In this video, Jordan Peterson discusses a simple skill that can improve one’s life: taking responsibility for oneself and one’s actions. He emphasizes the importance of personal accountability and how it can empower individuals to make positive changes. Peterson encourages viewers to stop blaming external factors and instead focus on what they can control, their own behavior. By doing so, he believes people can develop a stronger sense of agency and effectiveness in their lives. The video offers a thought-provoking perspective on personal growth and self-improvement.
Vocabulary List
| Word | Definition | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
| Accountability | The state of being accountable; responsibility | “She showed accountability by owning up to her mistakes.” |
| Empower | To give someone the power or authority to do something | “The new role empowers her to make key decisions.” |
| Perspective | A particular attitude towards or way of regarding something; a point of view | “His perspective on life changed after the accident.” |
| Thought-provoking | Stimulating or challenging one’s thoughts or ideas | “The lecture raised thought-provoking questions about ethics.” |
| Personal Growth | The process of self-improvement and realization of one’s potential | “She prioritized personal growth by investing in her education.” |
| Agency | The capacity of a person to act independently and make their own choices | “They valued their employees’ sense of agency and autonomy.” |
| Effectiveness | The degree to which something is successful in producing a desired result | “The new policy was praised for its effectiveness in reducing crime rates.” |
| Self-improvement | The process of improving oneself, especially in terms of one’s character, behavior, or knowledge | “His dedication to self-improvement inspired those around him.” |
| Accountability | Taking responsibility for one’s actions and their consequences | “Demonstrating accountability, he apologized for his mistake and worked to rectify it.” |
| Blame | To hold someone or something responsible for a fault or problem | “Instead of blaming others, he took accountability for his actions.” |
Key Points
- Taking responsibility for oneself is a powerful skill that can lead to personal growth and a sense of empowerment.
- Jordan Peterson emphasizes personal accountability and how it grants individuals agency and effectiveness in their lives.
- By focusing on what we can control (our behavior), we can develop a more positive and proactive perspective.
- Stop blaming external factors and instead, work on improving oneself and one’s responses to challenges.
Quiz
- What is the main skill Jordan Peterson discusses in the video?
A) Effective communication
B) Taking responsibility
C) Time management
D) Public speaking - What is the key message conveyed by Jordan Peterson?
A) External factors are to blame for our problems.
B) We should focus on what we cannot control.
C) Personal accountability leads to empowerment.
D) Success comes from ignoring our faults. - What benefit does taking responsibility bring, according to Jordan Peterson?
A) Improved relationships
B) Financial stability
C) Greater sense of agency
D) Enhanced creativity - What does the term “accountability” refer to?
A) Taking credit for one’s successes
B) Accepting responsibility for one’s actions
C) Apologizing to others
D) Admitting one’s lack of control - Which word from the vocabulary list is a synonym of “empower”?
A) Perspective
B) Effectiveness
C) Accountability
D) Agency
Answer Key
- B) Taking responsibility
- C) Personal accountability leads to empowerment.
- C) Greater sense of agency
- B) Accepting responsibility for one’s actions
- D) Agency
Grammar Point: Gerund vs. Infinitive
Explanation
A gerund is a verb that ends with “ing” and functions as a noun in a sentence. It often follows certain verbs and can act as the subject or object of a sentence. On the other hand, an infinitive is the basic form of a verb preceded by “to” (e.g., to go, to listen). Gerunds and infinitives are often interchangeable, but they convey subtle differences in meaning. Gerunds emphasize the action itself, while infinitives emphasize the result or purpose of the action.
Exercise
- Choosing between the gerund or infinitive, fill in the blank: “I enjoy ____ (read) a good book.”
- Correct the sentence: “She remembered to cooking the meal for her guests.”
- Fill in the blank with the correct form: “They avoided ____ (go) to the party due to their busy schedule.”
- Rewrite the sentence using an infinitive: “Running a marathon was their goal.”
- Which is correct: “I started learning to play the guitar” or “I started learning playing the guitar”?
Answer Key
- “I enjoy reading a good book.” (Gerund)
- “She remembered cooking the meal for her guests.” (Infinitive)
- “They avoided going to the party due to their busy schedule.” (Gerund)
- “Their goal was to run a marathon.” (Infinitive)
- “I started learning to play the guitar.” (Correct use of infinitive)
