12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos (2018) by Jordan B. Peterson, A Review

12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos (2018) by Jordan B. Peterson

Reading Jordan Peterson's book is refreshing. He is a psychologist whose writing combines science and common sense. One of his talents is his ability to articulate complex ideas to a wide audience, regardless of whether you have a background in psychology or not (although it would be good if you're interested in psychology, it will be very much helpful). In comparison with Stephen R. Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, I find that this book is a bit complex in language and some of its term I'm not familiar with. But both book concepts are simple enough and easy to understand. It covers his twelve rules for life, which are intended not only as a guide for the life of the individual but as "a remedy for society’s present ills." Peterson believes that the cure for society starts with curing the individual, the smallest unit of society. Peterson’s well-known advice to "clean your room" is a reflection of the truth that if you can’t even manage the most basic and mundane responsibilities of life, then you have no business dictating to others how to fix society.

One of the main themes of this book is: "Personal change is possible." There's no doubt you can be slightly better today than you were yesterday. Because of Pareto's Principle (small changes can have disproportionately large results), this movement towards the goodwill "increases massively and this upward trajectory can take your life out of hell more rapidly than you could believe." Life is tragic and full of suffering and malevolence, says Peterson. But there's something you can start doing right, and all of these 'rule' is within our power to do so.

To read my simple summary for each chapter, CLICK on the titles below. It will link you to my second blog Idea For Today, enjoy!

Rule #0 Introduction: The Important of Personal Change

Rule #1 Stand Up Straight With Your Shoulders Back

Rule #2 Treat Yourself Like Someone You Are Responsible for Helping

Rule #3 Make Friends with People Who Want the Best for You

Rule #4 Compare Yourself to Who You Were Yesterday, Not Who Someone Else Is Today

Rule #5 Do Not Let Your Children Do Anything that Makes You Dislike Them

Rule #6 Set Your House In Perfect Order Before You Criticize the World

Rule #7 Pursue What Is Meaningful, Not What Is Expedient

Rule #8 Tell the Truth - Or, At Least, Don't Lie

Rule #9 Assume that the Person You are Listening to Might Know Something You Don't

Rule #10 Be Precise In Your Speech

Rule #11 Don't Bother Children When They Are Skateboarding

Rule #12 Pat a Cat When You Encounter One on the Street

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.