People have been fed this diet of pabulum, rights, and impulsive freedom. There's just an absolute starvation for the other side of the story.

In this quote, Jordan Peterson critiques the modern emphasis on rights and impulsive freedom, suggesting that people have been inundated with one-sided narratives that emphasize personal liberties without considering the broader, more responsible aspects of life. He argues that this focus on immediate freedom and personal entitlement leaves people with a lack of understanding about the other side of the story, which may involve duty, responsibility, or the consequences of unchecked freedom. Peterson suggests that the balance between individual freedom and collective responsibility is often ignored.

The origin of this quote comes from Jordan Peterson, a Canadian psychologist and public intellectual known for his commentary on psychology, culture, and politics. Peterson is particularly known for his criticisms of modern political correctness, identity politics, and his advocacy for individual responsibility. His statement reflects his belief that contemporary society has focused too heavily on individual rights without adequately addressing the moral and ethical responsibilities that come with those rights.

Peterson’s mention of people being "fed a diet of pabulum" refers to the idea that society has been oversaturated with a simplistic and uncritical narrative that promotes freedom without considering the deeper, more nuanced aspects of life. Pabulum, meaning bland or superficial content, implies that people are consuming a shallow understanding of freedom without questioning its true meaning or implications. Peterson sees this as leading to a starvation for deeper, more thoughtful perspectives on life, responsibility, and society.

Ultimately, Peterson's quote is a call for a more balanced understanding of freedom—one that takes into account the complexities of life and the need for personal and societal responsibility. He argues that people must not only focus on entitlements but also engage with the difficult and nuanced aspects of freedom that require sacrifice, duty, and reflection on the greater good.