Today let us review the book "12 Rules for Life: An Antidote Against Chaos." written by Jorden Peterson and published in 2018. He is a famous psychologist, author, and online educator. This book is considered to be one of his bestsellers. The book refers to different spheres of old wisdom: discipline, freedom, adventures, and responsibility. Its genres are psychology and philosophy. It comprises philosophical ideas and the concept of discipline and chaos. It helps us realize that we are born to improve ourselves and the world.
THE MAIN IDEAS OF THE BOOK
1: Stand straight with shoulders backward.
The author signifies the importance of having a straight posture and body flexibility. If we want to succeed, we should move with a straight posture. He also states the importance of human dominance. Our brain strives to be dominant. It is our ego that influences every aspect of life. When we eat and sleep irregularly, we distract the function of our brains and bring a lot of anxiety. Our body needs an exact daily routine for a healthy, productive, and peaceful life, and every part should function at the right time. It is also practical for newborn babies. If they sleep and eat on the same time daily, they will grow up peaceful and stable psychologically. The straight posture will help us feel better and inspired. A straight posture means we accept all life challenges without retreating.
2. Treat yourself like a child or as if you have a responsibility to help someone.
The author states that we often treat others with more care than ourselves. We judge ourselves very critically. We feel worthless for feeling better. The problem is universal. The whole world is a natural unity of chaos and discipline. Yin and Yang concept itself has dark and light sides, and they cannot survive separately. However we can reach harmony by balancing darkness and lightness. Taking care of ourselves means to make decisions that are beneficial for us. We will never reach our inner potential if we escape the chaos and stay constantly in our comfort zone. Thus, we should be ready for the chaos and not despair. We should choose things that make us better, not happier. We should identify ourselves, our directions, actions, and steps.
3. Be friends with people who want the best for you.
The author states that people tend to toxic situations more than discipline. We should make friends with those who are kind. The best friends become those who want everything to be better. Negative people are more than positive ones. We should make efforts to find the best people. Such people encourage each other, and it is mutual. They motivate us when we need it, and we do the same. It can bring personal and social successes and achievements.
4. Compare yourself with your past self, not with others.
The author states that we can never compare with others. There will always be one better or more successful than we are. People's criteria are different. We will fail because of comparison. We should concentrate on our faults to become better. The future always seems promising, which motivates us to act better. Self-criticism becomes ugly because of comparison. We do not make progress. We ignore our positive changes. It is impossible to be the best at everything, but we can improve where we need improvement.
5. Don't let your children do things that make you ashamed.
The author mentions that the child should become a full member of society. They should get a strong upbringing and not suffer in adulthood. Parents should be strict but loving. They should deprive kids of their beloved toys or games as punishment. It will help parents improve them. Parents should not be cruel. It will negatively affect a child. If children make an effort, parents should reward them nicely. Here are some methods for parents:
Parents should limit the number of rules; otherwise, children can become looser.
Parents should not use physical power on children.
Parents should judge or motivate children jointly.
6. Make your house an ideal environment with discipline before judging the world.
The author states that success makes us arrogant; we forget to notice essential things and negative changes. Everything collapses because of the absence of attention and readiness. We should stop doing wrong things. We should improve our inner selves, as well as both our personal and family lives.
7. Strive for what makes sense, not what is expedient.
The author signifies that we should sacrifice what we love to carry out our potential. If we do not want to suffer, we should do our best and sacrifice our lives for a higher cause. We should do what we can without showing arrogance. Additional pride brings intolerance and depression. We should try to manage our anger before judging others. The more we sacrifice our time for a bigger purpose, the more enjoyable its reward will be for us.
8. Tell the truth, not tell a lie.
The author states we should try to speak the truth. Nietzsche's quote: "The stronger a person, the more truth he speaks." We tell a lie to reach something we think we want. Lies make us artificial persons. We should be true to ourselves, which will move us in the right direction.
9. Consider the person you listen to, who can know something you do not know.
The memory is a guideline from the past to the future. Memory is not remembering something but learning lessons and not repeating them. Karl Rogers states that listening needs encouragement. We do not listen to others attentively; we hurry to evaluate what they say. If we start to listen attentively, it will make the other person tell the truth without lying. Finally, the talks become interesting. The truth is always severe, but we need it for improvement and learning from our lessons.
10. Be precise and honest in your speech. Do not try to distort the truth with complicated formulations.
We tend to accept or pay attention to things that are useful or stand in our way. Our brain simplifies everything to make our life easier. Sometimes, we bump into things that make our lives seem chaotic. We should be precise in our speech, not to raise problems for the future, and not be misunderstood.
11. Do not disturb children if they do something dangerous.
If children do not learn about pain, consequences, and risks at an early age, they will not be ready for further life and will appear in more dangerous situations. They should experiment with something. It will enrich their knowledge and make them independent. Overprotection is an enemy against children's opportunities.
12. If you meet a cat on the way, pat it.
The author states that we do not love somebody without their mistakes. We love him for his faults. Faults are our humane side. They are challenging. We should always be ready to overcome them.
In conclusion, according to the 12 rules, life is a constant struggle full of difficulties and challenges. But life is also full of joy and happiness, even if they are shorter. The only thing we can do is to be honest. Be out of arrogance and selfishness. It is essential to take responsibility and not blame others for your failures. We are the only ones who can make our lives better.
Thus I will recommend this book those, who want to understand the life better.
