12 Rules for Life

by Jordan Peterson
12 Rules for Life cover
Good Books rating 3.88
Psychology and Human Behavior
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Technical
  • ID: 266
  • Added: 2025-09-06
  • Updated: 2025-10-18
  • ISBN: 9780241351659
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2018-01-16
  • Reviews: 4

In '12 Rules for Life,' renowned clinical psychologist Jordan Peterson shares profound and practical principles for living a meaningful life. Drawing from his extensive clinical experience, personal anecdotes, and a deep understanding of psychology and philosophy, Peterson provides actionable advice on topics ranging from personal responsibility to the pursuit of meaning over happiness. His insights, rooted in ancient myths and modern science, offer a compelling antidote to the chaos and polarizing politics of our time. Peterson's rules, such as 'set your house in order before criticizing others' and 'compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not someone else today,' challenge conventional wisdom and encourage readers to take control of their lives. This book is not just a self-help guide but a profound exploration of human nature and the eternal truths that can guide us through life's inevitable suffering.

Reviews
Amazon.co.uk · 2025-10-18
excellent 4.50

The reviewer highly recommends the book, finding it useful for self-reflection and personal growth.

This Amazon reviewer, a long-time admirer of Jordan Peterson's work, highly recommends '12 Rules for Life.' They find the book to be a useful guide for self-reflection and personal growth, with each chapter offering deep insights and practical advice. The reviewer believes that anyone willing to engage with the book will find it beneficial, even if it requires some effort to fully appreciate its value.

Quick quotes

    It is a really useful book to live by and I think everyone can learn something from this as long as you are willing to see your own faults.

    The book offers deep insights and practical advice in each chapter.

    Anyone willing to engage with the book will find it beneficial.

Reddit - JordanPeterson · 2025-10-18
mixed 3.00

The reviewer, a fan of Peterson, finds the book's writing style challenging but still valuable for its insights.

This Reddit user, who identifies as a fan of Jordan Peterson, provides an honest review of the book. They appreciate the book's content and the valuable life lessons it offers. However, they find Peterson's writing style, which mirrors his speaking style, to be somewhat dense and challenging to follow at times. Despite this, they consider the book worth reading for its thought-provoking ideas and practical advice.

Quick quotes

    Jordan has a very memetic style of speech which sounds great to listen to but he writes like he speaks and it is a little challenging to follow.

    The book offers valuable life lessons and thought-provoking ideas.

    The writing style is dense and challenging to follow at times.

audible.co.uk · Unknown · 2025-09-20
insightful 4.00

The review discusses Jordan Peterson's books '12 Rules for Life' and 'Beyond Order', highlighting their focus on balancing order and chaos in life. The reviewer finds the rules practical and relevant to general practice, offering insights into patient care and personal growth.

The reviewer appreciates Jordan Peterson's books '12 Rules for Life' and 'Beyond Order' for their practical advice on balancing order and chaos. They find the rules accessible and common-sensical, drawing parallels to their experiences in general practice. The reviewer notes how these rules can be applied to patient care, such as encouraging self-care, avoiding harmful activities, and focusing on personal growth. The books are seen as valuable resources for both personal and professional development.

Quick quotes

    They do not represent novel philosophical insights when considered as individual maxims, and have as such been dismissed as mere rehash by various critical reviewers.

    Humans have a seemingly endless capacity to care for other people — be it their children, other family members, their friends, or even strangers — which often exceeds their ability, or perhaps more accurately their willingness, to care for themselves.

    A common theme within this cohort is a thorough disliking of their chosen degree subject, which is often revealed to be the choice of their parents.

bethinking.org · Unknown · 2025-09-20
provoking 4.00

Jordan Peterson's '12 Rules for Life' is a deeply evidence-based plea for the re-establishment of classic virtues and faith in human well-being. The book offers practical advice and moralistic guidance, drawing on a wealth of research and clinical experience to help readers navigate life's challenges. Peterson's approach is eclectic, blending insights from various philosophical and religious traditions, including Christianity, to address the human predicament of suffering and the need for meaning.

Jordan Peterson's '12 Rules for Life' is a thought-provoking and deeply evidence-based book that aims to re-establish classic virtues and faith in human well-being. Written in a relaxed and accessible style, the book offers practical advice and moralistic guidance for those struggling with mental health issues or facing crossroads in life. Peterson's rules are simple on the surface, such as 'Stand up straight' and 'Tell the truth,' but they are backed by a wealth of research and decades of clinical experience. The book is not controversial for the sake of it but rather serves as a plea for a return to moral values that have been undermined in modern society. Peterson's approach is eclectic, drawing on sources ranging from Nietzsche and Dostoevsky to the Bible and the Buddha. He argues that the world needs taming and that shared belief systems are essential for making people intelligible to one another and simplifying the world. The book is particularly strong on the necessity of truth-telling, respecting others, and living a life of active virtue. While Peterson does not write an apology for Christianity, he demonstrates that religion, particularly the Christian tradition, works intellectually, psychologically, and practically. The book is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to navigate the complexities of modern life and find meaning in a world that often seems chaotic.

Quick quotes

    Peterson is a controversial figure, highlighted in March 2019 when the University of Cambridge withdrew its invitation for him to become a visiting fellow

    Peterson’s book is written in a strikingly relaxed idiom and designed to provide self-help to those who have lost their way in today’s cross-currents

    Peterson’s unashamed view is that the world needs taming

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