The Best Short Stories of O. Henry

by O. Henry
The Best Short Stories of O. Henry cover
Good Books rating 3.33
Technical
  • ID: 5655
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-24
critical 2.00

The review critiques Jordan B. Peterson's '12 Rules for Life' as a banal mishmash of unremarkable observations and right-wing wisdom, questioning how such material became a bestseller. It suggests Peterson's online following and internet celebrity status, rather than his scholarly credentials, drove its success. The review also examines the broader cultural significance of Peterson's appeal, particularly among young men, and critiques his political and psychological arguments as mean-spirited and hypocritical.

The review of Jordan B. Peterson's '12 Rules for Life' is largely critical, describing the book as a collection of sensible but unremarkable observations interwoven with trite Darwinist generalizations and right-wing wisdom. The reviewer questions how such banal material became a bestseller, suggesting that Peterson's vast online following and internet celebrity status, rather than his scholarly credentials, drove its success. The review also delves into the broader cultural significance of Peterson's appeal, particularly among young men, and critiques his political and psychological arguments as mean-spirited and hypocritical. The reviewer points out that Peterson's advice often contradicts the very principles he espouses, such as his advice on standing up to oppression, which mirrors the logic of social justice activism that he criticizes. The review also notes the manipulative use of procreation as a driving force in human behavior, appealing to the insecurities of young men. Overall, the review suggests that Peterson's work resonates with many people, but it is ultimately seen as a therapeutic exercise for the author rather than a substantial contribution to popular psychology.

Quick quotes

    The intellectual bar for popular psychology books has always been disarmingly low.

    It is an ugly, mean-spirited treatise against human kindness.

    The forces of tyranny expand inexorably to fill the space made available for their existence.

abebooks.com · Unknown · 2025-10-24
mixed 3.50

The book is praised for its profound insights and practical advice, drawing from various disciplines. However, some readers find the biblical references and the author's storytelling style challenging, particularly if they are not familiar with his perspective.

The book is highly regarded for its deep and thought-provoking content, with many readers appreciating the author's ability to integrate ancient and modern knowledge. The rules for life presented are seen as valuable and memorable, supported by numerous real-life examples. The author's forceful speech and dense writing style require concentration, but the effort is deemed worthwhile. Some readers, however, find the biblical references and the author's storytelling style less accessible, especially if they do not align with his views. The book is not recommended for those who are not already familiar with or agree with the author's way of thinking.

Quick quotes

    I was going through a difficult time in my life & this book helped me steer clear of depression. I'm reading the book all over again because I want to internalise all the concepts in my head.

    I listened to the author read his book. Mr. Peterson is brilliant, drawing upon ancient and modern literary, Biblical, philosophical, scientific and cinematic references.

    Not a good read.....I got interested in this author after watching one of his youtube video where he gives the reason why Hominids developed 3D and rich color vision. This book seems to me like a rant from a right winger preacher who goes about eulogizing his own deeds as he goes about a sermon on the how to live a fuller life.

thriftbooks.com · Unknown · 2025-10-24
profound 4.50

The reviewer finds Jordan B. Peterson's '12 Rules for Life' to be a profound and meaningful book that addresses the struggles of young men in today's society. They appreciate Peterson's use of Western civilization stories to provide stepping stones for a meaningful life, and his moral vision that suffering is real and should be avoided. The reviewer also highlights Peterson's ability to connect with his audience, especially young people, by acknowledging the hardships they face and offering practical advice.

The reviewer finds Jordan B. Peterson's '12 Rules for Life' to be a profound and meaningful book that addresses the struggles of young men in today's society. The reviewer appreciates Peterson's use of Western civilization stories to provide stepping stones for a meaningful life, and his moral vision that suffering is real and should be avoided. The reviewer also highlights Peterson's ability to connect with his audience, especially young people, by acknowledging the hardships they face and offering practical advice. The reviewer notes that Peterson's book is not a typical self-help book, but rather a guide on how to deal with the suffering that life inevitably brings. The reviewer also appreciates Peterson's use of hard science, personal stories, and examples from history to back up his points, giving the reader a sense of reality and encouragement.

Quick quotes

    No one had answered those questions, as far as I could tell. Like Descartes, I was plagued with doubt. I searched for one thing — anything — I could regard as indisputable. I wanted a rock upon which to build my house. It was doubt that led me to it.

    What can I not doubt? The reality of suffering. It brooks no arguments. Nihilists cannot undermine it with skepticism. Totalitarians cannot banish it. Cynics cannot escape from its reality. Suffering is real, and the artful infliction of suffering on another, for its own sake, is wrong. That became the cornerstone of my belief.

    If you pay attention to what you do and say, you can learn to feel a state of internal division and weakness when you are misbehaving and misspeaking. It’s an embodied sensation, not a thought. I experience an internal sensation of sinking and division, rather than solidity and strength, when I am incautious with my acts and words.

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