Jordan Peterson has been vocal in his critique of Andrew Tate, describing elements of Tate’s persona and behavior as deeply problematic while acknowledging the underlying reasons for his appeal among young men. Peterson notes that Tate represents a form of “toxic masculinity” and “psychopathic” behavior, particularly in his treatment of women and promotion of aggressive, domineering ideals.

In a 2023 interview, Peterson argued that Tate’s popularity stems from young men feeling “demoralized” and seeking alternatives to what they perceive as societal emasculation. He stated that while Tate’s unapologetic aggression might seem preferable to “cringing defeat,” much of his messaging is dangerously shallow and reinforces destructive patterns. Peterson specifically criticized Tate’s past involvement in the “sex business,” calling it “unforgivable” and bordering on criminal exploitation.

However, Peterson also acknowledged that Tate’s appeal lies partly in his rejection of modern constraints on male behavior, offering a distorted version of empowerment for those feeling marginalized. He described Tate as a “complicated” figure with elements of real physical bravery and charisma, but warned that emulating him leads to “manipulative,” “jaded” behavior rather than genuine masculine virtue.

While Peterson hasn’t explicitly called Tate “the lowest form of male life” in the provided sources, he has framed Tate’s influence as symptomatic of broader cultural failures to provide healthy models of masculinity. Peterson argues that society’s demonization of traditional male roles creates a vacuum filled by figures like Tate, who offer destructive caricatures of strength. This dynamic, Peterson suggests, leaves young men torn between toxic archetypes and emasculated passivity—a problem he believes requires resurrecting positive visions of masculine responsibility.