to focus on what actually exists and matters in your life. If anything I’d argue it’s more ignorant to fixate on the unknown and dwell on worst case nihilistic scenarios and ideas. If this is it, it makes sense to cherish it not waste it worrying about it being over. But for all we know this isn’t it. I think it’s a lot more likely this isn’t it seeing how time and space are infinite in the universe, and we exist in that universe. So, logically, we are subject to its rules (no beginning and no end). Not to mention, if atheists believe death is permanent they are inadvertently admitting there is such a thing as eternity…and if time and space around us are infinite and you believe in ‘forever’, it’s not exactly a big leap to believe we never stop (or start) existing. Perhaps it’s a loop, the universe expands then collapses causing the Big Bang, meaning the moment you die you essentially wake up right back where you began. That would explain a lot and makes as much sense as any other theory I’ve heard, actually a lot more than most. Maybe there is a God and heaven/ afterlife. Who knows. Not us. Try replacing nihilistic views with ones like those when you are feeling down. Remember, they are just as likely. Arguably a lot more so than ‘oh everything just randomly started one day for no known reason against all conceivable odds, it’s all a big coincidence and our consciousness doesn’t follow the rules of the universe’. See how silly that sounds. Find positive theories that resonate with you. Good luck

[@warrenbuffett875]

@@jimmyhopkins8447thanks man, that gave me different perspective

[@NinaCrown45]

I've lost my will to survive. Everyday I ask god for mercy and please help end my lifr

[@RabbiYomTov]

I’m in a strange situation in that I have very intense bouts with existential angst while at the same time receiving feedback from my KZbin videos on how it saved other people from their own suffering. I imagine that JP suffers quite a bit given the tone of his voice and verbiage, which means that I guess the grappling with it necessarily may not make it better, but it may make it better for others. That’s probably why he tears up whenever he speaks about how meaningful it is to him that he made a difference to other people. That may be the only thing that’s meaningful to him at this point of his life. I get that for myself as well. Being a Hasidic jew also takes the edge off alot of my existential angst.

[@MC-eg5fj]

My girlfriend of 3 years dumped me and moved into the apartment next door. We share a wall and she’s seemed to have move on very quickly. I have a full time job, coaching football at the high school level, and working a third job on the weekends. Lift and run at 5:30 in the morning 5 days a week and I still feel empty and deal with waves of passive suicidal ideation throughout the week.

[@valentinexyz]

I hope things have improved, since your post a month ago. Baby steps of betterment are all we can hope for. Take care of yourself.

[@deathysmile]

move away. look for a better home that doesn't share a wall with your ex. leave her behind and move to a nicer place.

[@kapital6501]

anxiety is seeing JP holding a can without doing anything with it

[@Kaydewrites]

😂😂😂

[@starcultiniser]

all i want is cuddles :( im so lonely

[@Lanes8930]

I hear you. Sending hugs

[@Heavywall70]

Breaking moral rules has been my lifelong function apparently. From the sound of it that I may be a psychopath It is deeply miserable. It seems to be a fitting punishment for a person who held no person (not my own children, spouses, parents or siblings) scared.

[@shcaskey]

I looked up the definition of psychopath. It’s not what I thought. And it appears the definition applies to me.

[@stevegeorge3903]

Just by the mere fact you may identify yourself as a psychopath removes you from being one!!!

[@MsCmeehan]

Answer me this - what about the person who is in so much despair they don’t care about gathering up and heading uphill.

[@ericdraven3654]

I am there.

[@AndersonCo26]

Gotta convince yourself to keep moving. Aim for a bite size step towards a goal and you'll gain momentum. It's difficult but it's far better than sitting and rotting...

[@hotstuff1167]

@@AndersonCo26 so suicide?

[@elpina587]

Sandcastles made of sand jimmy Hendrix

[@shcaskey]

I’m so sorry. Maybe this is a place to start.

[@小四-y3b]

I don't know what to make out of this video yet, and i just want to share whats going through my mind rn...i realized that i had never truly had some ups and downs in life after i realized i got existential crisis and suffers from nihilism. my experiences are so dreamy that i question if i am in the Matrix and what should i do, to continue living or what...The ultimate problem is that i feel alone,i could never be so sure if anyone around me truly exists... is this is weight of living as a human?

[@x2z964]

When you realize these things it feels like you're in a waking nightmare.

[@paulazinz9182]

Please talk so someone in your real life. Talk to a family member or friend or Co-worker... it does not matter who you talk to or what about BUT you need to get out of your head a little and focus on thinks outside of you. You do not want to Lose yourself in your own head... it is not always a good place to be alone in Best of Luck

@@paulazinz9182 I could go on about what goes on in my head for several hours at a time (though I make no promise that it would be cohesive all the way through). I don't think anyone should be burdened by this. Unless you are suggesting a therapist?

[@yakinimoseley6792]

Feeling of being alone, and reality not being real are definitely difficult questions to contend with. The thoughts that the mind create are numerous and at times very logical and without flaws. Yet the mind is still being understood and we are operating on a low level amount of what reality actually is. This is seems to definitely be apart of existence, dealing with conflicts of what is real from what is not.

[@timhensley3695]

Only thing that has made it better for me was Love...Deep Human Connection.

[@someonesomeone25]

Meaning comes from playing an important role in a grand project. But hardly anyone can get that.

[@upendownlinker]

There is no grand project

[@someonesomeone25]

@@upendownlinker Well, there are projects that people believe are grand and that is enough. For example, the development of human civilisation. For many, if they played an important role in that they'd experience a great sense of meaning. Even though that is, in many ways, pointless and absurd, their human brains would feel good anyway. Same with religion and believing you're saving souls from hell. The trouble is that formany moderns God is dead and they're not smart, talented or lucky enough to make any important contribution to anything they feel is a grand project. Thus we have a crisis of meaning in the 21st century.

[@arc5015]

Yeah, the universal grand project.

[@therulesaredifferent8280]

I think the young generation's reaction to this would be: "skibidi toilet ohio rizz."

[@shinjuku96jackson4]

I drink a little and I have suffering but I have a job and my own place so meh I'm fine

[@joshk7051]

Existence is just a dream that's slammed in-between two states of sleep... the kicker is its a dream you'll never remember.

[@oneofusmustknow]

I love how you describe it.🥺 Are you a writer?

[@ottoelg2748]

Wow.

[@joshk7051]

@@oneofusmustknow nope. Just plagued by an existential crisis.

[@bandolierboy1908]

@@joshk7051 does it ever get any better? Mines been going on for 5 months now

[@judementz-gibbons6730]

Tell people how to deal with losing all their children and side of family tragically; watch the love of their life die by cancer; lose their friends and watch their daughter want to die due to sustaining a brain injury that ruined her life and changed her e tire beautiful personality to a psychotic one that has no future;…. I lost everything and I am a good person having no support or compassion offered; and tell me then ‘responsibility cures it’. Sorry, but being extremely disagreeable here. I would not wish it on anyone and most die from it. The misery does not turn me benevolent at all - but it does may me cry out to God like Job. And no professional will give me benzos they did you as they care more about their licence than my sanity… to get me through the distress. It’s hell on earth and I hope God takes me as I pray for it every day. Thats not bitterness - that it being given more than one person can cope with. That’s horror. And even though others may have it even worse does not ease mine. Just tells me what a terrible cruel world this is. Some don’t have the privilege to get the help they need and no one has the answers. You are way off track here Mr Peterson. The answer is going back to being kind and helping out each other. To the point the other sees a point and meaning to life.

[@beastoftalvar]

Can't believe that he disagrees with Nietzsche. The latter knew damn well that his Overman is an ideal that can never actually be reached. He was just telling us that through striving towards this ideal, we can live the greeatest life possible and counter our meaningless suffering.

[@piety61]

That's why the Old Testament reading comes before the New Testiment reading.

[@soapbxprod]

YES! The Old Testament is the "why". The New Testament is the "how"

[@colin2709]

The need to address despair is not redressed by "a call to a utopia that's produced by human imagination"... there's no heaven at the end of this to make it better.

[@dr.apollo4226]

@@bryanthomas4907 bit harsh dude, wouldn’t go so far as to call it evil

[@zacara8469]

​@@dr.apollo4226human sacrifice?

[@StrangeAttractor]

Life is finitude and suffering, most people degenerate and become bitter. OK. So what is the responsible thing to do: start a family and perpetuate the endless cycle of suffering, or sacrifice your own life and become a bitter and degenerate lonely old childless drunk and end the cycle...?

[@SeaOfMany]

Yep, that is life’s dilemma

[@pauldilley8974]

The message is to find meaning by taking responsibility. That doesn't necessarily mean start a family, it all depends on what kind of responsibility you value.

[@StrangeAttractor]

@@pauldilley8974 'taking responsibility' means career and romantic monogamy (see'12 More Rules For Life'), and having kids is something he explicitly states as part of the purpose of life in various videos. He never acknowledges how problematic this model is and how depressed he is despite all his achievements. Be careful not to idolise a guy who almost died trying to come off benzodiazepines.

[@matttzb]

The most purely rational and logical thing to do, upon realizing the immeasurable suffering against you and all sentience, is to end your own life and embrace the void. But your own biology dictates you against this, and almost everyone are unable to do it. Including me.

[@imadeyoureadthis1]

@@matttzb this resonates with me, the only difference is that i apply some form of logic as to what is stopping me. Which is the possibility of finding answers in the future that are better than the ones i don't currently have.

[@spazADHD99]

The greatest fear isn't dieing its knowing that our life will be forgotten. Think of the dinosaurs. name one of them not the species the individual. Think of the pyramids. Who designed them who built them. The individual dies to create that which outlived the individual

[@immaculatesquid]

the mark of a virtuous greek or roman was the person that planted an olive tree in their 60s, knowing they would never be able to enjoy it, but that their kids and grandkids would..

[@anuragchowdhury9517]

That's an irrational fear.

[@thefool1086]

@Martha Speaks Internet will disappear anyways, probably human race will go extinct and everything humans did and lived will be forgotten and lose in the infinite river of time.

[@yea885]

What's the point in being "remembered" if u not there to experience it

[@incitatus634]

Well ever heard of the "butterfly effect"? Your existence has been there for a exact moment in time so the universe would be different if you weren't there. Perhaps you are designed to be there to keep everything organized and in the case that you weren't there, the universe would be something else, not the current existence. Think of it as dark matter, it's there, it has an effect yet it's existence is not proved yet, perhaps the consciousness is related to dark energy/matter or something we can't comprehend. It's too difficult to understand it.

[@Autonova]

If you’re in trouble, you’re not alone

[@If-Liberty-Means-Anything...]

In some sense it is true, and in some sense it isn't. There are many in despair yet those many are spread apart, so they are alone. Not to forget that those in despair suffer alone.

[@tatercrosley6210]

If something is socially constructed, it can also be individually altered, once that something becomes aware that it has been socially constructed. To call that infantile reasoning and try to dismiss it like that is a cheap shot.

[@tatercrosley6210]

@@jeffp7776 That is not what he said. He said it is infantile to not accept the identity that the group has created for you, In favor of your own self definition. Here he is not talking about an "infant" insisting on the identity of others be what he or she insists it is. Where are you getting "takes precedence over others", or is that your own added editorializing? He is very clearly talking about the act of rejecting the arbitrary identity that you never chose in the first place, and referring to that act as "infantile".

[@AP-bf9pe]

Great point!

[@hectorhuerta08]

It ceases to be a social construct the moment it is altered individually. It kind of cancels itself out, and he was being polite in saying it is childish to say otherwise. You can’t have it both ways, social construct or choosing, arguing that you have no choice about your gender while you’re being whatever gender you chose to be that day, arguing no choice whilst choosing, tell me how that makes any sense? Being whatever gender you say you are, and being called whatever that is your chose, and then going out to protest that you have no choice about your gender. I’ll ask again, how can you say that you’re being forced to be a boy/girl, and then going out and being whatever it is you chose to be. It makes no sense. It’s like if someone argues that they’re being forced to wear a red shirt by society while wearing a white shirt. How can he be forced to wear one specific color if he’s wearing a different color.

[@35med.mohamed51]

Believing in god and the day of judgement and heaven and hell can give you deep strong meaning but just if you give up your ego

[@lautorch]

I enjoy listening to JP, even though I understand probably a 7% of what he means.

[@rarerepair]

Basically Catholicism rebranded, but that wouldn't be hip would it?

[@Josh-rn1em]

I prefer Baptist. But each their own. My mum is Catholic. We go for different reasons. Am I doing something wrong?

[@rarerepair]

@@Josh-rn1em you have free will. I know it's not an easy choice. To have people who pray for you that's a great gift.

[@soapbxprod]

Catholicism is very groovy. It's the foundation of everything.

[@esterhudson5104]

Lol. 😆😆👏👏

[@rarerepair]

@@esterhudson5104 what does that mean?

[@earlgrey2130]

Its confusing to me that they have this illectual descourse and then just mention gods as if there was no problem with that. Its like people discussing astronomy and then suddenly mentioning flat earth 😅

[@anaconda470]

This is not philosophy. Philosophy searches for an answer. Religious people already know the answer, they just try to bend all the arguments to fit, what they already assumed.

[@Elsannalita_99]

Correct

[@imadeyoureadthis1]

Philosophy offers no answers. Religion offers answers. That's the difference between them. Philosophy is similar to religion tho, because it tries to assume things, religion assumes things too. On their root, they are the same.

[@anaconda470]

@@imadeyoureadthis1 Well in my opinion religion already knows the answer, whereas philosophy asks questions. And that's a major difference.

[@imadeyoureadthis1]

@@anaconda470 religion assumes it knows the answers, philosophy asks questions without answers. They are both incapable of any legitimate result.

[@anaconda470]

@@imadeyoureadthis1 interesting point. i have to do some research and think about it.

[@doyrayburn2668]

Remember the old "Im ok you're ok" ?

[@LeviticusMoriarty]

The only reason everyone is so miserable is because we have been economically trapped into a situation where we have very few options and very little lateral freedom to do cool shit. We are stuck wasting our lives. It’s the being too poor to live a half decent life, to have kids, to have a home, to experience life in any meaningful way that makes us fucking miserable. We are wage lizards paying the majority of our meager wages to taxes and hyper inflated rent.

[@fadijak5964]

What does all that mean in English?

[@enlightenmentandphilosophy]

I wish he'd get to the point faster.

[@fernandogabriel8452]

His point is being addressed since his very first word

[@Rt_Ryan91]

It seems like a superficial point though...how many shrinks tell people they're ok the way they are?, or parents?...If anything they don't tell you that, because they want you to come back again and again, and PAY THEM.

[@JoeHinojosa-ph8yw]

I'll drink to THAT! 🍸🍸🍾

[@davidalexander7497]

Heading towards world war 3 has me wanting to quit my job and backpack the world.

[@Vyakta93]

Why do you want to Backpack ?

[@dualvc12]

What's with the ridiculous nicotine commercials? Really? Kids are drug addicts with nicotine? Seriously?

[@babarasul680]

Tfw you got absolutely nothing going on in your life.

[@Peanuts76]

Uwh, spicy

[@teobabarti9751]

i like despair

[@SelfComic]

Same

[@cardboard.5126]

S U P E R S U P E R S U P E R D E S P A I R

[@blessedowoboi]

you like the minions so yea

[@DanganKai11037]

Team Despair

[@NotMemeCat]

Hi junko!!

[@Koyo.07]

I just type danganronpa hope vs despair

[@NotMemeCat]

YES THANK YOU

[@dedykadysimbolon6773]

Tommy: Yes, But I have been following the ideology of Mr. George Bush Junior. You just made waiting for it. 😭😭

[@Godamole]

Why is the best antidote to suffering found in "the darkest possible place" and not in the most joyous? (in the first minute of the video)...Surely the darkest possible place just produces despair and anxiety? help

[@pippinpippin7823]

The darkest point is just before the dawn... Believe in happiness

[@imadeyoureadthis1]

Because at the darkest, it's the only place it can't get any darker. Only lighter. I know it's cringe, but i can't offer anymore. It's the only place with absolute possiblity of success. It's a moment that you feel free, no anxiety or despair because it can't get any worse. The most joyful place can only get worse because by definition it can't get better.

[@themarkofl1649]

@@imadeyoureadthis1 Yeah you explained it just fine. Basically, in the lowest point there is no downside potential, only upside.

[@gyorgyjakabjulia]

Darkest points also bring a lot of knowledge of self - only hardship/struggle reveals clearly what are we made of - what we are capable of. In good times it's easy to imagine how strong, smart or fast we would be in a challenging position - but when in it, that's when you will see what you are made of. Knowledge usually helps take control of fears - as the unknown becomes known - I'm sure there's exceptions to it tho.

[@carnivoreisbetter]

❤❤❤❤

[@DanganKai11037]

Start a killing game

[@XanderGimbel]

is anybody looking at this comment section???

[@JF098]

I wish I was never hurt to the point where I've given up on humanity. To the point where I believe that we can no longer combat the greed and selfishness that are so encouraged in this world. Things will not get better. They will only get worse thanks to AI and automation. People will work harder for less, and who wins? The greedy pigs at the top who couldnt care less about the people they're legally abusing, all for an extra dollar in profit.

[@EmeraldView]

By the way the title of this video was clickbait. Shame on you.

[@VladyslavKL]

🕊

[@sophiafakevirus-ro8cc]

He is lying. Despair is in the fabric of reality and nothing can alter that. Responsibility just makes the dread worse.

[@enlightenmentandphilosophy]

Yeah not everyone can be a famous fckng psychologist Peterson.

[@Gernatch]

But I want to drink what Peterson drinks! What is it!?

[@existentialmonster4059]

I don't like that psychological perspective either, excessive positivity, bolstering your self-esteem instead of dealing with facts. If you're not good at drawing you're not good at it, if you're not fit you're not fit, and if you could be nicer then you should work on it instead of telling yourself how worthy you are. It's right up there with the crowd that is into manifesting, tarot, and astrology right now. It's all bunk. Life gets scary and hard sometimes but you have to find a way to deal. No on is going to rescue you. You have to do it.

[@jc8258]

I like flowers. R E S P E C T F U L L Y Jason Michael Carleton

[@watchbotzz]

WE ARE NEGAN

[@JesusChrist-xk9ee]

After session 4 it went to shit.....

[@pecan11]

‘Adopt responsibility!’ So true but too many people rely on others and their words to do that. JP is a jerk but he sometimes says something worthwhile. This is about his own malaise and problems. he struggles like crazy about his own life

[@bradleymcwilliams2629]

That lassie was a light year behind those two chaps!!!

[@themeaningoflifeexpert]

My free book has the answer to the meaning of life..

[@EmeraldView]

Is this guy's understanding really that simplistic, or is he purposely trying to make it seem so simplistic in order to make his what would otherwise be invalid points?

[@pecan11]

Does he ever shut up and truly listen!

[@eonryan8491]

7:15

[@dogstomp]

Having a bad day, decided to see what kind of solutions there are to knowing the whole universe will continue on for more than trillions of years, erasing everything and everyone in every way, and wow, who could have guessed I'd find Peterson preying on people like me. Easiest way to get people to believe your shitty philosophies is not to convince people using solid reasoning, but to target people who are vulnerable.

[@stephaneg]

And then they had to mention god and all of their perceived intelligence disappeared ...

[@h.k.3704]

Wish I had your confidence

[@RaoulDuk3]

Drugs

[@Thearabphantom]

did anyone notice that jordan was hitting on that women and that women was showing it for him only for the other one to get jalous and start intruding in conversation so they start talking in meanings and in body language and words like child xD godamit i am high

[@MRedwood82]

This ends in awful bigoted hate speech against lgbtq people. Like the hate is just casually tossed into the conversation like an off topic garnish. Glad for the reminder that religions teach hate and judgement rather than ethics or morals.

[@MrSvenovitch]

I don't understand why ppl listen to this hack more than once.

[@terrymacintyre6167]

Lol sick burn !

[@mikegonzalez8398]

@ENDLockdowns DotOrg i’m dead 😂

[@enlightenmentandphilosophy]

Why does he directly address the woman like she wouldn't know this basic bullshit.