3 min read

12 Rules for Life: Summary

Everything you need to know about Jordan B. Peterson's 12 Rules for Life, in 1 paragraph.
An illustration of a reader enjoying 12 Rules for Life by Jordan B. Peterson in a cosy interior
A reader enjoying 12 Rules for Life by Jordan B. Peterson
Jordan B. Peterson's 12 Rules for Life is a self-help book that suggests practical ways to lead a meaningful and fulfilled life. It emphasizes the importance of taking personal responsibility for oneself, developing good habits and having an honest relationship with one's self and others. It also encourages readers to strive for order and stability in one's life, be aware of the consequences of one's actions, and maintain relationships with family and friends. Finally, Peterson encourages readers to develop their own philosophies on life and to strive towards achieving their goals, regardless of the obstacles they may face.

Want to know more?

12 Rules for Life: Key Points

  1. Stand up straight with your shoulders back—this is the first step to a meaningful life.
  2. Treat yourself like you would someone you are responsible for helping—be kind and honest with yourself.
  3. Make friends with people who want the best for you—seek out positive relationships.
  4. Compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not who someone else is today—focus on personal growth rather than comparing yourself to others.
  5. Do not let your children do anything that makes you dislike them—parenting should be done with love and respect.
  6. Set your house in perfect order before you criticize the world—take care of your own personal responsibilities before criticizing others.
  7. Pursue what is meaningful (not what is expedient—find lasting fulfilment by striving towards something meaningful and worthwhile, not just something that will bring short-term rewards or pleasure.
  8. Tell the truth—honesty is key to creating trust and strong relationships between people.
  9. Assume that the person you are listening to might know something you don’t—have an open mind and an eagerness to learn from those around you.
  10. Be precise in your speech—learn how to explain things clearly and accurately so that they can be understood by others.
  11. Do not bother children when they are skateboarding—teach kids responsibility through allowing them freedom and independence when it is safe to do so.
  12. Pet a cat when you encounter one on the street—take time each day to appreciate the beauty of life's simple pleasures.

What to say about 12 Rules for Life

  • "12 Rules for Life" is an excellent read and offers invaluable life advice.
  • Jordan B. Peterson's approach to life is thought-provoking and inspiring.
  • I appreciate the way Peterson encourages readers to take responsibility for their actions and choices.
  • The book provides a great framework to consider the complexities of the human experience.
  • I found the emphasis on self-improvement and personal growth particularly beneficial.
  • There are many valuable lessons in "12 Rules for Life" that can be applied to various aspects of our lives.
  • I am grateful for Peterson's wisdom on how to balance structure and freedom in life.
  • The book has helped me reflect on how I can be more mindful in my daily decisions and interactions with others.
  • It was eye-opening to learn about the psychological underpinnings of our behaviors from reading "12 Rules for Life".
  • Overall, I believe this book is an important one that offers helpful insights into living a more meaningful life.

What to post on LinkedIn or Twitter about 12 Rules for Life

  • Jordan B. Peterson's 12 Rules for Life is an inspiring and informative guide to living a meaningful life. It has been a source of great wisdom and growth for me and I highly recommend it to everyone! #12RulesforLife
  • Rewriting the rules of life is no easy task, but Jordan B. Peterson has done just that with his book 12 Rules for Life. I've found the lessons he imparts to be invaluable in my own personal journey. #12RulesforLife
  • Get ready to challenge your own preconceptions about life with Jordan B. Peterson's 12 Rules for Life. This book is full of thought-provoking insights that will help you live a more fulfilling life. #12RulesforLife
  • Learning how to embrace uncertainty and make sense of chaos is essential to leading a successful life — and Jordan B. Peterson's 12 Rules for Life can help you do just that! #12RulesforLife
  • Take control of your destiny by reading Jordan B. Peterson's 12 Rules for Life! This book offers practical advice on how to lead a better, more meaningful life — don't miss out on this opportunity! #12RulesforLife

Top 5 Quotes from 12 Rules for Life

  1. "Stand up straight with your shoulders back."
  2. "Treat yourself like someone you are responsible for helping."
  3. "Set your house in perfect order before you criticize the world."
  4. "Do not bother children when they are skateboarding."
  5. "Pursue what is meaningful, not what is expedient."

Other books by Jordan B. Peterson

  • Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief
  • Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life
  • Personality and Its Transformations
  • Self-Authoring Suite
  • The Psychological Significance of the Biblical Stories
  • What We Know About Psychological Health and Distress
  • Jordan Peterson's Bible Lectures Volume 1
  • Jordan Peterson's Bible Lectures Volume 2
  • The Symbolic Species: The Co-evolution of Language and the Brain

Did you know?

💬

The book debuted at number one on the New York Times Bestseller list in 2018.