Interview on X
Peterson hosted the two-hour discussion with Musk on his personal X account which managed to garner 28 million views in less than a day.
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“The first thing I’d like to say is that it’s ridiculously exciting to be here,” Peterson said. “I’ve been meaning to talk to you for a long time.”
Peterson’s Praise
During the interview, Peterson gushed praise for Musk and was eager to pick his brain on a variety of subjects from ancient Egypt to AI. Peterson has a high opinion of Musk, viewing him as someone with a rare combination of successful traits.
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In an interview last year, Peterson said “Musk appears to me to be someone who’s this rare combination of hyper-creative but also hyper-conscientious.”
Topic of Religion
Further in the discussion, the topic of religion came up, and Peterson was eager to get the tech billionaire’s views on Christianity.
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Peterson himself has expressed positive views of Christianity in the past though has been reluctant to call himself a believer.
Wise Teachings
Musk emphasized on the topic of Christianity that while he is not particularly faithful he sees the value in religious teachings.
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“While I’m not a particularly religious person, I do believe that the teachings of Jesus are good and wise, and that there’s tremendous wisdom in turning the other cheek,” Musk said.
Forgiveness is Important
The conversation continued with Musk expressing more Christian principles that he views as critical to life.
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“This notion of forgiveness is important. I think it’s essential because if you don’t forgive, I forget who said it, but ‘an eye for an eye makes everyone blind,’” Musk said. “So I’m a big believer in the principles of Christianity.”
Non-Religious
Peterson would relate Musk’s point of view to Richard Dawkins, a famous biologist and atheist who also came out in support of Christian principles recently.
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“So in what sense then are you not religious?” Peterson asked. “So [Richard] Dawkins just came out … and announced he’s a cultural Christian.”
Culturally Christian
Musk replied to that line of thinking from Peterson, affirming that his views might be similar and that he is probably a cultural Christian himself.
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“Right,” Musk said. “I would say I’m probably a cultural Christian. I was brought up Anglican and I was baptized.”
Losing Religion
Later, Musk would expand on his views, seeing religion as an important force that keeps the human population up and the culture healthy.
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“There’s an argument that when a culture loses its religion, it starts to become anti-natalist and decline in numbers and potentially disappear,” said Musk.
Destroying the Mind Virus
Musk also dived into his thoughts of the “woke mind virus” which he sees as antithetical to the type of culture and society he wants to build.
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“I lost my son, essentially,” Musk said. “So I vowed to destroy the woke mind virus after that, and we’re making some progress.”
Interview Reaction
Many X users saw the interview and expressed their thoughts on the two men’s discussion. There were quite a few who voiced frustration over Peterson talking too much.
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“Jordan, please let Elon speak…ask the question and sit back and listen! You are a great speaker and debater but not the best interviewer! It’s painful to watch you keep interrupting Elon!” said X user John Tzanetakis.
Respect for Both Men
Other commenters expressed their excitement to see the two men together while they spoke in-depth about important topics.
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“This conversation is already brilliant – we need more rapid fire conversations between smart people on this app,” said X user Jen C.