12 Rules for Life

by Jordan Peterson

What does everyone in the modern world need to know? Renowned psychologist Jordan B. Peterson's answer to this most difficult of questions uniquely combines the hard-won truths of ancient tradition with the stunning revelations of cutting-edge scientific research.

Humorous, surprising and informative, Dr. Peterson tells us why skateboarding boys and girls must be left alone, what terrible fate awaits those who criticize too easily, and why you should always pet a cat when you meet one on the street.

What does the nervous system of the lowly lobster have to tell us about standing up straight (with our shoulders back) and about success in life? Why did ancient Egyptians worship the capacity to pay careful attention as the highest of gods? What dreadful paths do people tread when they become resentful, arrogant and vengeful? Dr. Peterson journeys broadly, discussing discipline, freedom, adventure and responsibility, distilling the world's wisdom into 12 practical and profound rules for life.

12 Rules for Life shatters the modern commonplaces of science, faith and human nature, while transforming and ennobling the mind and spirit of its readers.

Our thoughts on 12 Rules for Life

According to author Jordan Peterson, modern secularism and reliance on science have left significant existential problems unanswered: What purpose does life serve? Why do decent people experience bad things? What should I do to improve my own happiness? These issues are covered in the book 12 Rules for Life, which also offers a set of guiding principles. Discover the reasons you should stop lying to yourself and others, the reasons you should stop doing things that are unhealthy for you, and how to pursue the things that are actually meaningful to you.

Our favourite quote from 12 Rules for Life

You can only find out what you actually believe (rather than what you think you believe) by watching how you act. You simply don’t know what you believe, before that. You are too complex to understand yourself.

14 recommendations for 12 Rules for Life

14 recommendation for 12 Rules for Life

Book Summary

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You can only find out what you actually believe (rather than what you think you believe) by watching how you act. You simply don’t know what you believe, before that. You are too complex to understand yourself.

— Jordan Peterson, 12 Rules for Life