Focusing on Jordan Peterson’s religious, mythological, and self-help ideas, here’s a list of individuals who share similarities, differences, and those who fall in-between:
Most similar:
1. Joseph Campbell – An American mythologist, writer, and lecturer, best known for his work in comparative mythology and comparative religion. Campbell’s ideas about the monomyth or the hero’s journey have influenced Peterson’s understanding of archetypal stories and their impact on human psychology.
2. Carl Jung – A Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, Jung’s work on the collective unconscious, archetypes, and the process of individuation has been a significant influence on Peterson’s ideas about myth, religion, and personal growth.
3. Viktor Frankl – An Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist, and Holocaust survivor, Frankl’s work on logotherapy and his book “Man’s Search for Meaning” emphasize finding meaning and purpose in life, even in the face of suffering, which resonates with Peterson’s focus on individual responsibility and resilience.
Further away:
1. Richard Dawkins – An evolutionary biologist and prominent atheist, Dawkins’ views on religion and spirituality differ significantly from Peterson’s more sympathetic approach to religious ideas and their role in shaping human psychology and society.
2. Friedrich Nietzsche – A German philosopher and cultural critic, Nietzsche’s ideas about the death of God, nihilism, and the revaluation of values have influenced contemporary thought. While Peterson draws on some aspects of Nietzsche’s work, he differs in his emphasis on the importance of religious ideas and myth in providing meaning and purpose.
In-between:
1. Karen Armstrong – A British author and commentator on religious affairs, Armstrong’s work emphasizes the commonalities between major world religions and the importance of compassion and understanding. While her views on religion may not align entirely with Peterson’s, they share an interest in exploring the psychological and societal impact of religious ideas.
2. Erich Neumann – A Jungian psychologist and philosopher, Neumann’s work on the Great Mother archetype, the origins of consciousness, and the role of myth in human development shares some common ground with Peterson’s interests in mythology and psychology. However, their specific interpretations and areas of focus may differ.
3. Sam Harris – A philosopher, neuroscientist, and atheist, Harris’s views on religion, spirituality, and morality differ in some respects from Peterson’s. While they both emphasize the importance of reason, their stances on the role of religious ideas in society and human psychology are not entirely aligned.
These individuals represent a spectrum of similarity and difference with Jordan Peterson in the areas of religion, mythology, and self-help. It is important to note that even those who share similarities with Peterson may have unique perspectives and ideas, and the differences can be nuanced and complex.
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