Jordan Peterson discusses how to have a meaningful life in 12 Rules For Life, an original book that combines personal experiences, intellectual history, and religious imagery. This book covers a wide range of topics related to personal accountability, self-discipline, freedom, and adventure in witty, unexpected, and profoundly severe ways. The particular delivery of Dr. Peterson’s message—that a better society is attainable if we strive to swallow our pride, accept responsibility for our own failings, listen to one another, and act with compassion and humility—is full of inspiration and optimism.

12 guiding principles describe the chaos of the modern world. Without the necessary foundation, we always look for ways to be happy. Peterson thinks that meaning provides the basis for this. This meaning must originate inside, not from outside sources. When your home is in order, you may make a difference in other people’s lives.

The book 12 Rules for Life discusses freedom, responsibility, and adventure. Peterson distills the world’s wisdom in twelve comprehensive articles based on cutting-edge scientific study and ancient tradition. According to Peterson, achieving happiness is useless. Instead, we must look for signs to combat the chaos of our day. According to Peterson, chaos and order are like Yin and Yang. We must approach the inescapable chaos in order to maintain the ideal balance in our life.

Finding purpose is the best method to bring order to the world. This quest for meaning should be to protect us from the suffering that is an inevitable part of life, not for its own sake. You have two options when you go through this anguish: run away or face it.

Withdrawing will let the darkness inside of us all win. We can fight against these sinister inclinations and change our goals by facing them. The book offers life guidance through writings on mythology, religion, psychology, abstract ethical ideas, and personal tales. Since its publication in 2018, the book has been translated into other languages and has sold millions of copies.

5 Key Takeaways

1. Stand up straight, speak boldly, and take individual responsibility for your life.
2. Life is suffering. But the meaning is found in your choices to alleviate human anguish.
3. Be cautious when extending a helping hand, so you don’t get pulled down. Falling down is much easier than rising up. Not everyone who is failing is a victim, and not everyone at the bottom wishes to rise.
4. Always tell the truth. Truth builds strength of character that allows you to prevail against adversity.
5. Don’t ever underestimate the destructive power of sins of omission. Living things die without attention.

This is a must-read. We encourage you to get the complete book and read more about it. This book is sure to leave no stone unturned regarding the question you might have. 

Happy reading!