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A review by fernandogros
12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos by Jordan B. Peterson
2.0
It's hard to single out one theme for criticism in this poorly written, shoddily argued, and critically weak book, but I'll settle for the idea that bullies perform an important positive social function as one we can easily dismiss. The author's claim is that without bullying, growing up (parents shouldn't intervene), at school (playground harassment is good), and in the work place (glorification of work place tyranny), men become feminised and socially awkward. Of course, the social fitting the author prizes is largely one of conformity, economic security, and minimal personal distinctiveness. In defence of the obviousness of this argument the author presents a childhood crush between fictional cartoon characters (Maggie Simpson and Nelson Muntz).
It's daunting to imagine what kind of people, and in particular, what kind of men would emerge if this book's precepts were following society-wide. Of course, the arguments are not new, this kind of rant about the weakening and feminisation of men dates back to the roots of the industrial revolution. But, in this form, with the glorification of bullying and the accompanying lack of vulnerability and personal distinctiveness that flows from it, one wonders how this author's ideal world would have any room for artistry and creativity. Maybe it wouldn't. And, maybe that's the point.
It's daunting to imagine what kind of people, and in particular, what kind of men would emerge if this book's precepts were following society-wide. Of course, the arguments are not new, this kind of rant about the weakening and feminisation of men dates back to the roots of the industrial revolution. But, in this form, with the glorification of bullying and the accompanying lack of vulnerability and personal distinctiveness that flows from it, one wonders how this author's ideal world would have any room for artistry and creativity. Maybe it wouldn't. And, maybe that's the point.