Jordan Peterson's '12 Rules for Life' is a book that stands out for its evidence-based approach to re-establishing classic virtues and faith in human well-being. Written in a strikingly relaxed idiom, it is designed to provide self-help to those who are lost in today’s cross-currents, suffering mental health issues, or hesitating at a traffic-laden crossroads in life. The book is also fascinating and provoking for those who do not fit these categories, making it a valuable read for students under stress, those thinking of starting a family, and anyone responsible for the care of young children. Peterson’s rules are not easy to accomplish, but they are presented in a way that is both serious and humorous, especially when addressing how to treat children. The positives are simple on the surface, such as 'Stand up straight,' 'Make friends,' and 'Tell the truth,' but they are backed by a wealth of reading, research, and decades of clinical experience. Peterson refuses to be fitted into any particular religious or philosophical grouping, yet he demonstrates that religion, specifically the Christian tradition, works intellectually, psychologically, and practically. However, he does not write an apology for faith or defend its historical veracity, which might disappoint some readers. Overall, the book is a profound and engaging exploration of how to live a better life.
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Peterson is a controversial figure, highlighted in March 2019 when the University of Cambridge withdrew its invitation for him to become a visiting fellow — partly on the grounds that his views were ‘not representative of the student body’.
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, are suffering mental health issues or are hesitating at a traffic-laden crossroads in life.
Peterson steadfastly refuses to be fitted into any particular religious or philosophical grouping. Yet he is one of those rare writers who is prepared to demonstrate unashamedly that religion — more specifically the Christian tradition — actually _works_: intellectually, psychologically, practically.