Myths-Meaning-Moral Choices: Global Leadership [Pilihan Moral]
Introduction
What if the key to becoming a great leader lies not in modern strategies but in ancient stories and the timeless balance between chaos and order?
Before reading the book, Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief by Jordan B. Peterson,[1] I first listened to “Maps of Meaning: 01″ a lecture by Peterson on YouTube. [2] The lecture, ‘Maps of Meaning 01,’ helped me transition to the book with a clearer understanding. Peterson discussed how people create meaning and belief systems, emphasizing the balance between chaos and order in life. He explored the role of myths, stories, and archetypes, like the hero’s journey, in helping us confront the unknown and find purpose. The lecture serves as an engaging introduction to the book Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief, which explored deeper into these themes, offering a detailed analysis of how belief systems shape human behavior and guide moral frameworks.
Peterson connects ideas from psychology, myths, and religion to show how they affect the way people think, feel, and make moral choices. His book highlights why it’s important to understand your beliefs and use them to grow and improve your life. By expanding on the ideas introduced in the lecture, Peterson’s book provides a richer, multi-disciplinary understanding of how we construct meaning in an unpredictable world.
Making the connection
Browsing through the subtitles of the table of content, this book is like Dungeons & Dragons. Maps of Meaning and Dungeons & Dragons share a fascinating overlap: both probes into the realms of chaos, order, and archetypes. In Dungeons & Dragons, players confront challenges, navigate unknown territories, and build narratives shaped by moral decisions[3]—paralleling Peterson’s exploration of how belief systems guide us through life’s uncertainties. Similarly, the hero’s journey is central to both.[4] In Dungeons & Dragons, players often embody heroes who venture into the unknown, facing chaos and creating order through strategy and storytelling. Peterson’s book also emphasizes the hero archetype as a universal framework for confronting adversity. It is almost as if Peterson’s work provides the philosophical “rulebook” for the existential quest we role-play in Dungeons & Dragons. I have observed my god children playing the game and telling me about it.
As I progress through my essay, I find myself questioning the connection between Peterson’s book and leadership. How does Peterson’s work relate to global leadership habits, practices, and disciplines? I took Dr. Jason’s advice from April 7th, weekly chat to consult AI[5], I posed the question to AI and it provided me with five key points.
Peterson’s book connects to leadership by exploring the psychological and philosophical foundations of decision-making, responsibility, and navigating uncertainty—qualities essential for effective leadership. He emphasizes the importance of understanding belief systems and their role in shaping human behavior, which is critical for leaders who aim to inspire and guide others. Peterson’s work relates to global leadership habits, practices, and disciplines in several ways:
Navigating Chaos and Order[6]: Leaders often operate in environments of uncertainty and complexity. Peterson’s exploration of balancing chaos (the unknown) and order (the known) provides a framework for leaders to adapt and thrive in challenging situations.
Moral Responsibility: The book underscores the significance of taking personal responsibility and making ethical decisions.[7] This aligns with global leadership practices that prioritize integrity and accountability.
Storytelling and Vision:[8] Peterson highlights the power of myths and narratives in shaping meaning. Leaders can use storytelling to communicate their vision and inspire collective action.
Understanding Human Nature:[9] By analyzing archetypes and human psychology, Peterson equips leaders with insights into motivation, conflict resolution, and team dynamics.
Resilience and Growth:[10] The hero’s journey, a central theme in the book, mirrors the challenges leaders face. It encourages resilience, learning from adversity, and fostering growth—both personally and within their teams.
Conclusion
So, does the key to becoming a great leader lie not in modern strategies but in ancient stories and the timeless balance between chaos and order? In summary, Peterson highlights the universal lessons in myths, archetypes, and religious narratives that provide timeless wisdom essential for leadership, such as courage, sacrifice, and perseverance.[11] He emphasizes the need for leaders to balance chaos—the unknown and uncertainty—with order—stability and structure—mirroring the dynamics of decision-making and problem-solving. Drawing on the hero archetype, Peterson illustrates how leaders grow through adversity and emerge stronger to benefit their teams. By focusing on moral accountability, ethical decisions, and integrity, he links leadership to building trust and fostering collaboration.[12] These ancient themes resonate globally, uniting diverse groups under a shared vision and inspiring purpose.
[1] Peterson, Jordan B, “Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief.” (New York, NY: Routledge, 1999).
[2] Jordan B. Peterson, “Maps of Meaning 01 (Harvard Lectures)”, YouTube video, 2:36:19, posted by “Jordan B Peterson Clips,” January 1, 2017, https://youtu.be/v3Bu7oCB8_k?si=CjoWHz8PQr0Loghw.
[3] Dungeons & Dragons Beyond, accessed April 8, 2025, https://www.dndbeyond.com/..
[4] Peterson, 185.
[5] Dr. Jason Clark. Weekly Chat via Zoom. April 7, 2025.
[6] Peterson, 48.
[7] Peterson, 359-360.
[8] Peterson, 240.
[9] Peterson, 17.
[10] Peterson, 442.
[11] Peterson, 133.
[12] Peterson, 386.
About the Author
Shela Sullivan
Born and raised on the vibrant Penang Island in Malaysia, I cherish the Malaysian greeting, “Mari Makan!!” which reflects the warmth of shared meals. Since 1996, I have called Oregon my home enjoying the raindrops and the serenity of its beaches. The ocean connects me to nature and energizes me. I am a Wife - Mentor - Traveling Pastor - Sourcing Manager Construction. Favorite Bible Verse: "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." ~ Psalm 37:4~ I reside with my husband, David and our fur-baby Rolo. We share passions for travelling, culture, diverse cuisines, home improvements, classic cars and laughter.12 responses to “Myths-Meaning-Moral Choices: Global Leadership [Pilihan Moral]”
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So glad you found a little clarity in Peterson’s book, Shela. I enjoyed reading your post, especially learning more about D&D, which my son plays with a group of friends.
You mention the timeless wisdom of ancient stories and mythology to guide us toward purpose-filled lives that are enriched by moral values, resilience and more.
How might Peterson’s concepts impact the current global political climate, and what might we expect next in the monomyth cycle?
Thank you, Jennifer for your questions.
Peterson’s concepts emphasize the importance of balancing chaos and order, which can be applied to understanding the current global political climate. Effective leadership involves confronting chaos, adapting to challenges, and restoring stability. In the monomyth cycle, humanity or global leadership could be seen as navigating an “ordeal” stage, with the next phase potentially being transformation and renewal—where new systems and ideas emerge to address challenges and rebuild order. Let me know if you need further clarity!
Hi Shela, I really appreciated the way you distilled Peterson’s writing into five key points—it brought clarity to some complex ideas. As you consider those points in light of your leadership role, which one resonates with you most deeply in your own leadership, and why? Is there one you feel particularly challenged to grow in after engaging with Peterson’s work? Personally, as a leader, I’m hoping to grow in my ability to tell stories that inspire meaningful action.
Elysse beat me to my question, Shela, so I’ll tag on with an additional one. Of the five leadership points, which one do you think is most important for Christian leaders and why?
Thank you for the question, Kari.
For Christian leaders, Moral Responsibility stands out as the most important leadership point. The emphasis on taking personal responsibility and making ethical decisions is deeply rooted in biblical teachings and aligns with the core values of integrity, accountability, and servant leadership. Jesus himself modeled this through his life and teachings, placing immense importance on loving others, acting justly, and staying true to one’s principles even in the face of adversity.
Christian leaders are called to lead by example, and moral responsibility ensures that their actions align with their faith and values, ultimately fostering trust and credibility within their communities. While all five points are significant and interrelated, moral responsibility serves as the foundation that influences how leaders navigate chaos, tell stories, understand human nature, and demonstrate resilience. It provides the ethical compass that guides every other leadership practice. Would you agree, or do you see another point taking precedence?
Hi Elysse,
Thank you for the question.
In light of my leadership role, the point that resonates most deeply is Storytelling and Vision. Peterson’s emphasis on using myths and narratives to inspire meaningful action aligns perfectly with my aspiration to grow in this area. Storytelling has the ability to connect with people emotionally, bridge cultural and personal differences, and provide a sense of shared purpose—qualities that are essential in uniting and leading teams effectively.
The point I feel most challenged to grow in is, Human Nature. It is complex, shaped by emotions, motivations, archetypes, and cultural dynamics—and navigating it as a leader can be incredibly demanding. Peterson’s emphasis on understanding archetypes and human psychology could offer valuable insights. For example, recognizing the underlying motivations of individuals or groups might help you better connect with and guide them.
Hi Shela, I need to learn to use better prompts with AI. Thanks for sharing that part in your post. The concept that leaders must frequently navigate the difficulty of chaos and order is so true. Do you experience that in your work and if so do you have any particular way of navigating it?
Thank you, Diane, for your question.
The concept of balancing chaos and order is something I frequently experience in my work. As Peterson outlines, chaos represents uncertainty and the unknown, while order signifies stability and the familiar. Leadership often requires navigating the tension between these two realms, especially when faced with unforeseen challenges or making decisions that have far-reaching implications.
I navigate the balance between chaos and order by continuously assessing situations, having a clear communication, implementing structure and clear plans when chaos prevails, and fostering innovation to avoid stagnation when rigidity dominates. I use storytelling and shared vision to provide context and purpose, empowering my team to tackle challenges collectively. Embracing adversity as an opportunity for growth, I promote resilience and learning from setbacks to build confidence in facing uncertainties.
Hi Shela, in your leadership, do you use stories to help people make meaning? I am not sure how to practically do this, but I am intrigued by the connection between leadership and story telling.
Thank you for your question, Christy.
The connection between leadership and storytelling is both compelling and practical. As Peterson highlights, storytelling is a powerful tool for creating meaning, communicating a vision, and inspiring action. Sharing personal experiences allows me to connect with others on a human level and demonstrate that they are not alone. As a manager, I integrate storytelling by framing my vision as a narrative that incorporates relatable challenges, transformative journeys, and a clear purpose. For instance, sharing stories of overcoming obstacles or achieving success as a team helps individuals see themselves as part of a collective journey. To effectively use storytelling in leadership, I begin by identifying core themes or values within my organization. These themes serve as the foundation for narratives that emphasize the purpose behind my vision, linking it to shared goals and aspirations. By drawing on archetypes such as the hero’s journey, I aim to evoke a sense of motivation and shared purpose. This approach transforms abstract ideas into tangible, relatable concepts, helping foster alignment and meaningful action among team members. Ultimately, storytelling becomes not just a communication tool but a way to unite and inspire others as we work to navigate challenges and create structure together.
Shela,
Good idea to go to AI and ask about leadership specifically. If this is coming from an ancient story, as outlined in the Hero’s Journey, are there other ancient stories that you might draw leadership lessons from?
Thank you, the question Adam.
Certainly! In addition to the Hero’s Journey, there are many ancient stories that offer valuable leadership lessons. Here are a few examples:
The Epic of Gilgamesh: One of the oldest known stories, this tale emphasizes friendship, responsibility, and the search for wisdom. Gilgamesh’s journey from a self-centered king to a thoughtful leader highlights the importance of learning from adversity and seeking advice from trusted companions.
The Bhagavad Gita (India): In this ancient text, the warrior Arjuna is guided by Krishna through his moral dilemma. Leadership lessons from this story include the significance of duty, selflessness, and acting with wisdom rather than attachment to outcomes.
The Exodus (Biblical Narrative): The story of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt offers lessons in courage, faith, and the responsibility of guiding people through uncertainty while trusting in a greater purpose.