An antidote to the chaos of life is psychology professor Jordan Peterson’s 12 Rules for Life, which he proposed in his best-selling book, 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos. Designed to help people find meaning and purpose in a chaotic world.
1. Stand up straight, raise your head and chest
Behind this rule is a biological phenomenon that body posture affects mood and behavior. Research shows that people who stand up straight, with their heads held high and their chests held high, feel more confident, powerful, and attractive. In contrast, people who are hunched over feel more negative, helpless, and unpopular. Therefore, Peterson suggests that we improve our quality of life by changing our physical posture to change our mental state.
2. Be kind to yourself, just like you are kind to the people you love.
Behind this law is a moral principle, which is to love your neighbor as yourself. Peterson points out that many people hold themselves too high, are too critical of their own mistakes, and have too little value for themselves. They ignore their own needs and feelings and focus only on the expectations and evaluations of others. They forget that they are also human beings with dignity and rights and are worthy of love and respect. Therefore, Peterson recommends that we treat ourselves as well as we treat the people we love, give ourselves more care and support, and become a better person.
3. Make friends with those who wish you well
Behind this law is a sociological phenomenon, namely the importance of social support to personal happiness and success. Research shows that being friends with people who wish you the best can increase your self-esteem and confidence, reduce your stress and anxiety, and improve your health and longevity. Conversely, hanging out with friends who pull you into the deep end can harm your mental and physical health and hinder your growth and development. Therefore, Peterson suggests that we choose friends who can give us positive energy and encouragement, and stay away from friends who can give us negative energy and discouragement.
4. Compare yourself with who you were yesterday, not with others today.
Behind this law is a psychological phenomenon, namely the impact of social comparison on personal happiness and satisfaction. Research shows that comparing yourself to who you were yesterday can increase your motivation and sense of progress, promoting your learning and growth. Conversely, comparing yourself to others today can reduce your happiness and contentment and trigger jealousy and insecurity. Therefore, Peterson suggests that we use ourselves as the frame of reference rather than others, and focus on our own improvement and improvement rather than focusing on the strengths and weaknesses of others.
5. Don’t let your children do things that make you hate them.
Behind this rule is a pedagogical concept, that is, the impact of parenting methods on children’s personality and behavior. Peterson pointed out that many parents lack rules and discipline in their children’s education and let their children do whatever they want, regardless of the consequences. They think this protects children’s freedom and creativity, but in fact it is harming them. They don’t know that children need clear boundaries and guidance in order to learn respect and responsibility and to adapt to society and the environment. Therefore, Peterson recommends that we impose appropriate discipline and punishment on children to let them know what is right, what is wrong, what is okay, and what is not okay.
6. Get your house in order before you criticize the world
Behind this law is a philosophical idea, that is, an individual’s responsibility and contribution to society. Peterson points out that many people are full of dissatisfaction and resentment towards the world, believing that the world is unfair and corrupt and needs to be changed and revolutionized. They ignore their role and status in the world, as well as their influence and effect on the world. They forget that before criticizing the world, they should first examine themselves to see if they are qualified and capable of changing the world. Therefore, Peterson advises us to sort out our lives and affairs and improve our own qualities and abilities before blaming the world.
7. Pursue a meaningful life rather than temporary happiness
Behind this law is a choice of outlook on life, that is, the determination of life goals and values. Peterson pointed out that many people lack vision and planning for life and only pursue temporary pleasure and enjoyment without considering the long-term consequences and impacts. They think this will make them happy and satisfied, but in reality they are wasting their time and potential. They don’t know that true happiness and satisfaction come from a meaningful life, from making contributions and value to themselves, others, society, and the world. Therefore, Peterson recommends that we seek out and achieve goals that bring us deep and lasting satisfaction, rather than goals that bring us a fleeting and superficial sense of happiness.
8. Tell the truth, or at least don’t lie
Behind this law is an ethical principle, that is, integrity is the foundation of human beings. Peterson points out that many people lie or conceal the truth to achieve a certain goal or avoid a certain dilemma. They think this will allow them to gain benefits or avoid responsibilities, but in fact they are damaging their credibility and dignity. They don’t know that lying or concealing the truth can lead to more trouble and problems and can destroy trust and relationships between themselves and others. Therefore, Peterson advises us to tell the truth or at least not lie, maintaining consistency between ourselves and reality.
9. Assume that the person you are talking to knows something you don’t know
Behind this rule is a communication skill, which is an attitude of listening and learning. Peterson pointed out that many people only focus on their own opinions and ideas when talking to others, and are unwilling to listen to and accept the opinions and suggestions of others. They think they are right and others are wrong, or that they are smart and others are stupid. They ignore that everyone has their own experience and knowledge, and has their own opinions and reasons. They don’t know that talking to others is actually an opportunity to learn and grow, a way to change and improve themselves. Therefore, Peterson suggests that when we talk to others, we assume that they know something we don’t, and have the humility to listen and understand their perspective, thereby expanding our perspective and thinking.
10. Speak accurately
Behind this law is a linguistic principle, that is, the effect of expression and communication. Peterson pointed out that when many people speak, they do not pay attention to word choice and grammar, do not consider context and objects, and are unclear about purpose and intention. Their words are vague, ambiguous, and even contradictory, resulting in their message not being conveyed and understood correctly. They don’t know that speaking accurately is an ability and a responsibility. Speaking accurately can increase our trust and influence, avoid misunderstandings and conflicts, and promote cooperation and consensus. Therefore, Peterson suggests that when we speak, we should choose appropriate words and tone, consider the appropriate occasion and objects, and clarify our goals and meanings.
11. When children are skateboarding, don’t disturb them
Behind this rule is a growth philosophy, the importance of exploration and adventure. Peterson points out that many parents are overprotective and intrusive, limiting their children’s activities and choices. They think this is protecting their children from harm and danger, but in reality it is stunting their growth and development. They don’t know that children need the freedom and space to explore the world and take risks and try new things. This can cultivate children’s creativity and courage, and allow children to learn to adapt and solve problems. Therefore, Peterson recommends that we not interrupt or stop our children when they are doing activities such as skateboarding, but rather give them trust and encouragement.
12. When you meet a cat on the street, pet it
Behind this law is an attitude towards life, that is, an attitude of optimism and gratitude. Peterson pointed out that many people encounter various difficulties and setbacks in life and feel depressed and hopeless. They believe that life is suffering and meaningless, without hope or future. They ignore that there are many beautiful and warm things in life, and there are many people worthy of appreciation and gratitude. They don’t know that every encounter in life is a kind of fate and opportunity, a blessing and a gift. Therefore, Peterson suggests that when we encounter a cat or other cute animal in our lives, we should pet it or interact with it and feel its temperature and emotions, thereby improving our happiness and vitality.
The above is the analysis and summary of these 12 rules of life from psychology professor Jordan Peterson. I hope you can get some inspiration and gains from them. If you have any questions or ideas about these rules, please leave a message in the comment area and I will try my best to reply to you. Thank you for reading and following!
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