12 Rules for Life {MP3} + DIGITAL BONUS

Customer Reviews

The Best book I’ve. read since the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, in the Self Help category. Review by BestBookSales Customer

This is the type of book that is produced out of a lifetime of asking, learning, researching and practicing these principles. Peterson has a way of organizing and grouping ideas and giving them names. He clarifies a lot of things by going to the origins of ideas and pointing out how they are playing out today and what they can become in the future. He gives the reader tools to intérprete society as a whole and individually. He doesn’t give you the meaning of life, but he teaches you how and why we should strive to find it, and gives you a path to seek for it. My overall favorite read of 2018.

Was this review helpful for you?

(Posted on 4/24/2024)

great read Review by Brittany

couldn't stop listening to this great book once I started. helped me understand and respect some aspects of life

Was this review helpful for you?

(Posted on 4/24/2024)

A must read. Review by Michael

A must read. A clear blueprint on how not only to take responsibility for your life but the problems the world faces.

Was this review helpful for you?

(Posted on 4/24/2024)

12 Rules Review by BestBookSales Customer

This is my first time listening through and I gained an immense amount of realizations while listening. Not the easiest to keep up with but worth listening to.

Was this review helpful for you?

(Posted on 4/9/2024)

Dr. Peterson does not disappoint! Review by James Weist

If you are a fan of his work you probably already knew that. ????Now onto his first book, Maps of Meaning! Dr. Peterson does such a great job taking seemingly complex philosophical ideas and breaking them down into a way that is easier to digest and comprehend.

Was this review helpful for you?

(Posted on 4/9/2024)

clear thinker Review by Paul W.

Not for people who what to blame someone for there faliure
hope this helps many to realize there potential

Was this review helpful for you?

(Posted on 4/9/2024)

A message for progressives to embrace! Review by David Phd.

As a progressive liberal with a voting record to prove it and financial donations to liberal candidates, I urge other progressive thinkers to embrace the messages that Dr. Peterson conveys in this book. We, on the left, need to reach out to young men who have been disenfranchised by academia. Peterson is a classic British liberal and a moderate. I encourage every man to read this book and give it to young men. It will help them to prepare for a real successful living. ~ Daniel P. David, PhD

Was this review helpful for you?

(Posted on 4/9/2024)

Listen! Review by Scott. F

Loved it! Listen to it. Agree or disagree with what is said, you'll be better for having listened.

Was this review helpful for you?

(Posted on 4/6/2024)

Best insperation to help a man, be a man. Review by Martin Holt

I've read a lot of books on life and have a basic understanding of most schools of philosophy, stoicism and exsitentialism being in my main focus. But this is both trumps and summarises everything I've read, adds to it and gives a guide to life better then any I've ever had before.

Was this review helpful for you?

(Posted on 4/6/2024)

Not Your Average 'Self Help' Book Review by Bookie

I won't lie an say this was an easy text to listen to. Not even close. Jordan Peterson does not throw his proverbial punches. He says it exactly how he sees it and then elaborates his position at great length with personal anecdotes, scientific research, and professional experience he has had as a psychologist.

If you are willing to do some hard self- and social-analysis, this book may truly change the way you view the world. It may not. I guarantee if you go into it objectively and willing to consider Peterson's extremely well thought-out and carefully worded advice, you will gain something from this book. Even when you disagree, which I certainly did at times, you can gain another clear and honest perspective -- and that is always valuable, in my humble opinion.

It is evident and worth noting that the author has strong political beliefs and values, as well as a Christian background and moral foundation. But he does not harp on any religion being right or wrong-- at all. So be assured that you can find value as a Buddhist, a Muslim, an athiest, or any other spiritual foundation you may have personally.

As for his political stance, as a political 'swinger' myself (as in I vote for the candidate's platform, apparent values and plan, NOT party affiliation), I found Peterson's beliefs to be heavily Right leaning, but don't be fooled by outside accusations of him being anti-liberal, sexist, etc. While he clearly feels strongly against certain political constructs, his views struck me as being more pro-humanity than any other petty label. Again, he backs his points with evidence of many types and explains why he believes as he does. This is how discourse begins, and how blind idealism without logic or critical analysis, ends. Peterson invites a conversation about how people often wear metaphorical blinders and how we might remove them and truly see each other's unique and often valid perspectives. This is how we as a society can grow. That said, sometimes I felt his points were specifically aimed at certain hot-button issues, which valid and valuable, got a tad soapbox-y.

Regardless of how I personally feel about his 12 Rules (which, to be clear, I mostly agreed with, at least in principle, if not always practice), I feel the book is absolutely valuable for EVERYONE to read. I will certainly be re-listening to it.

My biggest beefs with it is:
(a) sometimes the sentences were so dense with meaning I would have preferred to read them, rather than only listen. But that's just how I comprehend complex and often abstract ideas the best. That's just me. But it would be fantastic if the text was available with the audio.

(b) I just have to say -- the focus on women as mother's more than anything else cuts straight to a very personal place for me -- as I am unable to bear children -- so I personally felt a lot more like I was being indirectly told that I had fundamentally failed at something critical for my existence, failed my family, and society after finishing the book -- at least according to Peterson's greatest valuation of the feminine. I am confident that wasn't his intent AT ALL, so I am not offended, just saddened that it was not broached as a side-note as he went into great detail about mothers and women primarily as child-raisers. Biological motherhood is not always a 'choice' we can make, but society as a whole seems to view women primarily (and historically) in terms of their ability to produce offspring. That perspective needs to be reevaluated by everyone, in my humble opinion, including Mr. Peterson. I would like to hear his thoughts on that sensitive, and often devastating, subject. Are childless women still to be held in such high esteem? Or is that our only real value after all? I certainly hope not.

Regardless, I still gained a lot of perspective from this book, a lot to think about, and some of his points really spoke to me in powerful and positive ways, regardless of my gender. So thank you, Jordan Peterson for sharing your opinions, experiences, and values in such an open and deeply considered way.

Was this review helpful for you?

(Posted on 3/11/2024)

Careful years of thought Review by Paul

The way Dr. Peterson reveals the secrets in his 12 Rules for life, are by far profound and out of my league to be able to perfectly in encapsulate in this small review. Listening to him talk about something, to which you might think irrelevant, then bring it all home and sucker punch you is quite an astounding ability. (One that I truly appreciate)

His book is proof of his years of contemplation and extrapolation on us humans and our various ways of acting and finding a way in the world.

To say the least, this book is a treasure trove of deep thought and agonizing realization. If you have heard the term "white pilled" and are still far from that term materalizing in your life. I suggest you sit down and read this book. And maybe for the first time (if you're truly an unlucky person), listen to someone who actually cares and wants the best for you.

(Posted on 1/10/2024)

This book = 12 Rules (rock solid advice) + Peterson's Philosophic musings Review by Alec

Jordan Peterson is a beacon of light in this chaotic world, a psychologist whose writing combines science and common sense. One of his talents is his ability to articulate complex ideas to a wide audience. Regardless of whether you have a background in psychology or not, you will understand this book. It covers his twelve rules for life, which are intended not only as a guide for life of the individual, but as a remedy for society’s present ills. Peterson believes that the cure for society starts with curing the individual, the smallest unit of society. Peterson’s well-known advice to clean your room is a reflection of the truth that if you can’t even manage the most basic and mundane responsibilities of life, then you have no business dictating to others how to fix society.

One of the main themes of this book is: Personal change is possible. There's no doubt you can be slightly better today than you were yesterday. Because of Pareto's Principle (small changes can have disproportionately large results), this movement towards the good increases massively, and this upward trajectory can take your life out of hell more rapidly than you could believe. Life is tragic and full of suffering and malevolence. But there's something you can start putting right, and we can't imagine what good things are in store for us if we just fix the things that are within our power to do so.

(Posted on 11/4/2023)

Trascendental Classic Review by Abel1717

This work will withstand the test of time. It will become part of the classics that make up the "must read" in academia.

(Posted on 6/24/2019)

Very Helpful for the Unguided Review by Ryan Hall

12 Rules to Life helped me out so much during my time of crisis. It gives structure to people that may have negative or no beliefs at all. Great perspective can be gained by Jordan Peterson's interpretations of many known stories and overall collection of knowledge as a psychologist.

(Posted on 6/24/2019)

Dont examine the book, examine yrself through it! Review by BestBookSales Customer

A self conscious voyage, a plausible idea for self fixing, which is a reliable antidote for chaos. Not a self help book, rather it's an auto critical for our lack of attention on our selves. Passages with Great exegesis of the Bible.

(Posted on 6/24/2019)

Not Your Average 'Self Help' Book Review by TheBookie

I won't lie an say this was an easy text to listen to. Not even close. Jordan Peterson does not throw his proverbial punches. He says it exactly how he sees it and then elaborates his position at great length with personal anecdotes, scientific research, and professional experience he has had as a psychologist.

If you are willing to do some hard self- and social-analysis, this book may truly change the way you view the world. It may not. I guarantee if you go into it objectively and willing to consider Peterson's extremely well thought-out and carefully worded advice, you will gain something from this book. Even when you disagree, which I certainly did at times, you can gain another clear and honest perspective -- and that is always valuable, in my humble opinion.

It is evident and worth noting that the author has strong political beliefs and values, as well as a Christian background and moral foundation. But he does not harp on any religion being right or wrong-- at all. So be assured that you can find value as a Buddhist, a Muslim, an athiest, or any other spiritual foundation you may have personally.

As for his political stance, as a political 'swinger' myself (as in I vote for the candidate's platform, apparent values and plan, NOT party affiliation), I found Peterson's beliefs to be heavily Right leaning, but don't be fooled by outside accusations of him being anti-liberal, sexist, etc. While he clearly feels strongly against certain political constructs, his views struck me as being more pro-humanity than any other petty label. Again, he backs his points with evidence of many types and explains why he believes as he does. This is how discourse begins, and how blind idealism without logic or critical analysis, ends. Peterson invites a conversation about how people often wear metaphorical blinders and how we might remove them and truly see each other's unique and often valid perspectives. This is how we as a society can grow. That said, sometimes I felt his points were specifically aimed at certain hot-button issues, which valid and valuable, got a tad soapbox-y.

Regardless of how I personally feel about his 12 Rules (which, to be clear, I mostly agreed with, at least in principle, if not always practice), I feel the book is absolutely valuable for EVERYONE to read. I will certainly be re-listening to it.

My biggest beefs with it is:
(a) sometimes the sentences were so dense with meaning I would have preferred to read them, rather than only listen. But that's just how I comprehend complex and often abstract ideas the best. That's just me. But it would be fantastic if the text was available with the audio.

(b) I just have to say -- the focus on women as mother's more than anything else cuts straight to a very personal place for me -- as I am unable to bear children -- so I personally felt a lot more like I was being indirectly told that I had fundamentally failed at something critical for my existence, failed my family, and society after finishing the book -- at least according to Peterson's greatest valuation of the feminine. I am confident that wasn't his intent AT ALL, so I am not offended, just saddened that it was not broached as a side-note as he went into great detail about mothers and women primarily as child-raisers. Biological motherhood is not always a 'choice' we can make, but society as a whole seems to view women primarily (and historically) in terms of their ability to produce offspring. That perspective needs to be reevaluated by everyone, in my humble opinion, including Mr. Peterson. I would like to hear his thoughts on that sensitive, and often devastating, subject. Are childless women still to be held in such high esteem? Or is that our only real value after all? I certainly hope not.

Regardless, I still gained a lot of perspective from this book, a lot to think about, and some of his points really spoke to me in powerful and positive ways, regardless of my gender. So thank you, Jordan Peterson for sharing your opinions, experiences, and values in such an open and deeply considered way.

(Posted on 5/29/2019)

Required Review by Idaho1028

I’m a psychotherapist working with couples and those that’ve experienced trauma. If those I see in my practice were to read/listen and study this work I might be out of business pretty quickly. Forget any political presuppositions and listen to Dr. Peterson.

(Posted on 5/19/2019)

highly recommended! Review by Abiola

very encouraging and practical. loved the historical references and still very recent events shared. the insights behind each rule shows thoughtfulness. love this book...

(Posted on 3/16/2019)

Greatest Book! Review by Demetrius Office

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I will get the next book that Jordan Peterson has out. I particularly loved the way he threaded socioeconomic structure into biblical theology. I recommend this book to anyone. Well time to read it again!

(Posted on 3/16/2019)

Honest and Brilliant Review by vinny

this book is a life-changing experience. Each value packed chapter goes by quickly. Having followed some of the advice I can testify to it's genuine effect.

(Posted on 11/9/2018)

A lot of religious references Review by Derrick

This book has some incredible points that I believe everyone should hear. It seemed like an extensive amount of religious references were made, which is fine- but I would have enjoyed it much more if it were more straight to the point.

(Posted on 11/9/2018)

A book everyone should read Review by lady from maine

Truly marvelous, witty, and beautifully written. This is one book that I wish everyone I know would make time to read. Very thought provoking and enlightening.

(Posted on 10/4/2018)

Few good gems Review by Michael L Hobbs

Few good gems. Far to religious. Its like a religious self-help book hiding under the guise of psychological and philosophical exploration of life. Frequent quotes from the bible.

(Posted on 9/20/2018)

Best audiobook I have ever bought Review by Amit

This is by far the best audiobook I ever bought. Very deep, authentic and healing. I want to give the highest recommendation that I have ever given to any audiobook.

(Posted on 9/9/2018)

Powerful Review by Lane

It's hard to imagine a more impactful work than 12 rules. There were moments, many moments, when I had to stop the book and think and reflect. As other reviewers have mentioned, the author is brought to tears during the reading. This was not some stunt, the topic he was discussing was so biting and deep that it was impossible not to cry.

It's important not to go into this book pre judging Peterson. His or your ideology is not relevant to the importance of this book. He speaks truth, simple and plain. Of course, it is HIS truth and you must understand it as such. It's also not simple. Peterson has this uncanny ability to talk for an hour and have 20 soundbites you want to remember. It's honestly, uncanny.

I can't possibly recommend this book highly enough. It's interesting, it's funny, it's biting, and it's deep. It will change you, but in a good way!

(Posted on 8/12/2018)

The antidote for our time? Review by BestBookSales customer

I have been enjoying Dr. Peterson for a couple months now. I have been watching his YouTube videos and specifically have been fascinated by his series on the psychological significance of the Bible. That series has helped me to understand the bible in new, profound ways. As a modern man, I see it through our prism of rational thought and inability to merely accept magical thinking. As a result I have struggled to find fulfillment and joy in Christ. I see in Dr. Peterson's work, a hope that it might be the bridge that helps modern people appreciate and understand the Bible as a valid and vital application for guiding our daily lives.

That being said, much of the book is a repeat of or re-articulation of the ideas from his videos and podcast. Which is to say, if you were particularly frugal, one could get most of the benefits of the book from his videos/podcasts. I also read the book over a two day period, because I could scarcely put it down. As a result, I have a hard time separating the book from his videos/podcasts. So I have a hard time determining its value from the perspective of someone who has never watched his videos.

It will take some time for me to digest the significance of this book. I am hoping that the book can provide precisely what it's title prescribes. I think it might. As far as I can tell, it does. if there are serious flaws, I am not seeing them. That is not surprising. The 12 rules stand on solid, and very ancient rock.

I recommend this book to anyone who is full of angst or is struggling for purpose. Actually everyone. In particular, I think people in their early 20's might be most impacted by the book. I see this could be a great graduation gift.

Thank you Dr. Peterson!

(Posted on 8/5/2018)

Good points too religious for me Review by osvaldo morales

Great rules but he uses bible stories a lot to prove his points. So yea

(Posted on 8/5/2018)

life-changing wisdom Review by BestBookSales customer

This book distills much of the deep concepts of Jordan's lectures, which I have devoured on YouTube since discovering them in November 2017. As he articulates his hope for the readers in the epilogue, I have learned things I "already knew, but didn't know [I] knew". I have sought for a long time to put into logos to the amorphous thoughts and emotions that developed in the years surrounding my divorce. Again, as Jordan puts it, revelations in the present have changed my past by virtue of a new perspective. My history now is different - better, even - because of this wisdom. Buy this book!

(Posted on 6/25/2018)

Great Guidance Review by BestBookSales customer

I've always been a pessimistic person since I was a young kid (I'm 26 now). Although my family who I rarely speak to anymore is and raised me with religion, I am not religious. I've been depressed since high school and struggled to find a validating meaning to life other than to go with the flow and enjoy the roses.

I got this audio book specifically because I'm beginning to feel as though every time I feel like I'm on the right track with my pursuit of happiness and meaning, I'm always proven otherwise. I picked this up in the hopes of finding an antidote to my chaos.

A lot of the rules in this book were generally things I already knew - however hearing someone else not only say them, but also give much deeper meaning and examples for them helped reinforce them for myself. There are a lot of religious references and examples used but they aren't forceful or anything other than just examples.

After finishing this audio book I do feel more confident about myself and have more of a grip on how to manage the balance of chaos and order in my life and within myself. I'd recommend this to anyone who feels like they need an extra or even the first nudge to get them started on identifying what's wrong in their life before you can begin fixing it.

As a side note, I love when authors read their own audio book. Jordan B. Peterson has a teaching voice (duh), but I couldn't help but smile every once in a while when I would start picturing the words come from the mouth of Kermit the Frog. While comparing the rules to my specific chaotic situation, it was additionally comforting to picture Kermit giving me advice. I mean no offense to the author, and this only made my enjoyment of the book larger.

(Posted on 6/19/2018)

Completely eye opening!!! Review by BestBookSales customer

I've listened to many of self help crap and even read, The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F#ck. It didn't matter what I read or listened to, I wasn't finding the answere I was looking for, to a question I truly didn't understand. This book along with Peterson's many online lectures put more into perspective for me than anything has in years of searching. I've identified the Dragon growing ever more powerful in my life and come up with a game plan for slaying it!...This book didn't solve my life problems, it helped open my eyes to the most obvious issues that I'm responsible for correcting....

(Posted on 6/15/2018)

No More Shame Review by Levi Johnson

The trouble with Peterson is that he's long winded, but won't stop saying meaningful things, won't stop speaking truth, and won't sugar coat reality to make us feel better, and is therefore impossible to stop listening to. That's good.

It's so disturbing to hear a grown man cry during a reading, because it forces us to encounter vulnerability and strength and breaks apart our denial of reality as a place of suffering. That's good.

Only listen to this book if you want direct blunt reality, wisdom, and odd encouragement. Only listen if you want life to never be the same. This book has helped to initiate me as a man, because, perhaps for the first time, I don't feel ashamed of my masculinity, and so have lost some of the guilt around being a man in western culture.

I think this book will mark a turnaround for men (and perhaps women) everywhere who feel disillusioned with life, because here, implicitly, he calls out the gold in men by telling them, "You have something to offer the world." Now I know there is something worth fighting and suffering for, a better tomorrow for me, and for those around me, because I've realized that because I'm a man, I can make a little more chaos into order.

(Posted on 6/15/2018)

50% Great Book Review by misterjones

I'm a huge fan of Dr. Peterson, however, as a non-believer, half of this book is painfully tedious. most of the chapters start with scientific facts and anecdotes that are both informative and interesting. Dr. Peterson uses almost there second half of each chapter illustrating his point using the Bible and interpretations of these passages.

(Posted on 5/31/2018)

Like listening to a 16 hour sermon... Review by Neal

Struggled to finish this one. The author often contradicts himself. It was difficult to get past these and take him seriously.

(Posted on 5/31/2018)

Too drawn out and excessive religious talk Review by Josh A

I had high hopes for this book as I'm generally a fan of JP. Unfortunately, I only made it about 6 chapters in and just felt like I was wasting my time.

As others have mentioned, Jordan is very long-winded in this book, sometimes so much that you forget where he was even going with the subject. It really felt like he was adding filler for the sake of making the book as long as he could.

I also didn't not like the way he spent several minutes reciting the Bible directly. I get he is religious and knew coming in that he would back some of his points up with his beliefs, but I just don't see why he had to go on for so long. It is a real turn off for anyone who believes something different.

The rules I did make it through were nothing new nor mind blowing. Out of curiosity I looked up what the remainder it the rules were and they all looked like pretty generic no-brainers.
(Posted on 5/31/2018)

Impacting Review by I S.

This book will change your life in the first two chapters. After a successful college athletic career, I stood defeated in posture and attitude for the next decade. This book awoke me to this understanding, life began again. This time I stood straight, confident to go forth.

(Posted on 5/22/2018)

Good motivation to better your life Review by William Hynes

Vulgarisation of complicated concepts from ancient text and religious texts that give tools for living a difficult life and bettering oneself.
Narrated by Peterson himself, witch brings a touch of his personality and emotionality in the more personal parts of the stories. Very good all in all.

(Posted on 4/13/2018)

Excellent Review by Anthony Romano

This book is excellent and it will definitely be enjoyable and useful to you. The only thing I would say is that it is very philosophically dense, and if you are not one for complicated reads... or “listens”, then you may have some difficulty.

(Posted on 4/10/2018)

This Book Makes Sense to Me Review by Dry Camp

I’ve been listening to JP podcasts and watching on You Tube so I’m familiar with his work and it’s helpful to me. I finished listening to the book lasst night and started over at the beginning this morning. It’s intense and a lot to think about. It also explains why adults are always telling children not to slouch!

(Posted on 4/5/2018)

life-changing wisdom Review by Adam C.

This book distills much of the deep concepts of Jordan's lectures, which I have devoured on YouTube since discovering them in November 2017. As he articulates his hope for the readers in the epilogue, I have learned things I "already knew, but didn't know [I] knew". I have sought for a long time to put into logos to the amorphous thoughts and emotions that developed in the years surrounding my divorce. Again, as Jordan puts it, revelations in the present have changed my past by virtue of a new perspective. My history now is different - better, even - because of this wisdom. Buy this book!

(Posted on 3/31/2018)