Alec Hogg: Jordan B Peterson’s wisdom helps us understand “vaccine mandate” obsession

I've followed the careers of Discovery CEO Adrian Gore and his Sanlam counterpart Paul Hanratty rather closely. Not just because we're all drawn to remarkable people. Rather, because society charges financial journalists to watch those in business who wield power, so we can point out where they may be erring..From what I've observed over decades, both these men are logical beings. Gore has built an empire on applying behavioural economics, a deeply rational field. For his part Hanratty dispensed with emotion when swapping the executive suite at Old Mutual to join historic arch-rival Sanlam..So why would the duo endorse the high risk and legally unenforceable decision to force mandatory Covid-19 vaccines on their staff?.___STEADY_PAYWALL___.It just didn't make sense. Until my recent re-reading (yes, it's that good) Jordan Peterson's 5m copy bestseller 12 Rules For Life. If you haven't discovered Peterson yet, you're in for a treat as you'll experience through the recording of his talk on "12 Rules" (viewed 12.7m times on YouTube)..Back to Gore and Hanratty. As both are qualified actuaries, they are trained in rationality. But also to appreciate where each circles of competence end. Which means on medical issues, particularly Covid-19, both are likely to defer to colleagues who specialised in health-care. Primarily physicians..Which would appear the rational approach. But isn't, as we appreciate by drawing on Peterson's wisdom..The man described by the New York Times as "the most influential public intellectual in the Western world right now" makes a powerful argument why physicians would always be inclined to use force rather than persuasion to achieve compliance..In his brilliant book, Peterson kicks off the chapter on Rule 2 by explaining how one third of doctor prescriptions are never filled by patients. And, further, how only half prescriptions which are collected are not properly followed..In other words, when it comes to taking the prescribed medicine, only one third of patients follow the instruction of their physicians..Quoting a widely referenced study tracking this non-adherence with prescribed medicine, Peterson explains "physicals and pharmacists tend to blame patients for their noncompliance, inaction and error. What's wrong with them? Don't they want to get better?".But that's shifting the blame..Peterson uses his profession, psychology, as a contrast – "(unlike physicians) we are trained to assume that the failure of patients to follow professional advice is the fault of the practitioner, not the patient. We believe that the health-care provider has a responsibility to proffer advice that will be followed, offer interventions that will be respected, plan with the patient or client until the desired result is achieved, and follow up to ensure that everything is going correctly.".The approach of clinical psychologists is anathema for physicians. Reason, Peterson adds, is "we have the luxury of time". Physicians don't, which raises the likelihood of physicians to force compliance – if given the power to ensure patients do what's best for them. Whether that's medicine or, indeed, Covid vaccines..The trouble with this approach is that our species is hard wired to resist force. Hitler used Goebbels to recruit Germany, getting millions to willingly embrace his wicked ideology. Stalin and Mao had to murder tens of millions to get theirs embedded..As 19th century Russian liberal thinker Aleksandr Herzen put it: "We have to open men's eyes, not tear them out.".Gore, Hanratty and others of their ilk would do better by listening to more psychologists, less physicians. That means embracing the responsibility of convincing doubters why vaccines cut their chances of dying. Rather than adopting the physician's natural preference to force compliance..Fortunately, the window is closing on the need for business owners to take such risky corporate decisions..As infectious-disease physician and UC professor Dr Monica Gandhi writes in this piece, Covid is transitioning from epidemic to endemic..Safe vaccines produced in record time played a huge role in this. So, too, has the rapid spread of, in particular, the Delta variant which delivers natural immunity to the infected, most of whom don't even know they've had the coronavirus..So, the heated debate over the virus will temper. Still, lessons from unwitting mis-steps should be heeded. It's wrong to waste a good crisis. Particularly when it has been as costly as this one..More for you to read today (click on the linked headline to access) –.* US Senators accuse Facebook of disregarding research showing harm to teens. Facebook executive defends company's record during hearing prompted by WSJ reporting,.* Bitcoin stalls as US, China go after cryptocurrencies. Regulatory pressure pinches off third quarter rally following steep selloff..* In well vaccinated Maine, Covid-19 still fills hospitals with the unvaccinated. Delta variant finds vulnerable pockets: 'It doesn't need much kindling to continue to burn.'.PS We've been getting rave reviews on the BizNews Wine Club from community members. Founding partner Iona's products are top quality, in our shop they're priced better than you'll find anywhere else, and farm-to-your-door delivery is rapid and efficient. Check it out. Here's the link: https://biznewsshop.com/collections/iona-wines..NB FOR YOUR WALL STREET JOURNAL ACCESS….As a Premium subscriber you are entitled to full membership of wsj.com (normal price $29 a month). Be sure to action your access through the Premium link on the BizNews website. Because of The Wall Street Journal's credential requirements, be sure to create a password which has at least 8 characters and includes at least one letter and one number – NB it MAY NOT contain any special characters (ie #, !, @ etc). To maintain access to WSJ.com, you MUST enter our partner's website via BizNews Premium at least once a month. A final PS, if you had previously signed up for WSJ you'll need to clear the cookies from your device. Our help desk can assist – support@biznews.com.If you'd like to help sustain our independent voice, why not share the love by making a gift that keeps giving? Click here to access the BizNews Premium subscription signup form, and be sure tick the relevant box. At R100 a month and inclusive of full membership of The Wall Street Journal, it's a mind-expanding gift at an incredibly modest price.

Alec Hogg: Jordan B Peterson’s wisdom helps us understand “vaccine mandate” obsession

Related Stories

Meet Tshepo Mahloele – Big Capitec shareholder, ABSIP’s “CEO of the Decade” now accused by Holomisa as kingpin of corrupt network

PREMIUM: Making of a great editor – the George Palmer playbook

Premium – BizNews global portfolio: ASML joins – so does Adobe as Bull takes hold again

Alec Hogg: Helen Zille predicts SA choice will be DA or EFF