From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Jordan Peterson made an impact.
Jordan Peterson is a Canadian psychologist, author, and commentator who gained prominence in the late 2010s. Known for his views on cultural and political matters, he's often described as conservative, though he identifies as a classical liberal and traditionalist. Peterson's work spans clinical psychology, personality, ideology, and religious and mythological narratives, often emphasizing individual responsibility and meaning in life. He is known for his lectures and debates on diverse subjects.
1991: Earns PhD in Clinical Psychology
In 1991, Peterson earned his PhD in clinical psychology from McGill University under the supervision of Robert O. Pihl.
June 1993: Post-Doctoral Fellow at McGill's Douglas Hospital
In June 1993, Peterson concluded his time as a post-doctoral fellow at McGill's Douglas Hospital.
July 1993: Teaches at Harvard University
In July 1993, Peterson began teaching and conducting research at Harvard University as an assistant professor in the psychology department.
June 1998: Leaves Harvard University
In June 1998, Peterson concluded his time at Harvard University.
1998: Returns to Canada
In 1998, after researching and teaching at Harvard University, Peterson returned to Canada and became a professor of psychology at the University of Toronto.
1999: Publishes Maps of Meaning
In 1999, Jordan Peterson published his first book, "Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief." It combined psychology, mythology, religion, literature, philosophy, and neuroscience to analyze belief systems.
2003: Appearance on Big Ideas
In 2003, Jordan Peterson appeared on the TVOntario program Big Ideas, where he spoke on a subject from a psychological perspective.
2004: Maps of Meaning Lecture Series
In 2004, Jordan Peterson's 13-part lecture series based on Maps of Meaning aired on TVOntario.
2006: Appearance on Big Ideas
In 2006, Jordan Peterson appeared on the TVOntario program Big Ideas, where he spoke on a subject from a psychological perspective.
2011: Essayist and panelist on The Agenda
From 2011, Jordan Peterson became a regular essayist and panelist on TVOntario's The Agenda, discussing culturally relevant issues from a psychological perspective.
2013: Registered YouTube Channel
In 2013, Peterson registered a YouTube channel named JordanPetersonVideos, and immediately began uploading recordings of lectures and interviews.
2014: Uploads University of Toronto classes on YouTube
From 2014, uploads include recordings from two of his classes at University of Toronto ("Personality and Its Transformations" and "Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief").
March 2016: Announces Intention to Improve YouTube Content
In March 2016, after three years of basic uploading of course videos, Peterson announced an interest to clean existing content and improve future content on his YouTube channel.
August 2016: Patreon Donations Increase
From early 2017, funding for projects dramatically increased through his use of Patreon, starting in August 2016, donations were at $1,000 per month.
September 2016: Criticizes Bill C-16
In September 2016, Peterson released a series of videos criticizing Bill C-16.
December 2016: Jordan B. Peterson Podcast Started
In December 2016, Jordan Peterson started his podcast, The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast.
2016: Criticizes Bill C-16
In 2016, Peterson released YouTube videos criticizing Bill C-16, arguing against compelled speech regarding gender pronouns and critiquing 'political correctness'.
January 2017: Patreon Donations Increase
From early 2017, funding for projects dramatically increased through his use of Patreon, in January 2017, donations were at $14,000 per month.
May 2017: The Psychological Significance of the Biblical Stories Lecture Series Begins
In May 2017, Peterson began "The Psychological Significance of the Biblical Stories", a series of live theatre lectures and podcasts analyzing narratives in the Book of Genesis.
July 2017: Patreon Donations Increase
From early 2017, funding for projects dramatically increased through his use of Patreon, in July 2017, donations were at $50,000 per month.
2017: Pauses Clinical Practice
In 2017, Peterson decided to put his clinical practice on hold.
January 2018: Publishes 12 Rules for Life
In January 2018, Peterson's second book, "12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos," was published and became a bestseller.
May 2018: Patreon Donations Increase
From early 2017, funding for projects dramatically increased through his use of Patreon, in May 2018, donations were at $80,000 per month.
June 2018: Debate with Sam Harris
In June 2018, Jordan Peterson participated in a debate with Sam Harris at the Orpheum Theatre in Vancouver, moderated by Bret Weinstein, discussing religion and God.
August 2018: YouTube Channel Growth
As of August 2018, Peterson's YouTube channel had gathered more than 1.8 million subscribers and his videos received more than 65 million views.
2018: Temporarily Stops Teaching
As of 2018, Peterson temporarily stopped teaching.
2018: Pauses Clinical Practice and Teaching, Publishes 12 Rules for Life
In 2018, Peterson paused his clinical practice and teaching duties. Also in 2018, he published his second book, "12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos", which became a bestseller.
March 2019: Cambridge Fellowship Rescinded
In March 2019, Cambridge University rescinded a visiting fellowship invitation to Peterson due to concerns about his association with Islamophobia and the university's commitment to inclusivity.
March 2019: Podcast Joins Westwood One
In March 2019, The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast joined the Westwood One network, with his daughter co-hosting some episodes.
December 2019: Thinkspot in Beta Testing
As of December 2019, Thinkspot (a new, free speech–oriented social networking and crowdfunding platform) remained in beta testing receiving largely negative reviews from media critics.
March 2021: Beyond Order Released
On March 2, 2021, Peterson's third book, 'Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life,' was released.
2021: Publishes Beyond Order, Resigns from University of Toronto
In 2021, Peterson published his third book, "Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life", resigned from the University of Toronto, and returned to podcasting.
2021: Retires from the University of Toronto
In the fall of 2021, Peterson retired from the University of Toronto, becoming professor emeritus.
May 2022: Becomes Chancellor of Ralston College
In May 2022, Peterson became chancellor of the newly launched Ralston College.
June 2022: Deal with The Daily Wire
In June 2022, Peterson signed a deal with The Daily Wire, including distribution rights and production of bonus content.
November 2022: Book of Exodus Lecture Series Released
In November 2022, a second series of lectures on the Book of Exodus released on DailyWire+.
2022: Signs with The Daily Wire, Becomes Chancellor of Ralston College
In 2022, Peterson signed a content distribution deal with The Daily Wire and became Chancellor of Ralston College.
June 2023: Founds Alliance for Responsible Citizenship
In June 2023, Peterson founded the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship along with Baroness Stroud and John Anderson.
2023: Published "A Conservative Manifesto"
In 2023, Peterson published "A Conservative Manifesto", reinforcing his association with conservative ideology.
November 2024: Publishes We Who Wrestle with God
On 19 November 2024, Peterson's fourth book, We Who Wrestle with God: Perceptions of the Divine, was published.