Jordan Peterson’s Technicolor Dreamcoats

In recent times, few figures have provoked as much fascination, conversation and consternation as Jordan Peterson. A professor of psychology turned cultural revolutionary, Peterson’s ascent to prominence has been nothing short of meteoric, propelled by his controversial views on gender, free speech and the human condition. The next phase of his career development is apparently at hand; we now seem to be witnessing the transformation of a mild-mannered shrink into a modern-day Moses.

The 61-year-old has, in recent times, decided to dip his toes into the vast sea of biblical scholarship. Long gone are the days of dissecting lobsters and giving advice to young men on how to clean their rooms. Today’s Jordan Peterson is unraveling the mysteries of the Old Testament like a seasoned biblical scholar. Though he’s not quite ready to commit to a simple yes or no on the question of God’s existence, he seems to be positioning himself as an authority on religious teachings and philosophical musings.

This shift in focus is mirrored by the curious case of Peterson’s evolving wardrobe. Once content to don shabby shirts and slacks that seemed to mirror his disheveled intellectual persona, Peterson has undergone a sartorial transformation of epic proportions. Rumpled attire has been replaced by crisp, three-piece suits and even, on occasion, technicolor dreamcoats that wouldn’t look out of place in a psychedelic rock concert. But what does this shift in wardrobe signify, and what deeper psychological forces might be at play?

Rebirth

The transformation of Peterson’s outward appearance is not merely a superficial change; it signals a profound internal evolution. This shift likely represents a conscious effort to embody the gravitas and authority of his new role as a cultural and spiritual guide: a shaman with a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, Freud crossed with a generous serving of fire-and-brimstone bluster. As he dives deeper into the Old Testament and biblical exegesis, the Canadian’s attire mirrors the mythic and archetypal themes he explores, echoing the robes of ancient prophets or the symbolic vestments of religious leaders.

Furthermore, Peterson’s sartorial metamorphosis can be seen as a form of self-reinvention, a shedding of his old skin (and slacks). His close brush with death—a harrowing ordeal involving drug addiction and severe health complications—parallels the narrative arc of resurrection. Like Jesus emerging from the tomb, Peterson has reemerged, transformed and reinvigorated, ready to take on a new mission. Gone is the drab, despondent-looking academic, replaced by a fit, tanned, healthy-looking ... dare I say sex symbol?

The shift in wardrobe also ties into a broader cultural phenomenon. Peterson’s transition from a libertarian-leaning intellectual to a quasi-religious figure reflects the zeitgeist of our times. Once-popular libertarian figures who thrived on the discourse of individualism and free speech now find themselves navigating a landscape where deeper, existential questions about meaning, morality and community are taking center stage. In an era of uncertainty and disillusionment, this evolution might indicate a cultural desire for deeper, spiritually based explanations.

Alternatively, a less charitable interpretation might suggest that, as our society becomes increasingly polarized, individuals are not seeking thought leaders who engage earnestly with ideas. Instead, they desire allies who merely echo and affirm their preexisting beliefs. Peterson’s change in attire could symbolize a broader trend that quite literally favors style over substance. After all, he is now associated with The Daily Wire, a staunchly conservative platform known for its definitive stances on weighty issues such as abortion, marriage and, of course, religion. Perhaps Peterson’s attire is a reflection of this new chapter in his rather extraordinary life. He is now a celebrity, and celebrities must look the part. This fact, one assumes, is not lost on him.

From Scholar to Spiritual Guide

In this context, Peterson’s wardrobe transformation can be seen as a response to the cultural shift, positioning himself not just as a commentator on societal issues but as a guide through the metaphysical and moral mazes of modern life. This metamorphosis is not just about staying relevant; it’s about tapping into the undercurrents of cultural change and offering a vision that resonates on a deeper, more archetypal level. Peterson’s new look, a carefully crafted construction, may very well reflect a pivot toward the spiritual and the symbolic.

The concept that “we dress for the roles we undertake” is deeply rooted in psychology and sociology. Clothing is not just about covering our bodies; it is a form of nonverbal communication that conveys our identity, status and intentions. When we dress in a certain manner, we are signaling to the world—and to ourselves—the role we are playing. This phenomenon is often referred to as “enclothed cognition,” a term coined by researchers Hajo Adam and Adam Galinsky. It describes the psychological and performance-related changes that occur when we wear particular items of clothing. Peterson is, in no uncertain terms, telling us that he is more than a perpetually perplexed-looking psychologist who detests pronouns. He is a cultural icon, a captain here to take us on a Christ-oriented cruise. As the man himself might say, “Buckle up, buckos, things are about to get biblical.”

With Peterson 2.0, we see a man who has transcended his role as a provocative preacher, positioning himself as a modern sage. His transformation, sartorial and otherwise, signals a deeper, more profound engagement with the questions that define our humanity. Whether this new incarnation will fulfill the role of a prophetic guide or become a cautionary tale of self-reinvention remains to be seen. One thing is for certain, however: Jordan Peterson’s journey is a reflection of our own collective quest for meaning in a world that often feels bereft of it.