12 Rules for Life

What does everyone in the modern world need to know? Renowned psychologist Jordan B. Peterson's answer to this most difficult of questions uniquely combines the hard-won truths of ancient tradition with the stunning revelations of cutting-edge scientific research.

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 as 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 listeners.

Rule 1 �Stand up straight with your shoulders back


Rule 2 �Treat yourself like you would someone you are responsible for helping


Rule 3 �Make friends with people who want the best for you


Rule 4 �Compare yourself with who you were yesterday, not with who someone else is today


Rule 5 �Do not let your children do anything that makes you dislike them


Rule 6 �Set your house in perfect order before you criticise the world


Rule 7 �Pursue what is meaningful (not what is expedient)


Rule 8 �Tell the truth – or, at least, don’t lie


Rule 9 �Assume that the person you are listening to might know something you don’t


Rule 10 �Be precise in your speech


Rule 11 �Do not bother children when they are skate-boarding


Rule 12 �Pet a cat when you encounter one on the street