Maps of Meaning 09: Patterns of Symbolic Representation

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Summary

Peterson discusses archetypes as universal patterns. They appear in myths, stories, and images.

These patterns are deep. They come from human experience across time.

The world has basic elements: chaos, order, the individual, and the adversary.

Images show these elements first. Words come later.

Archetypes guide behaviour. They help people face complexity.

Stories use archetypes. They teach how to act.

Ideologies use parts of archetypes. They miss the full picture. This makes them dangerous.

Full understanding protects against wrong ideas.

The lecture links biology, myths, and daily life.

Key Takeaways

• Archetypes are old patterns. They appear in all cultures.

• Images show archetypes before words.

• Chaos is potential. It can destroy or create.

• Order protects but can become tyranny.

• The individual faces the unknown. This is the hero.

• The adversary shows threat inside and outside.

• Stories build meaning from archetypes.

• One-sided stories lead to wrong paths.

• Full archetypes show positive and negative sides.

• Truth and courage help face chaos.

• Sacrifice turns short-term want into long-term good.

• Proper aims make life meaningful. They balance nature and culture.

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