Jordan Peterson on why writing is the deadliest weapon

I’ll be the first to acknowledge it: Jordan Peterson’s views are polarizing. I don’t agree with much of what he says but when it comes to the subject of writing, I can’t deny that he’s got it 100% right.

The psychologist-cum-philosopher gave a lecture series in 2017 entitled Maps of Meaning. One emerging theme is that we frame the world like a story: one where we go from point A to point B. Everything in between either keeps us going, gets in the way, or can be safely ignored.

One of the most fundamental skills to navigating life successfully is critical thinking. Peterson makes it clear that the best way to learn that is through writing.

The actual mechanics of writing are really no different from thinking itself – but once you learn to hone those skills, you will have an unbelievable advantage in life.

One thing that drives Peterson crazy is that universities fail to teach students why they should write something. The assumption is that you need to do an assignment in order to get the grade, but that misses the point completely.

Writing is the deadliest weapon because it forces you to formulate your arguments coherently and communicate them effectively. And when you learn to do that, Peterson says, nothing can get in your way.

Sound too good to be true? Try having an argument with a good writer. “They'll just slash you into pieces,” says Peterson. “You better have your points organized because otherwise, you’re going to look like an absolute idiot. You are not going to get anywhere.”

You don’t need to become a bestselling author to be influential. Even if you can just write well enough to lay out a proposal, you will be rewarded with money and opportunities. And what could be more motivating than that?

Being articulate is the most dangerous thing you can be. That should be the real reason you go to university. “It’s an endless mystery to me why that isn’t made self-evident,” says Peterson.

Bottom line: Learning to write effectively isn’t just a mode of convenience. It trains you to communicate so clearly that you can influence others and win opportunities. This insight isn’t shared enough – but just knowing it gives you an enormous competitive advantage.