12 rules for life: an antidote to chaos

when i first read this book, i had no idea who jordan peterson is. but a book promising to reign in the chaos of life was a bold, and to be frank, an attractive premise.

indeed, the book presents itself as a guide to navigating the complexities of existence offering a blend of psychology, philosophy, and personal anecdotes. and it all made perfect sense — for the first chapter.

the text beyond that event horizon made less and less sense, devolving into lengthy, abstract discussions on mythology and religion that felt disconnected from the stated purpose. the initial promise of practical guidance quickly dissolved, offering advice that often feels like common sense repackaged in overly intellectual and convoluted wrapping.

peterson's writing is dense, and he frequently dives into religious and mythological stories to illustrate his points. while these can be insightful, they also make the book feel less like a practical self-help guide and more like a philosophical treatise.

the core ideas are straightforward: take responsibility for your life, stand up straight, be honest. it's hard to argue with such timeless advice. however, the delivery is where the book falters. for those who appreciate peterson's lecture style (i wasn't at the time and still i'm not), the book will feel like a natural extension of his work. for others, it might come across as overly verbose and meandering. the constant shifts between practical advice and abstract concepts can be jarring, leaving the reader wishing for a more focused and direct approach.

much like its author, the book often feels as though it's striving for intellectual profundity without delivering commensurate substance. the guidance, while occasionally sound, often feels rudimentary and stretched thin, struggling to justify its length as a comprehensive book rather than a more concise essay or series of articles.

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