OTTAWA—Despite some opposition and attempts by activists to shut down Jordan Peterson’s speech in the nation’s capital, the famed psychologist and academic went ahead with his sold-out talk at the Canadian Tire Centre on Jan. 30. No protesters showed up.
Peterson began by chiding the 36 groups that wanted to ban him from speaking in Ottawa. He joked that he saw in the crowd bigots and misogynists as far as the eye could see. He added that Ottawa had to work on its activists a bit more as he didn’t see even one placard in opposition to his presentation.
Peterson said that Canada is increasingly being held in contempt globally. Canada no longer ranks in the top 10 of most free countries in the world, according to the Fraser Institute and U.S.-based Cato Institute.
The bestselling author came to Ottawa as part of his tour to promote his third book, “Beyond Order: 12 More Rules For Life.” The enthusiastic audience of 5,000 gave him a standing ovation at the conclusion of the question and answer session after his talk.
Peterson mainly spoke about some of the collaborative work he’s doing regarding examining Biblical works like Genesis and especially Exodus, which tells of the Israelites escaping tyranny in Egypt.
He also mentioned the Dao—the balance between chaos and order and how to live one’s life by working one’s way between the two.
‘People Can Make Their Own Decisions’
The Epoch Times spoke with attendees after the event, all of whom were unanimous in saying that there was nothing hateful or discriminatory—as had been claimed by some protesting his talk in weeks prior—in anything Peterson said.
Phil Neusy, an IT professional, said that Peterson really needs to be listened to as he’s an academic taking a stand against the “modern culture that is so strong and pervasive.” Neusy said he’s proud of the traditional viewpoint.
“It’s all about ‘you have to be able to have a conversation,’ right?” he said. “Once you start to censor, then it’s going down the same rabbit hole.”
Carleton University student Anastasia Marzesska said that while Peterson doesn’t say anything offensive, the person listening might interpret it that way—but that’s not a reason for censorship.
“I think that if he has something to say, people should be allowed to hear what he has to say, and people can make their own decisions on whether or not they agree with it or disagree with it.”
