Mystic Modernity: Diogenes & Jordan Peterson's Remarkable Journey

It all began with a chance encounter between Diogenes, a wandering ascetic, and Jordan Peterson, a man seeking guidance. Travelling from the far reaches of India in 5th century, Diogenes was a wise and mysterious figure who carved his own path in life, his faith in the divine cementing his philosophical ideas. On the other hand, Jordan came with a more modern outlook on life, inspired by the many advances in technology he experienced in the nearby city. When their paths crossed, both men felt an immediate connection to the other – it was as if they both knew they had something to share, despite their vastly different perspectives. Their conversation begins slowly, small talk out of the gate, yet eventually grow steadily, touching on philosophy and religious thought, their minds tangling and intertwining one another. Their conversation would remain this way until they got to the crux of the matter – the impact of modernity on India and its occupants and what could be done to make a change. Diogenes’ solutions were open-minded and creative; Jordan’s solutions more concrete and measured. As their debate continued, and as each sought to bring their unique perspective to the table, the already mystical atmosphere was bleeding with intensity as one was beginning to convince the other of their point of view.

The midpoint of their dialogue brought about the most passionately ideas yet, both Diogenes and Jordan working off each other to extract the most engaging and creative solutions. Finally, a lightbulb seemed to go off in the heads of both men – an idea that defied traditional thinking and combined all of the perspectives into one the ultimate answer to their difficult question. What Diogenes and Jordan suggests was as intriguing as it was troubling a spiritual awakening of sorts, in which both sides of the debate join forces and bring together their disparate views to create something new and entirely unique. No plan of action was laid out for how such a feat could be achieved, but the conclusion was clear although modernity had brought about advancements, it had also left a great many issues unsolved. Both men knew that something needed to be changed, and with their combined intellectual and spiritual knowhow, their plan – while far from perfect – could provide hope.

As the conversation wound down, doubts and hesitations began to arise. Despite their obvious similarities in certain areas, their backgrounds, experiences and worldviews seemed too different to bridge even an honest to goodness compromise. Despite Jordan’s confidence in the magical power of his and Diogenes's collective ideas, the looming hopelessness of their situation seemed to render the possibility of bring realizing an intellectual and spiritual union impossible. meanwhile, Neither man wanting to outright surrender, they began to devise ways to try and prove the other wrong in their philosophical debates, escalating the situation and threatening to tear apart any momentum their conversation had achieved. Time running short and tensions high, Jordan had a flash of inspiration. What if their entire conversation could be broadcast for the betterment of all mankinds? He suggested the pair document their ideas and perspective, feeling increasingly sure that such a task won’t only be empowering and creative, but it could help bring closure to the troubled debate. At first, Diogenes was resistant, but eventually came to agree that if their words can somehow reach a wider audience it would be worth the effort, inspiration before demolition advice has to cling too. Thus it was agreed upon Jordan would find the means to transcribe and broadcast their message to anyone willing to listen.

Throughout the remainder of the conversation, much was discussed and debated. Although no final resolution was arrived upon, much progress was achieved. Diogenes' and Jordan's arguments stayed clear and articulate, their words wielding both intellectual and metaphysical implications. Although their arguments never reached a place of comfortable or certain footing, the potential of their newly formed partnership between traditional and modern values seemed ever more possible. As their time had come to an end, there were still many unknowns regarding how this entire endeavor would unfold, but should it succeed, the implications were beyond account for either man. Strengthened by shared ideals and their newfound alliance, the two exited their conference with the feeling of promise in the air.