You Should Be A Monster: The Conservative Case for Strength and Responsibility

By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS Priest

Jordan Peterson’s philosophy of self-improvement, particularly his statement “You should be a monster”, has resonated deeply with conservatives who value personal responsibility, discipline, and moral fortitude. This idea—often misunderstood by critics as a call for unchecked aggression—is actually a powerful argument for the necessity of controlled strength in both personal and societal contexts. Peterson’s message aligns with foundational conservative principles: that true virtue is not the absence of power but the ability to wield it responsibly.

The Moral Necessity of Strength

In his lectures and writings, Peterson emphasizes that weakness is not a virtue. A person who is incapable of causing harm is not morally good; they are simply harmless. True morality comes from having the capacity for power and choosing to control it. This echoes the conservative perspective that individual strength—whether physical, intellectual, or financial—allows a person to contribute meaningfully to their family, community, and nation.

The Bible similarly advocates for this approach. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says: “Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16, KJV). This suggests that Christians should be both intelligent and strategic, not naive or weak. Strength, when coupled with morality, leads to righteousness.

The Role of Strength in Society

Peterson’s argument aligns with the conservative belief in ordered liberty—that freedom must be accompanied by responsibility and discipline. In contrast, leftist ideologies often promote a misguided compassion that rewards weakness, incentivizes victimhood, and condemns traditional expressions of masculinity.

Conservatives argue that a society that suppresses strength breeds dependency and entitlement. The rise of safe spaces, cancel culture, and identity politics reflects a cultural shift toward fragility, where people are encouraged to be weak rather than resilient. By contrast, Peterson’s philosophy insists that only strong individuals can uphold a free society.

The Warrior Ethos: Strength in Historical and Cultural Contexts

The necessity of strength is deeply embedded in conservative and traditional cultures. The Founding Fathers of the United States, influenced by the virtues of classical philosophy and Christianity, recognized the need for armed, self-reliant citizens to preserve liberty. The Second Amendment enshrines this principle, ensuring that individuals have the right to bear arms not just for self-defense, but as a safeguard against tyranny.

Similarly, in ancient Iranic warrior cultures—such as the Scythians and Alans—strength was a virtue tied to duty. Weak men did not survive, let alone lead. This is a historical reality that modern conservatives understand: a nation’s security, both externally and internally, depends on the strength of its people.

The Left’s Attack on Strength and Masculinity

Peterson’s assertion that “You should be a monster” directly contradicts the progressive agenda that demonizes strength, particularly masculine strength. Leftist ideology often labels displays of resilience and fortitude as “toxic masculinity”, discouraging boys and men from embracing their natural roles as protectors and providers.

From an early age, young men are conditioned to suppress their assertiveness, leading to skyrocketing rates of depression, fatherlessness, and social dysfunction. This ideological assault on masculinity is a calculated attack on Western civilization itself. Peterson challenges this by encouraging men to cultivate their strength rather than suppress it.

Harnessing the Monster: Strength with Responsibility

To be a monster in Peterson’s sense is to cultivate strength while maintaining moral integrity. This is an ancient concept present in Christian theology, Stoic philosophy, and warrior cultures throughout history. The knight, the warrior, the noble leader—all must have the ability to fight but choose to do so only when necessary.

The conservative perspective values earned authority over imposed control. Weak men do not lead strong nations. Strong individuals, with moral discipline, form the backbone of a thriving society.

Conclusion

Jordan Peterson’s message—“You should be a monster”—is a conservative call to arms against the modern culture of victimhood and fragility. True virtue does not stem from helplessness, but from the capacity for power that is deliberately controlled and guided by morality.

Conservatives understand that a weak society is a vulnerable society. A strong man, just like a strong nation, must have the capability to defend, build, and uphold order. Peterson’s philosophy is not a departure from traditional values—it is a reinforcement of them.

By embracing strength with responsibility, we not only secure our own lives but ensure the survival and prosperity of our civilization.

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Citations

1. Jordan Peterson, 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos (Toronto: Random House Canada, 2018).

2. Matthew 10:16, King James Bible.

3. Theodore Roosevelt, The Strenuous Life: Essays and Addresses (New York: The Century Co., 1901).

4. Robert K. Massie, Peter the Great: His Life and World (New York: Ballantine Books, 1980).

5. Roger Scruton, How to Be a Conservative (London: Bloomsbury Continuum, 2014).