Jordan Peterson’s book 12 Rules for Life (2018) has sold over 5 million copies and turned the former Harvard professor and clinical psychologist into a public figure. Despite this success, though, life has not been entirely kind to Peterson. 

In 2019, his health took a turn for the worse as he battled the terrible side-effects of withdrawal from the anti-anxiety drug, benzodiazepine. Furthermore, both his wife and daughter also experienced serious health issues, with his wife coming close to death. 

Unsurprisingly, these experiences had a profound impact on his writing. In, Beyond Order (2021) he addresses the difficulties of life. The solution, Peterson believes, is a further 12 rules which apply to a wide range of subjects and are both practical and philosophical in nature

Rule 1 exhorts, ‘Do not carelessly denigrate social institutions or creative achievement.’ Here, Peterson instructs us to respect society's rules. He’s keen to point out that other people, and society as a whole, are what keeps an individual sane. 

As a result, we shouldn’t break rules simply because our lives aren’t what we wish them to be. However, he does appreciate that rules can get repressive. If this occurs, the reader is encouraged to break them, especially if they undermine the ideals upon which a society is formed

Rule 2 asks the reader to, ‘Imagine who you could be, and then aim single mindedly at that.’ According to Peterson, you don’t choose your passion, it chooses you. Play close attention to what fascinates you and then pursue it, even if the path it reveals changes along the way.

Rule 3, ‘Do not hide unwanted things in the fog,’ is concerned with relationships. Peterson doesn’t believe in avoiding arguments and putting up with situations that leave you feeling unheard and frustrated (even if it’s over something as trivial as who washes the dishes).

Life is about repetition (the problems you have with your partner repeat themselves for each of the 15,000 days of a 40-year marriage). Therefore, you must get the small things right. Bring your issues to the light and negotiate with your partner, even if the process is painful.

Unlike the spiritual teachers of our time, Peterson does not believe in living in the now. The future, he feels, is what you should focus on and prepare for. His 4th Rule, ‘Notice that opportunity lurks where responsibility has been abdicated,’ explores this concept. 

Unforeseen disaster is, potentially, never far away. You can prevent these from happening, though, if you aim to achieve a lofty goal (as this demands you grow and get stronger). This process is facilitated by taking responsibility for all you can, both at home and at work.