David Gornoski, host of A Neighbor’s Choice, sat down with Jordan Peterson in 2018 during the release of 12 Rules for Life for a conversation that moved well beyond self-help into the deeper currents shaping human behavior and culture. Their dialogue explored the influence of mimetic theory—the idea that human desire is often imitated rather than internally generated—and how this dynamic fuels rivalry, conflict, and social instability.
Together, they examined the historical and psychological roots of scapegoating and sacrificial violence, highlighting how societies have often preserved order by directing collective blame onto individuals or groups. Gornoski brought particular attention to the way Christianity uniquely disrupts this cycle, presenting Christ not as a justification for sacrifice, but as its final exposure and rejection.
The conversation also addressed the dangers of mob mentality in modern culture, where imitation can quickly spiral into outrage, division, and dehumanization. Peterson contributed psychological insight into how individuals become swept into collective chaos, while emphasizing the responsibility of the individual to resist blind conformity.
At its core, the discussion pointed toward the imitation of Christ as a transformative alternative—a model rooted not in rivalry or domination, but in self-sacrifice, truth, and love. By integrating philosophical, theological, and psychological perspectives, the interview offered a compelling framework for understanding both personal responsibility and the broader cultural tensions shaping the modern world.