“12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos” is a bestselling self-help book written by Canadian clinical psychologist and professor Jordan Peterson. In this book, Peterson presents 12 principles or rules for living a meaningful and fulfilling life based on his clinical experience, psychological research, and personal insights. Here is a brief overview of the 12 rules outlined in the book:
- Stand up straight with your shoulders back: Encourages individuals to adopt a confident posture and take on challenges with courage and resilience.
- Treat yourself like someone you are responsible for helping: Emphasizes the importance of self-care and self-compassion in taking care of one’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
- Make friends with people who want the best for you: Advocates for surrounding oneself with positive and supportive relationships that encourage personal growth and development.
- Compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not to who someone else is today: Focuses on personal progress and growth, rather than comparing oneself to others, and setting realistic goals for self-improvement.
- Do not let your children do anything that makes you dislike them: Offers advice on effective parenting and setting boundaries to raise responsible and respectful children.
- Set your house in perfect order before you criticize the world: Encourages individuals to take responsibility for their own lives and address personal challenges before seeking to change the world.
- Pursue what is meaningful (not what is expedient): Encourages individuals to seek out activities and pursuits that align with their values and contribute to a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
- Tell the truth – or, at least, don’t lie: Stresses the importance of honesty and integrity in all aspects of life, and the significance of speaking truthfully and authentically.
- Assume that the person you are listening to might know something you don’t: Emphasizes the value of active listening, empathy, and openness to learning from others.
- Be precise in your speech: Advocates for clarity and precision in communication, and the importance of expressing oneself accurately and effectively.
- Do not bother children when they are skateboarding: Encourages taking risks, exploring new experiences, and allowing children (and oneself) the freedom to learn from mistakes and grow.
- Pet a cat when you encounter one on the street: Encourages finding joy in simple pleasures, being present in the moment, and appreciating the beauty in everyday life.
These 12 rules serve as guiding principles for personal growth, self-improvement, and navigating life’s challenges with meaning and purpose.