Jordan Bernt Peterson, born on June 12, 1962, is a renowned Canadian psychologist, author, and media commentator. Often labeled as conservative, Peterson rose to prominence in the late 2010s due to his views on cultural and political issues. He identifies himself as a classic British liberal and a traditionalist. Raised in Alberta, Peterson's academic journey led him to obtain two bachelor's degrees in political science and psychology from the University of Alberta, followed by a PhD in clinical psychology from McGill University.

After his stint at Harvard University, where he conducted research and taught, Peterson returned to Canada in 1998 to assume the role of a professor of psychology at the University of Toronto. In 1999, he published his first book, Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief, laying the foundation for his future lectures and combining elements of psychology, mythology, religion, literature, philosophy, and neuroscience to explore systems of belief and meaning.

In 2016, Peterson's critique of the Canadian Human Rights Act amendment, Bill C-16, through a series of YouTube videos, garnered widespread attention. He argued that the bill, which aimed to include "gender identity and expression" as prohibited grounds for discrimination, would compel the use of certain gender pronouns, linking this to a broader criticism of political correctness and identity politics. This stance attracted significant media coverage, along with both support and criticism.

In 2018, Peterson took a break from his clinical practice and teaching to release his second book, 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos, a self-help book that achieved bestseller status in multiple countries. Following a challenging period of health issues related to severe benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome between 2019 and 2020, he published his third book, Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life, in 2021, resigned from the University of Toronto, and returned to podcasting. In 2022, he signed a content distribution deal with The Daily Wire and became Chancellor of Ralston College. Peterson's vast array of lectures and conversations, primarily accessible through YouTube and podcasts, have amassed millions of views.