A review by optomotronic
12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos by Jordan B. Peterson

challenging informative reflective slow-paced

5.0

 I honestly didn’t expect to get as much out of 12 Rules for Life as I did. It’s the kind of book that really speaks to anyone who thinks of themselves as a “rational thinker.” Before I read it, I would have never admitted that I’d disregarded thousands of years of wisdom. I didn’t even realise I had, to be honest. But the author makes such a convincing case for the value in the stories found in religious texts especially the Bible, and even in things like Disney films. Which is something I never thought I’d be uttering.

Over the years, I’ve read my fair share of self-help books, but this one felt different. It didn’t just offer advice, it challenged my whole way of thinking. There were times I’d stop reading because I felt like I needed to take a break and actually act on what I was learning. It took me a while to get through, but now, four weeks later, I feel like I’m a better partner to my spouse. I’ve started taking more responsibility for my actions in a way I’ve always struggled with. I’ve got more order in my life, and I’m better equipped to handle chaos when it comes my way. 

Finally, my most Memorable quote ~

“After all, if you're not the leading man in your own drama, you're a bit player in someone else's – and you might as well be assigned to play a dismal, lonely, and tragic part.”

 I would always remind myself that I’m not that important, and I’d resent both myself and anyone who seemed to think otherwise, even for a moment. How silly.