Jordan Peterson's new self-help book explores 12 new rules for life
Author | HANNAH GAL |
Published date | 29 April 2021 |
Peterson's immaculately articulated lament over our civilization in peril made him a household name – synonymous with the fatherly, often life-saving advice he has for young men searching for meaning.
Peterson's new book Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, revealing deeply thought out wisdom designed to bolster your resilience and prepare you for when misfortune strikes.
Unlike traditional self-help gurus, Peterson's narrative centers around finding meaning and purpose through responsibility. Where others will most likely assure you that you feeling anxious or depressed is "normal" and guide you to the nearest safe-space area, Peterson will urge you to treat your anxiety as an alert to "a fault" in your system that must be addressed. Even a bad mood, argues Peterson, is a red light and should never be ignored. A Beyond Order example he gives of that is his elderly father in law's baffling eruption over his lunch being served in small plates, even though this has been the practice for many years.
Don't hide unwanted things in the fog, says Peterson – meet your fears and unresolved problems head-on. Remember that however painful this process might be, it is guaranteed to be less painful than the consequences of ignoring your problems.
This also applies to memories that still make you cry – these bad feelings are a sign that a part of your soul is stuck in the past, says Peterson. You need to write these memories down carefully and completely, explore them and bring that part of your soul to the present. Investigate these memories so you can untangle the chaos-creating knot that was tied in the past to restore order in your life.
Overcoming obstacles and pushing yourself even to the point of exhaustion makes you stronger.
"Difficult is necessary," explains Peterson, and we actually thrive on hardship. This is the reason we place restrictions and laws in games such as chess – we up the challenge to reap the sweet rewards on completion.
Aim at something, Peterson advises young men and women, shoulder the cross and you will find meaning in your life. To parents and society Peterson says to stop shielding your children. Let "the evil queen" into their life so they encounter the real world. If you don't, they will grow up to be weak, immature and...
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