Why is the Gulag Archipelago such a Seminal Work to Jordan Petterson?

 By Betty Bassett

"The Gulag Archipelago" offers a comprehensive account of the Soviet Union's forced labor camps, the Gulag, and the harsh treatment of prisoners within these camps. Jordan Petterson considers this work important because of Alexander Solzhenitsyn's bravery in exposing the atrocities committed by the Soviet regime under Joseph Stalin. The book has immense literary and narrative power as it weaves together the personal experiences of prisoners to narrate the story of the communist experiment.

Peterson emphasizes the moral lesson of the book, which is that every person has a responsibility to resist evil and tyranny. This work serves as a reminder of individual courage and resistance in the face of oppression. Failure to resist evil can lead to disaster for a society.

Jordan Petterson has stated that the messages of "The Gulag Archipelago" are still relevant in politics and culture, as there are forces that continue to undermine freedom, individualism, and personal responsibility. This book has had a profound impact on Petterson, shaping his opinions on many crucial issues. The book's ideas and messages resonate with readers around the world, because Petterson refers to them in his lectures. 

Solzhenitsyn argues that individuals must take responsibility for their lives and for society's well-being, which requires a commitment to truth, morality, and the pursuit of meaning and purpose in life. He sees the prisoners in the Gulag as possessing a remarkable courage and dignity despite their harsh conditions, retaining their individuality and refusing to surrender to the dehumanizing methods of Stalin's labor camps.

Petterson considers "The Gulag Archipelago" to be a deeply personal work, relevant to his own life and to the broader political landscape. He discusses the book's capacity at defining evil. Petterson urges that readers have an obligation to recognize evil in all its forms. Then he urges readers to resist evil in all of its forms. 

The book serves as a warning against the dangers of collectivism, ideology, and groupthink, which Petterson considers threats. He emphasizes the importance of vigilant adherence to morality and the rejection of beliefs inconsistent with one's values.

Petterson argues that works like "The Gulag Archipelago" are crucial for shaping human consciousness and preserving our heritage, because they have the power to inspire resistance against oppression. He believes that education must include instruction on the dangers of totalitarianism and the importance of individual responsibility. He sees this book as an essential component of a well-rounded education and therefore it should be included in a liberal education.