Maps of Meaning 07: Images of Story and Metastory

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Summary

Peterson explores how basic categories frame the world. These categories appear first in images. They exist long before names or words.

He shows examples from art, myths, and religion. Images represent ideas like chaos, order, the hero, and the adversary.

These images come from deep patterns in human experience. They appear in stories across cultures and time.

Peterson links images to brain function and behaviour. Categories help people act in a complex world.

Stories use these images to teach how to live. Meta-stories show how stories change.

The lecture stresses images as the root of meaning. Words come later.

Key Takeaways

• Basic categories start as images. Words follow much later.

• Images represent eternal patterns in human life.

• Myths and art use images to show chaos and order.

• The hero image stands for the individual facing the unknown.

• The adversary image stands for threat and tyranny.

• Categories guide action before thought.

• Images appear in dreams, art, and religion.

• They link biology, psychology, and culture.

• Stories build on images to create meaning.

• Understanding images helps grasp deep human motives.

• Categories simplify the world for survival and growth.

• Images predate language. They form the base of belief systems.

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