A few days ago, I came across a statement that piqued my interest: “A harmless man is not a good man. A good man is a very dangerous man who has that under voluntary control.”
This statement was made by none other than Mr. Jordan B. Peterson himself.
It is a statement that rarely appears in such an unfiltered form in our modern society.
Therefore, it’s not surprising that Mr. Peterson said it, as it is typical of him to express ideas that few others do.
He is known for speaking his mind and standing by what he believes is right and true, even if it’s not necessarily politically correct.
Given the potentially polarizing nature of this statement, I couldn’t resist writing about it.
What does it mean to be dangerous?
By definition, being dangerous in the narrowest sense implies that one poses a threat to others.
The term “dangerous” can be understood as embodying a potential to harm others in some manner.
This harm can manifest both in physical and mental ways, making one fit the definition of “dangerous.”
The exact nature of this harm is not strictly defined, allowing for a range of interpretations.
Should you be dangerous
Jordan Peterson makes his point very clear on this matter.
According to him, it is better to have the capability to cause harm but choose not to, rather than lacking the ability to do harm but needing to.
There’s an old saying that encapsulates this perspective well: “It is better to be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war.”
However, this doesn’t imply that one should constantly exude an aura of perpetual threat, as that would be highly detrimental to social interactions.
Peterson also emphasizes that being able to harm someone doesn’t mean one should use that ability.
His reasoning revolves around the idea that being “dangerous” is essentially the opposite of being “weak,” and being weak is not advantageous.
His argumentation suggests that one should first possess the capability to assert themselves, and then aim for peace, prioritizing strength before tranquility.
When Peterson talks about being “dangerous,” he is particularly referring to the ability to withstand the hardships of life.
He strongly criticizes the current trend of encouraging young men to be naive, weak, and harmless, as he believes this creates more significant problems for society as a whole.
He further criticizes that in today’s society, being harmless and weak is often equated with having an honorable character.
However, the fact that true virtue emerges when a person possesses the ability to cause harm but consciously chooses not to so is often overlooked in social discourse.
Personally, I agree with Peterson’s line of reasoning almost entirely.
I particularly resonate with his social critique, especially concerning the challenges faced by young men who are encouraged to be passive and non-threatening.
In these arguments, every word needs to be carefuly chosen though, and I do differ from Peterson in his use of the term “dangerous.”
To me, the term “dangerous” implies very much the aspect of causing harm to others, which is not the essence of what a good person should be.
Rather, in my understanding of the concept, it’s about having the capacity to thwart harm.
I believe that the entire argument could work just as well with a term like “assertive,” which more accurately encapsulates the qualities that define a good person.
It’s not about causing harm, but about having the ability to prevent negative outcomes.
Obviously in order to be able to do so you need to be capable yourself.
In particular, when Peterson suggests that the opposite of “weak” should be “dangerous,” I had some reservations.
In my opinion, the opposite of “weak” is “strong” by definition, and this would align better with his argument.
However, I have encountered situations where I learned that one must first possess a potentially powerful or “dangerous” quality before learning to harness and use it constructively.
For instance, through various life experiences, one may discover that it’s okay to express their thoughts clearly and without filters.
In the initial stages, this newfound ability may lead to extremes, as individuals may struggle to find the right balance or context in which such expression is genuinely constructive.
“He who conquers himself is the mightiest warrior.”
How to be dangerous/assertive
Becoming more assertive or “dangerous” can encompass both physical and mental aspects. Here’s a breakdown of these elements:
Physical Assertiveness: Physically, it’s quite evident which individuals are more assertive.
If you are physically tall and strong, possess skills and fitness, and are trained in combat, you are clearly more capable of asserting yourself.
Interestingly, physical attributes like these often come with a sense of self-confidence that amplifies the effect and also extends into mental assertiveness.
In general, competence in various physical aspects contributes to your overall assertiveness.
Mental Assertiveness: On the mental level, things become more intricate.
Jordan Peterson’s arguments focus more on mental assertiveness than physical attributes.
According to him, it’s crucial to be able to express yourself rationally, demonstrate verbal competence, gather information effectively, and construct reasonable arguments.
He emphasizes that your thought process makes you dangerous.
I agree with this perspective.
Especially on the mental or spiritual level, a wide range of abilities is needed to have the greatest impact.
You must be adept at understanding people, discerning their motivations and fears, grasping social interactions, comprehending social structures, and staying well-informed.
This requires a foundational knowledge of psychology and sociology.
Being sufficiently resourceful to stay one step ahead of others, having a keen sense of anticipation, and crafting plans for various potential outcomes are essential as well.
Becoming more assertive involves a holistic approach that combines physical and mental development, self-confidence, and a broad range of skills and knowledge.
It’s about understanding not only how to protect yourself but also how to navigate complex social and intellectual challenges effectively.
I obviously encourage no one to harm others. what I´m trying to accomplish with this article and this website, in general, is to reflect on certain topics to help you become more capable and complete individucals. Use it wisely and ethically.
Hope I could help. If you enjoyed the article or if you have any questions or comments please let me know down below.
Nick
