Mr. Pancakes With today’s society celebrating passivity, weakness, and compliance, it’s time to reclaim the essence of true virtue. Dr. Jordan Peterson, the eminent psychologist, asserts that weakness is not a virtue but rather just simply weakness. He explains that “men should be competent and dangerous to take their place in the world. Being dangerous is the alternative to being weak, and weak is not good, being dangerous makes you formidable. Life is a very difficult process and its not fair. You’re not prepared for it unless you have the capacity to be dangerous. That doesn’t mean you should be cruel. You have to be powerful and formidable and then peaceful, in that order, and that’s not the same as being naïve and weak and harmless, which is what young men now are being encouraged to be. That’s a very bad idea, because naïve, weak, and harmless means that you can’t withstand the tragedies of life. You can’t bear any responsibility. You’ll end up bitter and when you get bitter then you get dangerous.” Weak and dangerous is a bad combination.
It takes strength to be good, and you can’t be good if you’re weak. At the same time, in order to be good, you must also be dangerously capable and competent, but what does this mean for men? Why should they embrace their dangerous potential? Let’s explore.
Historically, men have often been seen as providers and protectors, roles that competence enables them to fulfill effectively. Being competent allows men to contribute meaningfully to their families, communities, and society at large, aligning with conservative values of responsibility and duty.
Competence also emphasizes stability and self-reliance, traits that competent individuals are better equipped to embody. Men who possess practical skills and knowledge can secure stable employment, support their families, and maintain financial independence.
In terms of leadership and decision-making, competence is crucial. Conservative ideals often prioritize strong leadership, and competent men can make informed decisions, lead with confidence, and inspire others. This aligns with traditional views of male leadership.
Competence also allows men to preserve cultural and societal traditions. Whether it’s passing down craftsmanship, family businesses, or community leadership, competence ensures continuity. This aligns with values that often emphasize the importance of preserving heritage and maintaining order.
It brings a sense of accomplishment and purpose. Men who excel in their fields experience personal satisfaction. Competence encourages individuals to find meaning through hard work, mastery, and contributing positively to their surroundings.
Weakness is Not Virtuous
Our culture sometimes portrays men as harmless teddy bears—gentle, non-threatening, and devoid of aggression. But this narrative misses a crucial point: virtue doesn’t reside in weakness. It emerges when someone possesses the capacity for mayhem—the latent power to wreak havoc—but consciously chooses not to unleash it. Respect often flows toward those who wield power wisely. A leader who avoids conflict at all costs may be well-intentioned, but respect eludes them. True virtue involves knowing when to assert oneself and when to withhold—a delicate balance that requires strength.
Competence is the crucible of virtue. It’s not about blind aggression or brute force. It’s about honing your skills, mastering your craft, and becoming formidable. Whether you’re a carpenter, a surgeon, or a leader, your virtue lies in your ability to act effectively when the situation demands it.
Virtue isn’t a mere abstraction; it’s grounded in competence. Imagine a firefighter who hesitates during a raging inferno or a leader who falters in a crisis. Their intentions may be noble, but without the ability to act effectively, virtue remains elusive. Competence precedes virtue—it’s the foundation upon which moral character is built.
The biblical phrase “the meek shall inherit the earth” has puzzled many. Dr. Jordan Peterson sheds light on its deeper meaning. Meekness isn’t synonymous with weakness; it’s a conscious choice. Picture a warrior with a sheathed sword—capable of destruction but exercising restraint. True virtue lies in wielding strength judiciously, not in passivity. He interprets it as a call to conscious restraint. You’re not meant to be docile lambs. You’re meant to be lions who choose when to roar. Your virtue lies in knowing when to wield your sword and when to sheathe it.
Here’s Where it Gets Hard
Imagine a father faced with a situation that triggers his anger. Perhaps his child has misbehaved or made a mistake. In that moment, he has a choice: he could raise his voice, expressing his frustration and asserting his authority, or he could respond with patience and understanding.
His virtue lies not in being harmless, 9 it’s not about avoiding conflict or suppressing his emotions. Instead, his virtue emerges from wielding strength judiciously. Here’s what this means:
- Strength: The father possesses the capacity to assert himself, to use his authority, and to enforce discipline. This strength is inherent in his role as a parent.
- Judiciously: Rather than reacting impulsively, he consciously chooses how to wield this strength. He recognizes that raising his voice might intimidate or hurt his child. Instead, he exercises restraint, opting for patience and empathy.
In this deliberate choice, the father demonstrates true virtue. His strength isn’t negated; it’s channeled wisely. He models self-control, compassion, and effective parenting. So, his virtue lies not in being meek or powerless but in using his strength for the well-being of his child.
This principle extends beyond parenting—it applies to leadership, relationships, and life in general. Virtue isn’t about weakness; it’s about conscious, skillful navigation of our inherent capacities.
You Must Take Action
We must uphold the value of fortitude. It’s the backbone of civilization—the courage to face adversity head-on. Your legacy isn’t built on fragility. It’s forged in the fires of challenge. Be dangerous when necessary but let your virtue shine through restraint.
Recognize your potential for mayhem. Cultivate competence, navigate adversity, and wield your strength judiciously. In doing so, you honor the virtues that have shaped societies for centuries.
“Those who have swords and know how to use them but keep them sheathed will inherit the world” -Dr. Jordan Peterson
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