12 Rules

Here’s a set of “12 Rules for Life” that highlight potential contradictions or loopholes in Jordan Peterson’s philosophy, offering an alternative set of guiding principles:

  1. Don’t Pretend Order is Always the Answer: While Peterson emphasizes order, life’s complexity often demands flexibility. Embrace uncertainty and don’t force rigid structures onto situations that require fluidity.
  2. Stand Up for Yourself, Even if It Means Disrupting the Peace: Peterson advises standing up straight with confidence, but real courage sometimes requires challenging the status quo, even if it causes discomfort.
  3. Treat Yourself Like Someone You Can Afford to Disappoint: Peterson encourages treating yourself with care, but sometimes it’s okay to fall short of your own expectations. Self-compassion includes accepting your flaws.
  4. Make Friends Who Challenge You, Not Just Those Who Support You: Instead of only associating with people who want the best for you, also engage with those who question you, as they often provide the most growth.
  5. Compare Yourself to Who You Want to Be, Not Who You Were Yesterday: While self-comparison can be useful, aim for aspirational goals rather than dwelling on small, incremental changes.
  6. Pursue What’s Intrinsically Valuable, Not Just What’s Meaningful: Meaning can sometimes be subjective or imposed by society. Focus on what feels genuinely valuable to you, even if it seems trivial to others.
  7. Tell the Truth, but Acknowledge the Power of Strategic Silence: Honesty is important, but there are times when silence or withholding information can protect others or yourself.
  8. Assume Responsibility for Your Choices, but Recognize When to Delegate: While taking responsibility is vital, understand your limits and the importance of sharing burdens with others.
  9. Speak Your Truth, Even if It’s Unpopular: Instead of just listening, assert your perspective, especially when it goes against the grain. Your voice matters, even in dissent.
  10. Be Precise in Your Actions, Even When Words Fail You: Precision in speech is valuable, but actions often speak louder. Focus on how you behave rather than getting lost in the minutiae of language.
  11. Encourage Risk-Taking in Safe Spaces: Instead of just leaving kids to skateboard, create environments where risks can be taken with safety nets in place. Growth comes from pushing boundaries, but there’s wisdom in knowing when to protect.
  12. Find Beauty in the Mundane, Not Just in Moments of Crisis: Instead of seeking solace in life’s darkest moments (like petting a cat on the street), cultivate appreciation for everyday beauty and simplicity, without waiting for things to go wrong.

These rules aim to address the nuance that Peterson’s principles sometimes overlook, acknowledging the complexity of life where contradictions and exceptions are often the rule.