In recent years, Canadian psychologist Jordan Peterson has become something of a celebrity. His self-help book, 12 Rules for Life, has sold millions of copies and has been translated into more than 50 languages. But what many people don’t realize is that Peterson’s so-called wisdom is nothing more than a regurgitation of well-worn cliches that offer nothing new or insightful. In fact, following Peterson’s “rules” will likely lead to a life that is anything but satisfying.
Stand up straight with your shoulders back – This tired old chestnut is supposed to make you look and feel more confident. But in reality, it just makes you look like you’re trying too hard. And it’s not fooling anyone.
2. Treat yourself like someone you are responsible for helping – This one is just creepy. It’s basically telling you to become your own stalker.
3. Make friends with people who want the best for you – This is terrible advice. The people who want the best for you are your parents, not your friends. Your friends are the people who will help you get into trouble, not out of it.
4. Compare yourself with who you were yesterday, not with who someone else is today – This is impossible and pointless advice. Comparing yourself to other people is unavoidable and can actually be motivating if done in the right way.
5. Do not let your children do anything that makes you dislike them – Again, this is terrible advice. Children need to be allowed to make mistakes so they can learn from them.
6. Set your house in perfect order before you criticize the world – This one is just silly. It’s like saying “don’t worry about world hunger, Just make sure your kitchen is spotless.”
7. Pursue what is meaningful (not what is expedient) – Advice like this sounds good on paper but is actually very difficult to follow in real life. 8. Tell the truth — or, at least, don’t lie – OK, this one isn’t terrible advice. But it’s also not particularly original or insightful.
9 . Assume that the person you are listening to knows something you don’t – This one is just patronizing and condescending
10 . Be precise in your speech – Again, this isn’t bad advice per se But it’s not exactly groundbreaking either
11 . Do not bother children when they are skateboarding…. okay.
12 . Pet a cat when you encounter one on the street – Seriously? That’s your “wise” advice?
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Jordan Peterson’s12 rules for life are nothing more than a bunch of recycled cliches that offer nothing new or insightful. If anything, following his “advice” will likely lead to a life that is unhappy and unfulfilling.