Jordan Peterson’s “12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos” is a self-help book that aims to offer guidance on how to lead a meaningful life. Here is a summary of the 12 rules:
- Stand up straight with your shoulders back.
- Treat yourself like you would someone you are responsible for helping.
- Make at least one thing better every single place you go.
- Compare yourself with who you were yesterday, not with who someone else is today.
- Do not let your children do anything that makes you dislike them.
- Set your house in perfect order before you criticize the world.
- Pursue what is meaningful (not what is expedient).
- Tell the truth, or, at least, don’t lie.
- Assume that the person you are listening to might know something you don’t.
- Be Precise in your speech.
- Try to make one room in your house as beautiful as possible.
- Maintain your connections with people.
Stand up straight with your shoulders back.
In “12 Rules for Life,” Jordan Peterson argues that one’s body posture can affect their psychological state. He suggests that standing up straight with your shoulders back can make you feel more confident and empowered. This rule is based on the idea that our bodies and minds are interconnected, and that changing our physical posture can alter our mental state.
Peterson also points out that posture is a nonverbal way of communicating to others, and that standing up straight can make you appear more confident and capable to others. He advises readers to be mindful of their posture and to make an effort to stand up straight, even when they may not feel like it.
Overall, Peterson’s first rule is meant to encourage readers to take control of their physical selves in order to improve their mental and emotional well-being and to present themselves confidently to the world.
Treat yourself like you would someone you are responsible for helping.
In “12 Rules for Life,” Jordan Peterson argues that treating oneself with care and compassion is essential for leading a fulfilling life. He suggests that we should approach ourselves with the same kindness and concern that we would show to a loved one or a friend in need.
This rule is based on the idea that self-care is not selfish or self-indulgent, but rather an important aspect of taking care of ourselves and living a healthy and balanced life. Peterson advises readers to be mindful of their own needs and to make an effort to take care of themselves, both physically and emotionally. This can include things like getting enough rest, eating well, exercising, and engaging in activities that bring joy and meaning to our lives.
Overall, Peterson’s second rule is meant to encourage readers to prioritize their own well-being and to treat themselves with the same kindness and compassion that they would show to others.
Make at least one thing better every single place you go.
In “12 Rules for Life,” Jordan Peterson argues that making at least one thing better every single place you go is a way to take responsibility for your actions and to make a positive impact in the world. This rule encourages readers to look for opportunities to improve their surroundings and to contribute to the well-being of others.
This rule is based on the idea that small actions can have a big impact, and that we all have the power to make a difference in the world. Peterson advises readers to be mindful of the places they go and the people they interact with, and to look for ways to make a positive contribution. This could include things like picking up litter, offering a kind word or gesture, or volunteering time and resources to a cause that is important to you.
Overall, Peterson’s third rule is meant to encourage readers to take responsibility for their actions and to make a positive impact in the world, no matter how small.
Compare yourself with who you were yesterday, not with who someone else is today.
In “12 Rules for Life,” Jordan Peterson argues that comparing oneself to others can be damaging to one’s self-esteem and well-being. He suggests that it is more productive to compare oneself with who one was yesterday, rather than with who someone else is today.
This rule is based on the idea that comparing oneself to others is inherently unfair, as it ignores the unique circumstances and experiences of each individual. Peterson advises readers to focus on their own personal growth and development, rather than trying to measure up to others. He encourages readers to set their own goals and to work towards becoming the best version of themselves, rather than trying to meet the expectations of others or to compete with others.
Overall, Peterson’s fourth rule is meant to encourage readers to focus on their own personal growth and development, rather than comparing themselves to others.
Do not let your children do anything that makes you dislike them.
In “12 Rules for Life,” Jordan Peterson argues that discipline and boundaries are important for raising healthy and well-adjusted children. He suggests that parents should not let their children do anything that makes the parent dislike the child, as this can lead to resentment and strained relationships.
This rule is based on the idea that setting clear boundaries and expectations for children is a way to show them love and respect, and to help them learn self-discipline and self-control. Peterson advises parents to be firm and consistent in their expectations for their children, and to hold them accountable for their actions. He also emphasizes the importance of being fair and reasonable in one’s expectations, and of being willing to listen to and understand the perspective of one’s children.
Overall, Peterson’s fifth rule is meant to encourage parents to set clear boundaries and expectations for their children, in order to help them grow into responsible and well-adjusted adults.
Set your house in perfect order before you criticize the world.
In “12 Rules for Life,” Jordan Peterson argues that it is important to take care of one’s own responsibilities and obligations before attempting to criticize or fix the problems of others. He suggests that we should “set our own houses in perfect order” before trying to change the world.
This rule is based on the idea that we all have a responsibility to take care of our own lives and to be the best versions of ourselves that we can be. Peterson advises readers to focus on improving their own lives and relationships, rather than trying to fix the problems of others. He also suggests that by working on ourselves and our own issues, we can be better equipped to contribute to the well-being of others and to make a positive impact in the world.
Overall, Peterson’s sixth rule is meant to encourage readers to take care of their own lives and responsibilities before attempting to change the world or criticize the actions of others.
Pursue what is meaningful (not what is expedient).
In “12 Rules for Life,” Jordan Peterson argues that it is important to pursue meaningful goals and activities, rather than those that are merely expedient or convenient. He suggests that a sense of purpose and meaning is essential for leading a fulfilling life.
This rule is based on the idea that our actions and choices should be guided by our values and what we believe is important, rather than by a desire for immediate pleasure or reward. Peterson advises readers to reflect on their own values and to identify what is most meaningful to them in life. He encourages readers to make an effort to pursue goals and activities that align with their values and that bring them a sense of purpose and meaning.
Overall, Peterson’s seventh rule is meant to encourage readers to pursue meaningful goals and activities, rather than those that are merely convenient or expedient.
Tell the truth, or, at least, don’t lie.
In “12 Rules for Life,” Jordan Peterson argues that honesty is essential for building trust and maintaining healthy relationships. He suggests that we should always tell the truth, or at least not lie, in our interactions with others.
This rule is based on the idea that honesty is a fundamental principle of ethical behavior, and that it is important to be truthful in our dealings with others. Peterson advises readers to be mindful of their words and actions, and to make an effort to always speak and act with honesty. He also emphasizes the importance of being honest with oneself, and of being willing to confront and address one’s own flaws and weaknesses.
Overall, Peterson’s eighth rule is meant to encourage readers to prioritize honesty in their interactions with others, and to be truthful in their words and actions.
Assume that the person you are listening to might know something you don’t.
In “12 Rules for Life,” Jordan Peterson argues that it is important to be open-minded and to consider the perspectives and experiences of others. He suggests that we should always assume that the person we are listening to might know something that we do not, and that it is important to be willing to learn from others.
This rule is based on the idea that we can all learn from one another, and that it is important to be open to new ideas and perspectives. Peterson advises readers to be receptive to the ideas and experiences of others, and to be willing to listen and learn from them. He also encourages readers to be humble and to recognize that they do not have all the answers, and that there is always more to learn.
Overall, Peterson’s ninth rule is meant to encourage readers to be open-minded and receptive to the perspectives and experiences of others, and to be willing to learn from them.
Be Precise in your speech.
In “12 Rules for Life,” Jordan Peterson argues that being precise and accurate in one’s speech is important for effective communication and for building trust. He suggests that we should strive to use language carefully and accurately, rather than relying on vague or imprecise language.
This rule is based on the idea that the words we use have power and meaning, and that it is important to be mindful of how we use language. Peterson advises readers to be precise and accurate in their speech, and to choose their words carefully. He also emphasizes the importance of being clear and concise in communication, and of avoiding jargon or overly technical language when it is not necessary.
Overall, Peterson’s tenth rule is meant to encourage readers to be precise and accurate in their use of language, in order to facilitate effective communication and to build trust.
Try to make one room in your house as beautiful as possible.
In “12 Rules for Life,” Jordan Peterson argues that making an effort to create beauty in one’s surroundings can bring joy and meaning to one’s life. He suggests that we should try to make at least one room in our house as beautiful as possible, as a way of bringing some beauty and order into our lives.
This rule is based on the idea that our environment can have a big impact on our mood and well-being, and that we can create positive changes in our lives by making small improvements to our surroundings. Peterson advises readers to be mindful of the spaces they live and work in, and to make an effort to bring some beauty and order into their lives. This could involve things like decorating a room with artwork or plants, or reorganizing a space to make it more functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Overall, Peterson’s eleventh rule is meant to encourage readers to bring some beauty and order into their lives by making small improvements to their surroundings.
Maintain your connections with people.
In “12 Rules for Life,” Jordan Peterson argues that maintaining strong connections with others is essential for leading a fulfilling and meaningful life. He suggests that we should make an effort to maintain our connections with people, even when it may be difficult or inconvenient.
This rule is based on the idea that our relationships with others are a vital source of support, meaning, and joy in our lives. Peterson advises readers to be mindful of the people in their lives and to make an effort to cultivate and maintain strong connections with them. He also emphasizes the importance of being there for others and of being willing to offer support and help when needed.
Overall, Peterson’s twelfth rule is meant to encourage readers to maintaining strong connections with others and seek to lead a fulfilling and meaningful life that also makes room for those around you.
Next steps to consider:
- Order Jordan Peterson’s book “12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos” today on Amazon.
- Reading our post about the next book in the series: “Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life.”