History of Jordan Peterson in Timeline
Jordan Bernt Peterson is a Canadian psychologist, author, and media commentator known for his controversial views on cultural and political issues. Despite identifying as a classical British liberal and traditionalist, he is often labeled as conservative. Peterson rose to prominence in the late 2010s due to his outspoken opinions.
June 1962: Early Life and Family Background
Born in June 1962, Jordan Peterson grew up in the small town of Fairview, Alberta. As the eldest child of Walter and Beverley Peterson, he was raised in a Christian household. His mother worked as a librarian, while his father was a schoolteacher.
June 1962: Birth of Jordan Peterson
Jordan Bernt Peterson was born in June 1962 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
1979: Graduation from Fairview High School and Entry into Grande Prairie Regional College
Peterson completed his high school education at Fairview High School in 1979. He then enrolled in Grande Prairie Regional College, initially intending to pursue a career in corporate law by studying political science and English literature.
1982: Completion of BA in Political Science and Exploration of European History and Philosophy
In 1982, Peterson earned his BA in political science from the University of Alberta. He then took a year off to immerse himself in European culture and history. During his travels, he delved into the psychological roots of the Cold War, explored 20th-century European totalitarianism, and studied the works of influential thinkers like Carl Jung, Friedrich Nietzsche, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, and Fyodor Dostoevsky.
1984: Completion of BA in Psychology at the University of Alberta
In 1984, Jordan Peterson graduated from the University of Alberta with a BA in Psychology, marking a shift in his academic focus.
1985: Commencement of PhD in Clinical Psychology at McGill University
Peterson moved to Montreal in 1985 to attend McGill University. He began his doctoral studies in clinical psychology under the supervision of Robert O. Pihl.
1989: Peterson Marries Tammy Roberts
Jordan Peterson's marriage to Tammy Roberts took place in 1989, marking the beginning of their family life.
1991: Completion of PhD in Clinical Psychology
Peterson's dedication to his studies culminated in 1991 when he earned his PhD in clinical psychology from McGill University, mentored by Robert O. Pihl.
June 1993: Post-Doctoral Fellowship at McGill University
Until June 1993, Peterson continued his academic journey as a post-doctoral fellow at McGill University's Douglas Hospital, collaborating with Robert O. Pihl and Maurice Dongier.
July 1993: Teaching and Research Position at Harvard University
Jordan Peterson relocated to Arlington, Massachusetts, in July 1993 to start his new role as an assistant professor at Harvard University. During his time at Harvard, he conducted research and taught, focusing his studies on aggression caused by drug and alcohol abuse.
1996: Earliest Recorded Lectures
The earliest dated recordings on Jordan Peterson's YouTube channel are from his Harvard lectures in 1996, showcasing his work prior to his rise in public prominence.
June 1998: Departure from Harvard and Return to Canada
After serving as an associate professor at Harvard University, Peterson made the decision to return to Canada in June 1998. He left behind a legacy of unconventional research and impactful teaching.
1998: Return to Canada and Professorship at the University of Toronto
In 1998, after years of researching and teaching at Harvard University, Peterson returned to his home country, Canada. He assumed the role of a psychology professor at the University of Toronto.
1999: Publication of Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief
In 1999, Routledge published Jordan Peterson's book 'Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief'. The book explores how people construct meaning and form beliefs, delving into the motivations behind social conflicts and ideological identification, with references to historical atrocities like the Gulag and Auschwitz. Peterson's goal was to understand why individuals and groups support belief systems that can lead to such events.
1999: Publication of "Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief"
Jordan Peterson published his first book, titled "Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief", in 1999. This book explored systems of belief and meaning, laying the groundwork for many of his future lectures.
2000: Peterson Begins Collecting Soviet-Era Paintings
Jordan Peterson's interest in Soviet-era paintings began around 2000, amassing a collection that he displays as a reflection on the interplay between art and totalitarian propaganda.
2003: Peterson's Television Debut
Jordan Peterson's foray into television began in 2003 with appearances on TVOntario's "Big Ideas," offering psychological perspectives on various subjects.
2004: Peterson Presents "Maps of Meaning" Lecture Series
2004 marked the year Jordan Peterson presented a 13-part lecture series based on his book "Maps of Meaning," aired on TVOntario.
2006: Peterson's Continued Television Presence
Jordan Peterson continued to make appearances on TVOntario's "Big Ideas" in 2006, further solidifying his presence in televised discussions.
2007: Peterson Contributes to BBC's "Mad but Glad"
Jordan Peterson participated in the 2007 BBC Horizon documentary "Mad but Glad," sharing his insights on the connection between pianist Nick van Bloss' Tourette syndrome and musical talent.
2011: Peterson Becomes Essayist and Panelist on "The Agenda"
Starting in 2011, Jordan Peterson became a regular contributor to TVOntario's "The Agenda," providing essays and participating in panel discussions on culturally relevant psychological issues.
2013: Launch of YouTube Channel
In 2013, Jordan Peterson registered his YouTube channel, JordanPetersonVideos, and began uploading recordings of his lectures and interviews. By the end of the year, the content included Harvard lectures, interviews, and special lectures on topics like 'Tragedy vs Evil' and 'Psychology as a Career'.
2014: Expansion of YouTube Content
From 2014, Jordan Peterson's YouTube uploads included recordings from his University of Toronto classes, special lectures such as 'Potential' for TEDx, and 'Death of the Oceans', as well as interviews, Q&A sessions, and video essays.
March 2016: Announcement to Improve YouTube Content
In March 2016, after three years of basic uploading, Jordan Peterson announced plans to clean up existing content and improve future uploads on his YouTube channel. He also began experimenting with crowdfunding through Patreon.
August 2016: Increase in Patreon Funding
From early 2017, Jordan Peterson's project funding dramatically increased through Patreon, with donations ranging from $1,000 per month in August 2016 to over $80,000 by May 2018. This funding allowed for a variety of new projects and lecture series.
September 2016: Release of Videos Criticizing Bill C-16
In September 2016, Peterson shared a series of videos where he critiqued Bill C-16, which contributed to his growing online presence.
September 2016: Opposition to Bill C-16 and Gender-Neutral Pronouns
Jordan Peterson further elaborated on his opposition to Bill C-16 in an op-ed published by the National Post. He stated that he believed gender-neutral singular pronouns were a component of a "post-modern, radical leftist ideology" that he strongly disagreed with, even comparing it to Marxist doctrines.
September 2016: Release of "Professor against political correctness" Lecture Series and Objection to Bill C-16
Jordan Peterson released the first part of his lecture series "Professor against political correctness" in September 2016. In this series, he articulated his opposition to using preferred gender pronouns, citing concerns about compelled speech. He also announced his objection to the Canadian government's Bill C-16, which sought to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act by adding "gender identity or expression" as a protected ground against discrimination.
December 2016: Launch of The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast
In December 2016, Jordan Peterson launched The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast, expanding his reach into the podcasting world.
2016: Peterson Adopts Restrictive Diet
In an attempt to manage his depression and autoimmune disorder, Jordan Peterson adopted a restrictive diet consisting primarily of meat and a limited selection of vegetables in 2016.
2016: Peterson Prescribed Clonazepam
Jordan Peterson began taking Clonazepam in 2016, a medication that would later lead to challenges with dependency and withdrawal.
2016: Criticism of Bill C-16 and Rise to Fame
Jordan Peterson rose to prominence in 2016 following his criticism of Canada's Bill C-16. He argued that the bill's attempt to prevent discrimination against gender identity and expression could lead to compelled speech, sparking a debate about political correctness and identity politics.
2016: Peterson Receives Kwakwakaʼwakw Name
In 2016, Jordan Peterson's connection to the Kwakwakaʼwakw community deepened when he was adopted into the extended family of artist Charles Joseph and given the name Alestalagie, meaning "Great Seeker."
January 2017: Rise in Patreon Donations
By January 2017, Jordan Peterson's Patreon donations had risen to $14,000 per month, significantly increasing his funding for various projects.
January 2017: Return to Teaching at the University of Toronto
Jordan Peterson returned to his teaching position at the University of Toronto in January 2017. This followed a period of uncertainty where he received warning letters from the university administration regarding his stance on Bill C-16 and the potential for his refusal to use preferred pronouns to be considered discriminatory. Despite the controversy and speculation that disciplinary actions were being considered against him, the university confirmed he would retain his professorship.
February 2017: Influence on Maxime Bernier's Stance on Bill C-16
Maxime Bernier, who was running for the leadership of the Conservative Party of Canada, publicly stated that his position on Bill C-16 had shifted from support to opposition after engaging in discussions with Jordan Peterson about the bill.
April 2017: Start of Monthly Live Q&A Sessions
Beginning in April 2017, Jordan Peterson released a series of live Q&A events on YouTube. These sessions were held approximately monthly through January 2018, then shifted to an irregular schedule through 2019.
April 2017: Denial of SSHRC Grant and Subsequent Crowdfunding Campaign
In April 2017, Jordan Peterson's application for a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) grant, a fund he had received in the past, was denied. Peterson interpreted this as a consequence of his public stance against Bill C-16. This led to Rebel News initiating a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo to support his research, which successfully raised a substantial amount exceeding two years' worth of research funds.
May 2017: Testimony Against Bill C-16 at Canadian Senate Committee Hearing
Jordan Peterson, among 24 invited individuals, presented his arguments against Bill C-16 during a hearing held by the Canadian Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs in May 2017.
May 2017: Start of Biblical Stories Lecture Series
In May 2017, Jordan Peterson began 'The Psychological Significance of the Biblical Stories', a series of live theatre lectures analyzing the Book of Genesis. These were also published as podcasts.
July 2017: Bill C-16 Enactment and Continued Debate on Pronoun Use
Despite ongoing debate and varied interpretations, Bill C-16 was enacted in July 2017. Importantly, contrary to some concerns, no one in Canada has faced imprisonment or fines for using incorrect pronouns since the bill's enactment.
July 2017: Further Increase in Patreon Donations
By July 2017, Jordan Peterson's Patreon donations had reached more than $50,000 per month, funding a range of new projects and lecture series.
November 2017: Postponement of AI Website Project
In November 2017, Jordan Peterson decided to postpone his project aiming to create a website that used artificial intelligence to detect ideological bias in university courses. He expressed concerns that the project could worsen the existing political polarization at the time.
November 2017: Lindsay Shepherd Censure and Free Speech Debate
Lindsay Shepherd, a teaching assistant at Wilfrid Laurier University, faced disciplinary action for showing her class a segment from 'The Agenda', featuring Jordan Peterson debating Bill C-16. The censure, later withdrawn with apologies from the university, ignited a debate about free speech on university campuses.
December 2017: Completion of Biblical Stories Lecture Series
From May through December 2017, Jordan Peterson recorded and released a lecture series on biblical stories, funded by his Patreon supporters. The lectures were published on YouTube.
2017: Views on Religion and God
In 2017, when questioned about his religious beliefs, Jordan Peterson described himself as a Christian. However, when asked about his belief in God, he provided a complex response suggesting that while he doesn't believe in God in a straightforward sense, he acknowledges the possibility of God's existence.
2017: Pause on Clinical Practice
Due to new projects and commitments, Peterson opted to put his clinical practice on hold in 2017.
January 2018: Continuation of Live Q&A Sessions
From April 2017 through January 2018, Jordan Peterson continued to release live Q&A sessions on YouTube, engaging directly with his audience.
January 2018: Publication of 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos
In January 2018, Penguin Random House published Jordan Peterson's second book, '12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos'. The book, which presents self-help principles in an accessible style, topped best-selling lists in several countries worldwide.
February 2018: Agreement with the College of Psychologists of Ontario
In February 2018, Peterson entered into an agreement with the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO) after a complaint about his professional conduct. The agreement involved a three-month undertaking to focus on his practice and enhance patient communications.
March 2018: Zack Beauchamp Offers Perspective on Peterson's Popularity
In March 2018, Zack Beauchamp contributed to the discourse surrounding Jordan Peterson's popularity with an article published on Vox.
May 2018: Peak in Patreon Donations
By May 2018, Jordan Peterson's Patreon donations exceeded $80,000 per month, enabling the launch of numerous projects, interviews, and lecture series.
June 2018: Peterson Debates Sam Harris on Religion and God
In a highly anticipated event in June 2018, Jordan Peterson and Sam Harris engaged in a debate on religion and God at the Orpheum Theatre in Vancouver, moderated by Bret Weinstein.
June 2018: Lawsuit Against Wilfrid Laurier University
Jordan Peterson filed a $1.5 million lawsuit against Wilfrid Laurier University in June 2018, claiming defamation by three staff members. He argued that negative comments made about him in private constituted malicious defamation.
August 2018: YouTube Channel Milestone
By August 2018, Jordan Peterson's YouTube channel had gathered more than 1.8 million subscribers and his videos received over 65 million views.
August 2018: Caitlin Flanagan Analyzes Peterson's Popularity
August 2018 saw Caitlin Flanagan publish an article in The Atlantic exploring the reasons behind Jordan Peterson's widespread appeal.
September 2018: Wilfrid Laurier University's Response to Lawsuit
In September 2018, Wilfrid Laurier University sought dismissal of Jordan Peterson's defamation lawsuit. They argued that Peterson's intent was to stifle open discourse on public matters.
2018: Peterson's Influence and Polarization Highlighted
In 2018, Kelefa Sanneh of The New Yorker recognized Jordan Peterson as a prominent and polarizing intellectual figure in the English-speaking world.
2018: Association with the "Intellectual Dark Web"
In 2018, Jordan Peterson was associated with the group known as the "intellectual dark web", a term coined in a New York Times article by journalist Bari Weiss.
2018: Controversial Interview on Gender Pay Gap
In 2018, Jordan Peterson gained significant attention in the UK for his interview on Channel 4 News with Cathy Newman, where they discussed the gender pay gap. During the interview, he challenged the notion that the pay gap was solely due to sexual discrimination, leading to criticism and online harassment directed towards Newman.
2018: Temporary Halt to Teaching
Peterson temporarily stepped away from his teaching responsibilities in 2018.
2018: Peterson Adopts All-Meat Diet
Jordan Peterson's dietary restrictions escalated in mid-2018 when he eliminated vegetables from his diet entirely, consuming only beef, salt, and water, a decision met with concern from nutrition experts.
2018: Publication of "12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos" and Career Pause
In 2018, Peterson published his second book, the self-help guide "12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos." The book achieved international bestseller status, promoted by a global book tour. This same year, he put his clinical practice and teaching on hold.
January 2019: Deletion of Patreon Account
In January 2019, Jordan Peterson deleted his Patreon account in protest of the platform's banning of another content creator. This decision interrupted regular donations for his YouTube channel.
March 2019: Cambridge University Rescinds Fellowship Invitation
In March 2019, Cambridge University rescinded a visiting fellowship invitation to Jordan Peterson. The decision was influenced by a photograph of Peterson with a man wearing a shirt reading 'I'm a proud Islamophobe', leading to concerns about the university's inclusive environment.
March 2019: Podcast Joins Westwood One Network
In March 2019, Jordan Peterson's podcast joined the Westwood One network, with Peterson's daughter occasionally co-hosting episodes.
April 2019: Peterson and Žižek Debate Happiness Under Different Systems
April 2019 saw Jordan Peterson participate in a debate with Slavoj Žižek at the Sony Centre in Toronto, exploring the concept of happiness within capitalist and Marxist frameworks.
December 2019: Launch of Thinkspot
In December 2019, Jordan Peterson and Dave Rubin launched Thinkspot, a new free speech–oriented social networking and crowdfunding platform, as an alternative to Patreon.
2019: Peterson Seeks Treatment for Benzodiazepine Addiction
Jordan Peterson's dependence on Clonazepam led him to seek emergency treatment for benzodiazepine addiction in late 2019, a decision prompted by his attempts to manage his wife's cancer diagnosis and the severe withdrawal symptoms he experienced.
2019: Health Challenges Begin
Peterson began facing health issues in 2019, primarily stemming from severe benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome.
January 2020: Peterson Seeks Treatment in Russia, Experiences Medical Complications
In January 2020, Jordan Peterson's search for treatment for benzodiazepine addiction led him to Russia. Upon arrival, he was diagnosed with pneumonia, placed in a medically induced coma, and experienced a temporary loss of motor skills, marking a challenging period in his life.
June 2020: Peterson Makes First Public Appearance After Treatment
After a period of recovery in Belgrade, Serbia, Jordan Peterson made his first public appearance in over a year in June 2020, appearing on his daughter's podcast and expressing cautious optimism about his health.
August 2020: Peterson Contracts COVID-19
During his time in Serbia, Jordan Peterson contracted COVID-19, as announced by his daughter in August 2020.
November 2020: Internal Town Hall Criticizes Publication of Beyond Order
On 23 November 2020, an internal town hall at Penguin Random House Canada saw many employees criticize the decision to publish Jordan Peterson's book, 'Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life'.
2020: Health Challenges Continue
Jordan Peterson continued to grapple with health problems in 2020, a consequence of severe benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome.
2020: Peterson's Clonazepam Dosage Increased
By 2020, Jordan Peterson's prescribed dosage of Clonazepam had reached 4mg/day, a significant increase from the initial 0.5mg/day he was prescribed in 2016.
2020: Mikhaila Peterson's Diet Advocacy Sparks Controversy
Mikhaila Peterson's advocacy for a carnivore diet, dubbed "the lion diet," attracted attention and scrutiny in 2020, with writer Lindsay Beyerstein questioning her lack of medical credentials in a New Republic article.
January 2021: Further Growth of YouTube Channel
By January 2021, Jordan Peterson's YouTube channel, JordanPetersonVideos, had 3.4 million subscribers and over 200 million total views.
March 2021: Publication of Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life
Jordan Peterson's third book, 'Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life', was released in March 2021. The book expands on the principles laid out in his previous work with additional guidelines for a meaningful life.
2021: Publication of "Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life," Resignation, and Return to Podcasting
Peterson published his third book, "Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life," in 2021. This year also marked his resignation from the University of Toronto and his return to the world of podcasting.
2021: Retirement from the University of Toronto
Peterson retired from his professorship at the University of Toronto in 2021, becoming a professor emeritus.
January 2022: Interview on The Joe Rogan Experience
In January 2022, Jordan Peterson appeared on The Joe Rogan Experience, where he discussed climate modelling, a topic that led to criticism from climate scientists.
May 2022: Appointment as Chancellor of Ralston College
Peterson assumed the position of Chancellor at Ralston College, a liberal arts institution, in May 2022.
June 2022: Twitter Suspension
On 29 June 2022, Jordan Peterson's Twitter account was suspended under the site's 'hateful conduct policy' after misgendering and deadnaming transgender actor Elliot Page. Peterson was asked to delete the tweet to regain access but refused, leading to further controversy.
June 2022: Deal with The Daily Wire
In June 2022, Jordan Peterson signed a deal with The Daily Wire, granting them distribution rights to his video and podcast library. He will also produce bonus content and specials for DailyWire+.
November 2022: Twitter Account Restored
Jordan Peterson's Twitter account was restored in November 2022 after Elon Musk acquired the company. The account had been suspended earlier that year for violating the site's 'hateful conduct policy'.
November 2022: Release of Exodus Lecture Series
In November 2022, Jordan Peterson released a lecture series on the Book of Exodus on DailyWire+, continuing his exploration of biblical stories.
2022: Public Skepticism on Climate Change and Criticism from Climate Scientists
In 2022, Jordan Peterson openly expressed his skepticism regarding the scientific consensus on climate change during an appearance on 'The Joe Rogan Experience'. He questioned the validity of climate modeling and argued that there's no such thing as "climate," drawing criticism from climate scientists.
2022: Peterson Labeled as a Key Figure in "Culture Wars"
Mick Brown, writing in The Daily Telegraph in 2022, positioned Jordan Peterson as a leading voice in the ongoing "culture wars," challenging politically correct viewpoints.
2022: Partnership with The Daily Wire and Chancellorship at Ralston College
In 2022, Peterson entered into a content distribution agreement with the conservative media outlet, The Daily Wire. Additionally, he took on the role of Chancellor at Ralston College.
2022: Olivia Wilde Based "Don't Worry Darling" Villain on Peterson
During the promotional tour for her 2022 film "Don't Worry Darling," Olivia Wilde revealed that the character of Frank was inspired by Jordan Peterson, drawing criticism from Peterson.
2022: Extensive Academic Contributions and Citations
By 2022, Jordan Peterson had made substantial contributions to the field of psychology, having authored or co-authored over a hundred academic papers. His work garnered significant recognition, accumulating over 18,000 citations.
January 2023: Ordered to Undergo Social Media Coaching by CPO
The CPO, raising concerns about Peterson's professionalism in public statements, directed him to participate in social media communication coaching in January 2023. Peterson, denying any wrongdoing, sought a judicial review.
June 2023: Co-founder of Alliance for Responsible Citizenship
In June 2023, Peterson, alongside Baroness Stroud and John Anderson, established the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship.
January 2024: Upholding of CPO Decision
The Ontario Court of Appeals upheld the CPO's decision regarding Peterson's social media conduct in January 2024. He was mandated to cover the costs of his training and risked losing his license if he didn't comply.