[February 8, 2025] In one of his discussions, Dr. Jordan Peterson explains that humans are not inherently designed for happiness. At first, this concept didn’t resonate with me. Peterson has previously stated that while we shouldn’t specifically aim for happiness, we should be open to it when it arises.
“We’re obviously not made for happiness because that’s a form of infantile hedonism. That narrow happiness is counterproductive both communally and in the long run.” — Dr. Jordan Peterson
The purpose of life is not to seek happiness. While happiness may occasionally come, it is insufficient during difficult times. We often become preoccupied with the pursuit of superficial happiness—a sort of hedonistic happiness—and think we have a “right” to it. However, these rights actually exist to help us shoulder our responsibilities, which is where true meaning in life resides.
For those familiar with Jordan Peterson, it may not be surprising that he argues we are better suited for leadership and adventure. This can be seen in the stories of figures like Moses and Abraham, who were called to significant challenges.
Abraham was called to embark on the adventure of his life—a continuous expansion of opportunities accompanied by sacrifices. Moses was called to combat tyranny and slavery. According to Peterson, both of these pursuits represent great enterprises for the individuals involved.
We might argue that we, too, are called to take on great enterprises. If we fully embrace this challenge, we can find justification for our lives and a way to prevent death from overwhelming us. This, ultimately, is the real meaning of life.
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Good man. Smart man.
We love Jordan Peterson for saying what needs saying and that is the pathway to a good life is through the adoption of the greatest responsibility that you can bear. There is no other path. Be there. Do the right thing. That is how you can also survive the evils and disasters that come your way.
Now, this is an interesting take by Dr. Jordan Peterson, and I must say, I’m not surprised. As others have noted, JP often comes out with descriptions of ideas that we all have but don’t yet have the words or concepts fully developed. This is another one, “We are not made for Happiness.” Interesting.
Exactly, Emma and thanks for saying what we are all thinking. 👍
Gen. Satterfield, Dr.,JP always seems to have something to say said that we all know and believe but haven’t been able to say in our own words. He gives us those words to say what we know. In this case, JP is telling us that we must adopt responsibility over happiness because it’s not happiness that makes for a good life. It’s adopting responsibility that makes us satisfied with our lives.
Nick, good comment on the primary message that Dr. JP is getting to. That is also the reason that I loved Gen. Satterfield’s book “55 Rules for a Good Life.”
Jordan Peterson is one of the most valuable man in the West. I believe he now lives in Arizona (the point is he lives in America). Canada hates him because he says what is true. Adopt responsibility. That is the way of s good life. 😊
“We aren’t made for happiness.” — Dr. Jordan Peterson. WOW.
Anytime we get to hear more about Dr. Jordan Peterson, the better to my liking. So, please give us more. I like how JP is able to tell is things we know but haven’t yet be capable of articulating. ❤️
Jordan Peterson has an interesting twist on how he looks at the world and encourages us to do the same. After a few months listening and watching him discuss the core of human personality, it all begins to make sense. This particular subject that Gen. Satterfield is summarizing for us is JP’s insight into happiness and that we are not built (as humans) for it. He believes that we are meant to struggle and overcome; to be on an adventure. That is what gives our lives meaning and continuity, not the fleeting happiness that so many young folks concentrate upon.
Under, correct. And that is exactly why I keep on reading this leadership website. I get plenty of insights and it opens my eyes to those things I would never have thought possible. Thanks to real thinkers like Dr. Jordan Peterson and others, I do believe I have worked to make myself a better person and have a good life.
Indeed, an odd but interesting take. That’s why I’m a fan of JP.
😁😁😁😁 Excellent look at the basics of human psyche. 😊😊😊😊😊
I’m a big fan also of Dr. J. peterson.
Thanks, Gen. Satterfield for again highlighting an idea of Dr. JP. Of course, like others here, I’ve become a fan of him – and you too – since you both write about how to know the way to make our lives so much better. I’m amazed that there are folks out there – usually political leftists – who oppose his message of self-responsibility. Adopting great responsibility is the only way to a better life. And I did also read your book “55 rules for a good life” and found it full of wisdom.
DPG, yep, here’s the link to Amazon where anyone can go to get “55 Rules for a Good Life.”
https://www.amazon.com/55-Rules-Good-Life-Responsibility/dp/1737915529/
Here is a review by a person named Tracy Davis:
“ I always thought of myself as self disciplined and a good person. It’s was interesting to me when reading this book that there are always ways we can better ourselves. I always thought of myself as almost perfect, though this book made me question my self opinion. Hey , maybe I am not as perfect as I thought. The Generals book definitely made me think.”.
The idea in Gen. Satterfield’s book parallels Jordan Peterson. Gen. S’s ideas are derived from 40 years in the US Army. And it shows. Just flip to the table of contents. Great book, esp. for young people.
Good comment, Eric. Yes, and I also have a copy of his books – both of them. If you really want to read an easy read that significantly adds to your personal life philosophy, these are the books to have on your shelf and read. Take the time and for a few bucks – inexpensive – you can get your own copies. Get them now. And you will thank me and all those who are recommending them. And don’t forget the books recommended by Gen. Satterfield.
👍👍👍👍👍 Nailed it folks. 👍👍👍👍👍
FABULOUS
Dr. Jordan Peterson is always talking about how to make ourselves better but also how to “see” ourselves and others in a unique, useful, and motivational way.
Got that right.