12 Rules for Life: Book Review

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12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos
[Purchase it on Amazon | Check it out on Goodreads]

 

My rating:

 

Genre:

Self-help // Philosophy

 

What it’s about:

Humorous, surprising, and informative, Dr. Peterson tells us why skateboarding boys and girls must be left alone, what terrible fate awaits those who criticize too easily, and why you should always pet a cat when you meet one on the street.

What does the nervous system of the lowly lobster have to tell us about standing up straight (with our shoulders back) and about success in life? Why did ancient Egyptians worship the capacity to pay careful attention to the highest of gods? What dreadful paths do people tread when they become resentful, arrogant, and vengeful?

Dr. Peterson journeys broadly, discussing discipline, freedom, adventure, and responsibility, distilling the world’s wisdom into 12 practical and profound rules for life. 12 Rules for Life shatters the modern commonplaces of science, faith, and human nature while transforming and ennobling the mind and spirit of its readers.

 

 

My thoughts:

First, I want to say that this is probably the BEST self-help book I’ve ever read. It’s not fluffy like so many others. It’s actually deep and meaningful.

I absolutely love Jordan Peterson’s mind. He’s so intelligent and honest. This is a great book for anyone who’s struggling with something – whether it’s anxiety or depression or addiction or something else.

The advice is actionable and inspiring, but also comforting. Like everything will be okay because everything is figure-outable.

I learned SO many important lessons from this book. I took more notes on it than on any other book I’ve read! Here are just a few of my takeaways:

• You should voluntarily face the terrible responsibility of life
• Discipline yourself, keep promises to yourself, and reward yourself for a job well done
• It’s good to help people, but you shouldn’t lower yourself to someone else’s level and let them take advantage of you
• Each day, look at your physical and psychological surroundings and ask yourself, “What’s bothering me?” then try to fix one thing
• Allow yourself small joys each day: playing with an animal, a good cup of coffee, a funny TV show

There are so many more lessons that I wrote down but as you can see, it’s all great advice for getting your life together and being the best person you can be.

And it’s more than just a self-help book, it also has philosophical insights and views on many existential questions.

I definitely recommend it to anyone and everyone!

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Have you read/heard of 12 Rules for Life? Do you want to read it? Let’s chat in the comments!

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