Title 12 Rules for Life

Author Jordan Peterson

Kind of Book Self-development/Philosophy

Summary Jordan Peterson uses each "rule for life" as a jumping off point to explore broad philosophical and existential themes. His writing is like his lectures; he takes the conversation to distant places that seem initially off topic (The Old testament, Lobster hierarchies etc.) but then eventually comes full circle to deliver his point. His rules focus around the theme of adopting responsibility which he argues ultimately leads to a more meaningful life.

Practical Takeaways

  • Don't say things that you know to be false

  • Start by fixing something small

  • Surround yourself with people who support your upward aim

  • Treat yourself like someone you are responsible for helping (like a pet, child, or parent)

  • Start by assuming that you did whatever you did because it was the easiest option.

  • Set aside some time every day to think about the large problem you are facing (not in the evening or at night). Do not talk or think about it outside that time.

  • Fix yourself first before trying to fix the world

  • Assume that the person you are listening to might know something you don't

  • Only help people who want your help

  • When you don’t know what to do, tell the truth

Big Ideas/Arguments

  • If you don't discipline your children the harsh uncaring world eventually will

  • Without the proper rules we quickly become slaves to our passions

  • No one is more aware of our flaws and inadequacies more than we are. This causes us to hate ourselves

  • Sometimes what we want blinds us from seeing what we truly need

  • You can only understand what you actually believe by watching how you act

Surprising Facts

  • 1/3 of people never fill their prescription. Another third will fill it and not take it correctly. Only 1/3 of people will fill it and take it correctly.

  • We have twice as many female ancestors as male

  • Anger is one of the most common reasons babies cry. (Not sadness)

This Book is for People buried in chaos. People looking for some direction in their life. Men and women who did not have a strong masculine presence in their lives growing up.

How strongly I recommend it 9/10