12 Rules for Life

An Antidote to Chaos

De: Jordan B. Peterson, Norman Doidge - introduction M.D., Ethan Van Sciver

Narrado por: Jordan B. Peterson

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What are the most valuable things that everyone should know?

Acclaimed clinical psychologist Jordan B Peterson has influenced the modern understanding of personality, and now he has become one of the world's most popular public thinkers, with his lectures on topics from the Bible to romantic relationships to mythology drawing tens of millions of viewers. In an era of unprecedented change and polarizing politics, his frank and refreshing message about the value of individual responsibility and ancient wisdom has resonated around the world.

In this book, he provides twelve profound and practical principles for how to live a meaningful life, from setting your house in order before criticising others to comparing yourself to who you were yesterday, not someone else today. Happiness is a pointless goal, he shows us. Instead we must search for meaning, not for its own sake, but as a defence against the suffering that is intrinsic to our existence.

Drawing on vivid examples from the author's clinical practice and personal life, cutting-edge psychology and philosophy, and lessons from humanity's oldest myths and stories, 12 Rules for Life offers a deeply rewarding antidote to the chaos in our lives: eternal truths applied to our modern problems.

Not Your Average 'Self Help' Book

I won't lie an say this was an easy text to listen to. Not even close. Jordan Peterson does not throw his proverbial punches. He says it exactly how he sees it and then elaborates his position at great length with personal anecdotes, scientific research, and professional experience he has had as a psychologist.

If you are willing to do some hard self- and social-analysis, this book may truly change the way you view the world. It may not. I guarantee if you go into it objectively and willing to consider Peterson's extremely well thought-out and carefully worded advice, you will gain something from this book. Even when you disagree, which I certainly did at times, you can gain another clear and honest perspective -- and that is always valuable, in my humble opinion.

It is evident and worth noting that the author has strong political beliefs and values, as well as a Christian background and moral foundation. But he does not harp on any religion being right or wrong-- at all. So be assured that you can find value as a Buddhist, a Muslim, an athiest, or any other spiritual foundation you may have personally.

As for his political stance, as a political 'swinger' myself (as in I vote for the candidate's platform, apparent values and plan, NOT party affiliation), I found Peterson's beliefs to be heavily Right leaning, but don't be fooled by outside accusations of him being anti-liberal, sexist, etc. While he clearly feels strongly against certain political constructs, his views struck me as being more pro-humanity than any other petty label. Again, he backs his points with evidence of many types and explains why he believes as he does. This is how discourse begins, and how blind idealism without logic or critical analysis, ends. Peterson invites a conversation about how people often wear metaphorical blinders and how we might remove them and truly see each other's unique and often valid perspectives. This is how we as a society can grow. That said, sometimes I felt his points were specifically aimed at certain hot-button issues, which valid and valuable, got a tad soapbox-y.

Regardless of how I personally feel about his 12 Rules (which, to be clear, I mostly agreed with, at least in principle, if not always practice), I feel the book is absolutely valuable for EVERYONE to read. I will certainly be re-listening to it.

My biggest beefs with it is:
(a) sometimes the sentences were so dense with meaning I would have preferred to read them, rather than only listen. But that's just how I comprehend complex and often abstract ideas the best. That's just me. But it would be fantastic if the text was available with the audio.

(b) I just have to say -- the focus on women as mother's more than anything else cuts straight to a very personal place for me -- as I am unable to bear children -- so I personally felt a lot more like I was being indirectly told that I had fundamentally failed at something critical for my existence, failed my family, and society after finishing the book -- at least according to Peterson's greatest valuation of the feminine. I am confident that wasn't his intent AT ALL, so I am not offended, just saddened that it was not broached as a side-note as he went into great detail about mothers and women primarily as child-raisers. Biological motherhood is not always a 'choice' we can make, but society as a whole seems to view women primarily (and historically) in terms of their ability to produce offspring. That perspective needs to be reevaluated by everyone, in my humble opinion, including Mr. Peterson. I would like to hear his thoughts on that sensitive, and often devastating, subject. Are childless women still to be held in such high esteem? Or is that our only real value after all? I certainly hope not.

Regardless, I still gained a lot of perspective from this book, a lot to think about, and some of his points really spoke to me in powerful and positive ways, regardless of my gender. So thank you, Jordan Peterson for sharing your opinions, experiences, and values in such an open and deeply considered way.

Great Book.

Teaches things about you that you already know but sharpens them to a fine point. Then it tells you things you don't want to hear but should.

Brilliant, too based in the bible

A lot of wisdom here, very well narrated. Too many unjustified religion and biblical quotes to my taste but still very interesting even if you consider yourself an atheist.

This Book Makes Sense to Me

Any additional comments?

I’ve been listening to JP podcasts and watching on You Tube so I’m familiar with his work and it’s helpful to me. I finished listening to the book lasst night and started over at the beginning this morning. It’s intense and a lot to think about. It also explains why adults are always telling children not to slouch!

Best insperation to help a man, be a man.

I've read a lot of books on life and have a basic understanding of most schools of philosophy, stoicism and exsitentialism being in my main focus. But this is both trumps and summarises everything I've read, adds to it and gives a guide to life better then any I've ever had before.

Listen!

Loved it! Listen to it. Agree or disagree with what is said, you'll be better for having listened.

Watch out 10 Commandments, these 12 Rules just might give you a run for your money.

This is Peterson distilled into his very essence. The essays are as motivating as they are sobering. Highly recommend for those of us facing self-doubt and intimations of despair.

Grounding, yet incredibly uplifting.

Just read it, you'll be glad you did. A truly humanistic, yet transcending work of literature.

A message for progressives to embrace!

As a progressive liberal with a voting record to prove it and financial donations to liberal candidates, I urge other progressive thinkers to embrace the messages that Dr. Peterson conveys in this book. We, on the left, need to reach out to young men who have been disenfranchised by academia. Peterson is a classic British liberal and a moderate. I encourage every man to read this book and give it to young men. It will help them to prepare for a real successful living. ~ Daniel P. David, PhD

concentrated wisdom

this book is filled with so much wisdom. I expected much of it to be things I had already heard in dr. Peterson's lectures, but I found that wasn't the case. Even the things which were repeated, are spelled out more precisely in his writing. I can't recommend this book enough.