Book review- Beyond Order by Jordan Peterson

After being impressed by his first writing, 12 Rules for Life, this next book from a clinical psychologist and celebrated professor at Harvard and the University of Toronto, Dr. Jordan B. Peterson, titled Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life, was a long read. In the words of Jordan Peterson - 12 Rules "argues for the merits of a more conservative view of the world," while Beyond Order "argues for the merits of a more liberal view".

The book presents a theme that too much security in life- from physical to social to emotional- is dangerous. The person, culture, or nation that is ready to accept the changes and thus the challenges is the one that can thrive and flourish in any sense or adversity. The book advocates believing in instincts and thus fulfilling purpose in life.

The book comprises twelve chapters, the titles of which suggest "rules for life"-

1. "Do not carelessly denigrate social institutions or creative achievement."
2. "Imagine who you could be and then aim single-mindedly at that."
3. "Do not hide unwanted things in the fog."
4. "Notice that opportunity lurks where responsibility has been abdicated."
5. "Do not do what you hate."
6. "Abandon ideology."
7. "Work as hard as you possibly can on at least one thing and see what happens."
8. "Try to make one room in your home as beautiful as possible."

9. "If old memories still upset you, write them down carefully and completely."
10. "Plan and work diligently to maintain the romance in your relationship."
11. "Do not allow yourself to become resentful, deceitful, or arrogant."
12. "Be grateful despite your suffering."

The book is lengthy, but this book is brilliant, no doubt! Its genre lies somewhere between self-help, spirituality, and philosophy. The chapters' titles are good, along with nuanced explanations written in each chapter. Each of the Rules ties back to the theme of change and explores how a lack of change can stifle people’s lives or how the opportunity for change creates opportunities for meaningful action.

“Go with the flow” and “earn experiences and learn to act” are lessons I learned from the book. Recommend this book only if you have read the first one. 

Quotes from the book-

“That which you most need to find will be where you least wish to look.”

"Humility: It is better to presume ignorance and invite learning than to assume sufficient knowledge and risk the consequent blindness.”

“Beware of intellectuals who make a monotheism out of their theories of motivation.”

“Life is what repeats, and it is worth getting what repeats right.”

“What's the price you pay for a high standard of living? Well, that's easy. You virtually always sacrifice the present for the future.”

Previous book review link- Book Review-12 Rules for Life