This is a review of 12 Rules For Life containing key details about the book.

What is 12 Rules For Life About?

12 Rules for Life is a book by Jordan Peterson that outlines twelve principles for living a meaningful and purposeful life, drawing on psychology, philosophy, and personal experience. (Full Summary…)

12 Rules For Life Summary Review

“12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos” by Jordan B. Peterson is a riveting exploration of the intersection between ancient wisdom and modern scientific understanding, offering a series of practical guidelines that aim to provide a pathway through the complexities of modern existence. Peterson, a renowned psychologist, weaves a tapestry that incorporates elements of psychology, philosophy, personal anecdotes, and profound insights into human nature.

The book’s central premise is the necessity of order in a world that inherently trends toward chaos. Peterson posits that life is a delicate balance between chaos and order, and the individual’s journey involves navigating this balance to achieve a meaningful existence. This thematic exploration is reminiscent of Carl Jung’s exploration of the individual’s quest for wholeness, as Peterson often delves into archetypal stories and myths to underscore his points.

Each of the twelve rules serves as a chapter title and a thematic focus. The rules range from seemingly simple life advice, like “Stand up straight with your shoulders back” and “Pet a cat when you encounter one on the street,” to more profound injunctions, such as “Pursue what is meaningful, not what is expedient.” These rules are deceptively simple; each chapter delves deeply into the complexities underlying these aphorisms, often challenging the reader to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and the human condition.

A standout aspect of Peterson’s work is his ability to articulate complex ideas in a manner that is accessible without being oversimplified. He masterfully interlaces academic research with personal experiences and cultural references, making the book intellectually stimulating while remaining relatable. His use of anecdotes, particularly from his clinical practice, adds a layer of authenticity and emotional resonance to the theoretical discussions.

Peterson’s commitment to truth, even when it challenges popular opinion or political correctness, is both a strength and a point of contention. He does not shy away from controversial topics, and his frankness is refreshing in an age often characterized by surface-level discourse. However, this approach can also be polarizing, as seen in the varied reactions to his discussions on gender roles, hierarchies, and personal responsibility.

The book’s style is engaging, with a narrative voice that is at once authoritative and conversational. Peterson’s use of storytelling, particularly his retelling of Biblical stories and ancient myths through a psychological lens, is captivating. He brings these stories to life in a way that highlights their enduring relevance and psychological depth.

Critically, “12 Rules for Life” is not just a self-help book. It is a philosophical treatise that asks fundamental questions about the nature of human existence, suffering, and the pursuit of meaning. Peterson does not offer easy answers but instead encourages deep self-reflection and personal growth. The book challenges readers to confront their own biases, weaknesses, and potential, and in doing so, provides a framework for personal development that is both challenging and rewarding.

In conclusion, Jordan B. Peterson’s “12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos” is a profound and thought-provoking book that combines the depth of psychological theory with the practicality of self-help advice. It is a challenging read, not in its complexity of language but in the introspection it demands from its readers. The book’s exploration of the human condition, through the lens of ancient wisdom and modern science, makes it a significant contribution to contemporary thought and a valuable guide for anyone seeking to navigate the chaos of modern life.

Who is the Author of 12 Rules For Life?

Jordan B. Peterson is a Canadian clinical psychologist, self-help writer, cultural critic, and professor of psychology at the University of Toronto. His main areas of study are in abnormal, social, and personality psychology, with a particular interest in the psychology of religious and ideological belief, and the assessment and improvement of personality and performance.

Favorite Quote: “When you have something to say, silence is a lie… so, attend carefully to your posture. Quit drooping and hunching around. Speak your mind. Put your desires forward, as if you had a right to them—at least the same right as others. Walk tall and gaze forthrightly ahead. Dare to be dangerous.” ― Jordan B. Peterson, 12 Rules for Life Quotes

Book Details

• Print length: 409 pages
• Audiobook: 15 hours and 40 minutes
• Genre

: Nonfiction, Psychology, Self Help, Philosophy, Personal Development, Health & Wellness, Mental Health

Editorial Reviews

“Jordan Peterson, has become one of the best-known Canadians of this generation. In the intellectual category, he’s easily the largest international phenomenon since Marshall McLuhan. . . . By combining knowledge of the past with a full-hearted optimism and a generous attitude toward his readers and listeners, Peterson generates an impressive level of intellectual firepower.” —Robert Fulford, National Post

“Like the best intellectual polymaths, Peterson invites his readers to embark on their own intellectual, spiritual and ideological journeys into the many topics and disciplines he touches on. It’s a counter-intuitive strategy for a population hooked on the instant gratification of ideological conformity and social media ‘likes,’ but if Peterson is right, you have nothing to lose but your own misery.” —Toronto Star

“In a different intellectual league. . . . Peterson can take the most difficult ideas and make them entertaining. This may be why his YouTube videos have had 35 million views. He is fast becoming the closest that academia has to a rock star.” —The Observer

“Grow up and man up is the message from this rock-star psychologist. . . . [A] hardline self-help manual of self-reliance, good behaviour, self-betterment and individualism that probably reflects his childhood in rural Canada in the 1960s. As with all self-help manuals, there’s always a kernel of truth. Formerly a Harvard professor, now at the University of Toronto, Peterson retains that whiff of cowboy philosophy—one essay is a homily on doing one thing every day to improve yourself. Another, on bringing up little children to behave, is excellent…. [Peterson] twirls ideas around like a magician.” —Melanie Reid, The Times

“You don’t have to agree with [Peterson’s politics] to like this book for, once you discard the self-help label, it becomes fascinating. Peterson is brilliant on many subjects. . . . So what we have here is a baggy, aggressive, in-your-face, get-real book that, ultimately, is an attempt to lead us back to what Peterson sees as the true, the beautiful and the good—i.e. God. In the highest possible sense of the term, I suppose it is a self-help book. . . . Either way, it’s a rocky read, but nobody ever said God was easy.” —Bryan Appleyard, The Times

“One of the most eclectic and stimulating public intellectuals at large today, fearless and impassioned.” —The Guardian

“Someone with not only humanity and humour, but serious depth and substance. . . . Peterson has a truly cosmopolitan and omnivorous intellect, but one that recognizes that things need grounding in a home if they are ever going to be meaningfully grasped. . . . As well as being funny, there is a burning sincerity to the man which only the most withered cynic could suspect.” —The Spectator

“Peterson has become a kind of secular prophet who, in an era of lobotomized conformism, thinks out of the box. . . . His message is overwhelmingly vital.” —Melanie Philips, The Times

Is 12 Rules of Life worth reading?

We give the book a thumbs up. 👍