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12 Rules for Life

Written by: Jordan B. Peterson, Norman Doidge MD
Narrated by: Jordan B. Peterson
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Publisher's Summary

What does everyone in the modern world need to know? Renowned psychologist Jordan B. Peterson's answer to this most difficult of questions uniquely combines the hard-won truths of ancient tradition with the stunning revelations of cutting-edge scientific research.

Humorous, surprising, and informative, Dr. Peterson tells us why skateboarding boys and girls must be left alone, what terrible fate awaits those who criticize too easily, and why you should always pet a cat when you meet one on the street.

What does the nervous system of the lowly lobster have to tell us about standing up straight (with our shoulders back) and about success in life? Why did ancient Egyptians worship the capacity to pay careful attention as the highest of gods? What dreadful paths do people tread when they become resentful, arrogant, and vengeful? Dr. Peterson journeys broadly, discussing discipline, freedom, adventure, and responsibility, distilling the world's wisdom into 12 practical and profound rules for life. 12 Rules for Life shatters the modern commonplaces of science, faith, and human nature while transforming and ennobling the mind and spirit of its listeners.

©2018 Jordan B. Peterson (P)2018 Random House Canada

What the critics say

"Jordan Peterson is the most important and influential Canadian thinker since Marshall McLuhan. His international fame and impact continue to grow exponentially. Peterson's bold interdisciplinary synthesis of psychology, anthropology, science, politics and comparative religion is forming the template for the genuinely humanistic university of the future." (Camille Paglia)

"Jordan Peterson's 12 Rules for Life hits home - from identifying the deeply engrained hierarchical ladder that motivates our decision making to asking indispensable and sometimes politically unpopular questions about your life and suggesting ways to better it. If that's not enough, its first twenty pages give a summary of evolutionary psychology that's breathtaking." (Howard Bloom, author of The Lucifer Principle)

"Firm but caring.... Peterson speaks the way I always wished my father had.... He is the right man at the right time, someone capable of showing young men that cleaning up their room has cosmic significance, and that imposing a little order upon chaos is good for the soul, which in turn is good for the world." (National Review)

What listeners say about 12 Rules for Life

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Excellent!

This book reinforces our perception of Dr. Jordan Petersons amazing feel for human understanding and meaning of life.

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17 people found this helpful

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Wow!

What a masterpiece! This was a book that challenged my views on many things. Mr. Peterson really got me out of my comfort zone with this work, and shattered some of my misconceptions of the world. He really got me thinking outside the box. As well, he provided some answers for having a good life. He has an incredible philosophy, and unmatched style of delivery. I recommend this book to anyone seeking to get their life in order.

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9 people found this helpful

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Fan. Tastic.

This is a fantastic book that sheds light on the little thoughts you have at the back of your head; brings them forth and presents them as your daily guidelines/thought processes. Would recommend for anyone and everyone.

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Thought Provoking

Courageous to confront unhelpful ideologies. Some of the observations I felt were stretched to create content for a rule. But those observations were interesting. Overall a great practical philosophy for people that want to improve their lives and move away from destructive ideologies and thinking. Finally an author that discusses the strength of masculine caring men and not just there problems.

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good story, great narration

The story wasn't what I initially expected it to be and became very abstract every now and then, but in a good way. a pleasant surprise is that the narrator/author sounds very much like Bob Odenkirk from Better call Saul!

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Amazing and potentially life changing book.

I've been a fan of Professor Peterson's work for some time now and this latest book has been no different. absolutely fantastic and highly recommend.

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Deep Food For Thought....Makes You Think

The book is packed with wisdom ... almost too dense in how jam packed with deep reflections on life. I can't help but think of how profound some of his insights are. It is not casual reading with the usual platitudes...rather it is hard hitting and so precise it hurts. You might have to listen twice and reflect with a trusted friend to really get everything this book has to offer. Amazing and profound wisdom....this author has really studied the human existence and is qualified on several levels to explain the contradictions and strife we all endure...

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Life-changing book

Although it can be a little dense throughout, this book is well worth the journey to complete. It sets an integral foundation of values to expand upon, while opening my eyes to new perspectives. A must read, without question.

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A heroic book in 2018

This book is funny, deeply troubling, inspiring, and a prophetic calling of my individuality out of my own little hell. The vocabulary can get complex, but Google quickly resolves that. I'm so thankful for this book, it has truly changed my life.

Time to go clean my office.

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A Masterstroke

This book is absolutely incredible. While Dr. Peterson's work is often portrayed as most relevant for lost souls, this book has something for everyone. I am very, very fortunate in that I had a happy childhood, I was raised by two parents that loved me. I was wise enough to work hard in university and I enjoy a fulfilling career. I have a wonderful life and two precious sons. So, in many ways I have myself together. However, listening to Dr. Peterson made me realize that there is much, much more that I can do. I have been so fortunate in my own life that I realize that I need to find a way to take on more responsibilty and serve society as a whole. Dr. Peterson describes himself as a dark person but I think that is far from the truth - Dr. Peterson is a beacon of light for many of us, even those of us who, with some luck and a lot of effort, have a very rewarding life. Thank you, Dr. Peterson.

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