Summary: 12 Rules for Life by Jordan B. Peterson

12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos is a 2018 self-help book by the Canadian clinical psychologist Jordan Peterson. It provides life advice through essays in abstract ethical principles, psychology, mythology, religion, and personal anecdotes. The book topped bestseller lists in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, and had sold over five million copies worldwide by the end of 2020.

 

Peterson's book is a complex and ambitious work, and it is difficult to summarize its many insights in a short space. However, here is a brief overview of the 12 rules:

Rule 1: Stand up straight with your shoulders back

Peterson argues that good posture is a sign of strength and confidence, and that it can have a positive impact on both your physical and mental health. He also suggests that standing up straight can help you to take on life's challenges with more courage and determination.

Rule 2: Treat yourself like someone you are responsible for helping

Peterson believes that we should all strive to be the best versions of ourselves, and that we should treat ourselves with kindness and compassion. He argues that we should also take responsibility for our own happiness and well-being, and that we should not rely on others to make us happy.

Rule 3: Make friends with people who want the best for you

Peterson argues that the people we spend time with have a significant impact on our own happiness and success. He advises us to choose friends who are supportive and encouraging, and who want us to succeed.

Rule 4: Compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not to who someone else is today

Peterson believes that we should all strive to improve ourselves, but that we should not compare ourselves to others. He argues that we should focus on our own progress, and that we should celebrate our own accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem.

Rule 5: Do not let your children do anything that makes you dislike them

Peterson argues that parents should set clear expectations for their children, and that they should enforce those expectations consistently. He believes that it is important to discipline children in a way that is fair and loving, but that it is also important to avoid letting children get away with bad behavior.

Rule 6: Set your house in perfect order before you criticize the world

Peterson argues that we should focus on fixing our own problems before we try to fix the problems of the world. He believes that we should all strive to be the best versions of ourselves, and that we should make our own lives as good as possible.

Rule 7: Pursue what is meaningful (not what is expedient)

Peterson argues that we should all strive to find something meaningful in our lives. He believes that we should find a purpose that is greater than ourselves, and that we should dedicate our lives to that purpose.

Rule 8: Tell the truth — or, at least, don't lie

Peterson argues that honesty is essential for building trust and maintaining healthy relationships. He believes that we should always strive to tell the truth, even when it is difficult.

Rule 9: Assume that the person you are listening to might know something you don't

Peterson argues that we should all be open to learning from others. He believes that we should listen to others with an open mind, and that we should be willing to admit when we are wrong.

Rule 10: Be precise in your speech

Peterson argues that we should all strive to be clear and concise in our communication. He believes that we should use language carefully and accurately, and that we should avoid using vague or ambiguous language.

Rule 11: Do not bother children when they are skateboarding

Peterson uses this rule as a metaphor for the importance of allowing people to have their own individual interests and pursuits. He believes that we should not interfere in the lives of others unless they are in danger.

Rule 12: Pet a cat when you encounter one on the street

Peterson uses this rule as a reminder to enjoy the simple pleasures in life. He believes that we should all take some time each day to appreciate the beauty of the world around us.

Peterson's book is not a quick fix for all of life's problems. However, it does offer a thoughtful and insightful perspective on how to live a meaningful and fulfilling life. Peterson's rules are not always easy to follow, but they are all based on the principle of personal responsibility and self-improvement.

In addition to the 12 rules, Peterson's book also includes a number of other important insights.

For example, he discusses the importance of:

• Taking risks and stepping outside of your comfort zone. Peterson believes that it is important to challenge yourself and to try new things. He argues that we should not be afraid of failure, and that we should learn from our mistakes.
• Being grateful for what you have. Peterson believes that it is important to appreciate the good things in our lives, big or small. He argues that gratitude can help us to live happier and more fulfilling lives.
• Living in the present moment. Peterson believes that we should focus on the here and now, and that we should avoid dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. He argues that living in the present moment can help us to appreciate life more fully.

Peterson's book is a complex and ambitious work, and it is difficult to summarize its many insights in a short space. However, the 12 rules and the other insights discussed above provide a good overview of Peterson's philosophy on life.

Here are some additional insights from Peterson's book:

• On the importance of meaning: "Meaning is the antidote to chaos. It is what stabilizes us and gives us direction."
• On the importance of truth: "Truth is the foundation of trust. It is what allows us to build relationships and to work together."
• On the importance of responsibility: "We are all responsible for our own lives. We cannot blame others for our problems or our failures."
• On the importance of courage: "Courage is the willingness to face our fears and to do what is right, even when it is difficult."

 

Conclusion

Jordan Peterson's 12 Rules for Life is a complex and ambitious work that offers a thoughtful and insightful perspective on how to live a meaningful and fulfilling life. Peterson's rules are not always easy to follow, but they are all based on the principle of personal responsibility and self-improvement.

In the conclusion of his book, Peterson argues that the most important thing is to find something meaningful in your life and to dedicate yourself to that purpose. He also emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment, being grateful for what you have, and taking risks.

Peterson's book is not a quick fix for all of life's problems. However, it does offer a valuable framework for thinking about life and for making choices that will lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful existence.