12 Rules for Life

12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos by Jordan B. Peterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jordan Peterson has become almost a household name, as a public intellectual and self-helper of young men seeking to grow up.



His first book, "12 Rules for Life," has been enormously popular, though not nearly so as his Youtube channel. His urgent exhortations to "Stand up straight," "Clean Your Room," etc., have drawn throngs to his lectures on Genesis, and his interviews with various counter-cultural (anti-woke) thinkers.



I’ve been listening to his podcast for a while, now. Peterson is forthright and sincere in seeking the truth, and to understand people. This is refreshing in an age of media and news that is frankly propagandistic. This is one reason he is popular.



As far as his book goes:

1. It is fairly academic and psychological, for a popular book. This is notable. Most people think to be popular you have to dumb things down, but he doesn’t.



2. He follows Carl Jung more than Jesus Christ. So be careful what you take away from Peterson. Jung’s insight into myth is fascinating and helpful, but not redemptive, or not God-directed. Peterson quotes Jesus extensively, but only as an insightful teacher and example. His sacrifice and redemption are wholly absorbed by Jungian mythology, and kept at a distance from personal faith.



3. Peterson’s critique of Marxism and totalitarianism in the 11th rule is worth the price of the book. This is why he is lambasted today – the timing of this book's publication converging with the rise of Critical Race Theory couldn’t have been better.



4. His practical advice is good, but has no solid foundation. Yes, you should try to make the world a little bit better, but not in the face of Nietzschean despair. Peterson faces personal suffering and trouble in life head-on better than anyone else today, but he doesn’t have the complete solution. Jung’s myths give you a glimpse of the truth, something like the Old Testament gives you a glimpse of Christ. Peterson is groping in the dark for that truth, as the ancient pagan philosophers did.



5. Peterson’s continued stand for academic free thought is very important in our cancel culture times. He is deliberately using his popularity to give the microphone to those abused by totalitarian or woke thugs.



Check out Steven Wedgeworth’s review, here, and at least read his last few paragraphs.

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/re...

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