I read the 12 Rules when it was fresh, and I've read and listened to Maps of Meaning many times. I believe that Jordan is a valuable thinker, and some of his 'rules' are solid. He was a cool guy, but he seems to have morphed into a bitter old man. Was it after his year-long hospitalization?
He changed. A lot. Anyway, it was a great read with some valuable insights.
Could have been the hospitalization Carlos. I feel like he just wants to be thought-provoking and contrarian to challenge people. And the average person doesn't realize it.
Tim - ALL the points are spot on but if I had to pick one #3 is a game changer - when you/we realise that everything that happens to us is a reflection of what is in us we have the power to change everything!
I've read "12 Rules for Life". An interesting book that expanded my horizons in two ways:
1). In the 1st chapter, Jordan explained the role of women as those who challenge men. Like when they friend-zone you. "We can be friends no problem but I'm not having your babies, mate". I found this perspective... unexpected but fully true. It's good to have someone who brings your ego back down to earth.
2). Jordan provided a guide to raising children. I see time and again how parents f*ck up their children's lives without realizing it. Jordan's teachings are based on the fact that the parent must be an authority for his/her kids, no matter what. This is the foundation. The rest requires some fine-tuning.
While I may disagree with Jordan's other viewpoints, reading them broadened my horizons, and that's all that matters.
While I don’t think enough of Jordan Peterson to spend a lot of time contemplating his work, I do find your critique of what he produced along the timeline of early work versus most recent work very accurate and very well written. Reading the eleven quotes cast his work in a somewhat better light than I suspected and maybe you are right. Even authors who are very unpopular, but who are extremely bright , can contribute to readers who at least give their ideas a chance to resonate, but the readers have to open their minds long enough to do so!
I loved the fact that Peterson’s ‘12 Rules for life’ was a listicle that went viral. I can’t help thinking that a listicle I wrote in my topic area that went viral some years ago maybe a book in the making. Food for action. Thank you!
Hi Tim, happy to send article. It’s a next week job as I’ve to find. Sold my website, social media assets, etc two years ago, which have been absorbed into a bigger business so can’t suddenly retrieve online. I have kept a copy of my content so shall retrieve and send. Enjoy the weekend!👍
Hi Tim. I like Jordan Peterson's ways of thinking so much I bought my own copy of 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos. I apply what I have learned not just for myself but with the students I tutor. Professor Peterson also works at my alma mater, the University of Toronto, which I think is great. Whatever he wants to do now, and how he chooses to interact with other people and beliefs, are his business.
Hi, Tim. No, I haven't had a chance to meet Dr. Peterson, but I would like to. In his earlier days as a prof at UofT he seemed to have a "kind side" as you put it, according to his students. His lectures were very well attended.
I loved how you said character is more important than status or success. And it’s so true that the way we are sold things is through shiny results and lifestyles.
There is power in listening to people you disagree with. It opens up your mind and writers need that!
Number 11 is the best one, but 5 and 8 are speaking to me as well. I enjoyed it and saw many things I talk about, especially when teaching my students or talking to other art friends. I have shared this one to my Facebook page because there are many people that enjoy me doing so from a few people I follow.
This illustrates the legacy power of the 'written word' in a 'proper' book compared to videos, online blogs and social media. Looking forward to buying and reading Tim Denning in a book. Oh and we would print and publish it if in the unlikely event you don't already have someone.
I was wondering this, as well. I've been a fan of Jordan Peterson for a number of years, and while I agree that he's become very bitter, I've never heard him say anything that deserves to be labelled as "worse than the holocaust". I don't care for his political opinions, just his insights on psychology and myth. So, I'm curious what he's said that would make someone think it was worse than holocaust ideologies.
Lenny, I'm not going to repeat what he said because it's so horrendous it shouldn't be said again. Go to his Twitter and look at his top tweets. Some of them are disgraceful. Still, I can see past that and still learn from him.
One tweet he wrote actually incites violence. Enough said.
While I acknowledge the possibility that he may have deleted something between you writing your article and you telling me to read his tweets, I just did what you suggested and scrolled through the last month worth of tweets. Although I respect your opinion, I don’t see what you are talking about.
I'm almost on the same boat as you, Tim.
I read the 12 Rules when it was fresh, and I've read and listened to Maps of Meaning many times. I believe that Jordan is a valuable thinker, and some of his 'rules' are solid. He was a cool guy, but he seems to have morphed into a bitter old man. Was it after his year-long hospitalization?
He changed. A lot. Anyway, it was a great read with some valuable insights.
Could have been the hospitalization Carlos. I feel like he just wants to be thought-provoking and contrarian to challenge people. And the average person doesn't realize it.
So true! I think he got lost in his own grandiose Twitter alter ego.
Mo, some of his tweets are horrendous. Agree?
Kudos, Tim, for not going with with crowd and “canceling” Jordan Peterson.
1, 3, & 9 are hugely powerful for me.
1. Because without gratitude you will never fill the hole in your soul
3. Because the only thing you can control is yourself
9. This reminds me of a saying in strategy that Roger L. Martin says:
“Strategy is what you do, not what you say you do.”
Your beliefs are expressed in your actions.
Amazing to do the work and look for the good in such a polarizing figure.
Thanks Mike. It's rare people have that mature view. We can learn something from everyone, especially those we dislike.
Thanks, Tim - Really enjoying the 4/28 Writing Challenge with you & Todd
Cheers Mike. So great to have you.
Excellent advice - thanks for finding the gold Tim.
Appreciate you Anne. Any one of the points stick out for you?
Tim - ALL the points are spot on but if I had to pick one #3 is a game changer - when you/we realise that everything that happens to us is a reflection of what is in us we have the power to change everything!
Yeah, that's how I feel too Anne. Thanks for sharing.
I've read "12 Rules for Life". An interesting book that expanded my horizons in two ways:
1). In the 1st chapter, Jordan explained the role of women as those who challenge men. Like when they friend-zone you. "We can be friends no problem but I'm not having your babies, mate". I found this perspective... unexpected but fully true. It's good to have someone who brings your ego back down to earth.
2). Jordan provided a guide to raising children. I see time and again how parents f*ck up their children's lives without realizing it. Jordan's teachings are based on the fact that the parent must be an authority for his/her kids, no matter what. This is the foundation. The rest requires some fine-tuning.
While I may disagree with Jordan's other viewpoints, reading them broadened my horizons, and that's all that matters.
Denis, I haven't read his parenting stuff. I'll check it out. Any other good parenting advice he's given?
Yes, Tim. He has an entire chapter in the book about letting kids make their own mistakes. Being overprotective harms them long-term.
Need to make sure I don't fall for this trap with my 1 year old daughter Denis.
While I don’t think enough of Jordan Peterson to spend a lot of time contemplating his work, I do find your critique of what he produced along the timeline of early work versus most recent work very accurate and very well written. Reading the eleven quotes cast his work in a somewhat better light than I suspected and maybe you are right. Even authors who are very unpopular, but who are extremely bright , can contribute to readers who at least give their ideas a chance to resonate, but the readers have to open their minds long enough to do so!
His earlier work was certainly better than his newer stuff in my opinion.
This is great thanks for sharing
No probs Shardul. What was the best bit?
Got to admire JP for getting to the point where he doesn’t tolerate the BS coming his way. He does seem angrier now.
Maybe it’s that diet of his.
It's hard to judge from the sidelines. It could be the diet but it seems like it might be something more.
Interesting and fresh. I love it!
Thanks Matthew.
I loved the fact that Peterson’s ‘12 Rules for life’ was a listicle that went viral. I can’t help thinking that a listicle I wrote in my topic area that went viral some years ago maybe a book in the making. Food for action. Thank you!
Hey Michael, can you share your viral listicle with me? Would love to read it.
Hi Tim, happy to send article. It’s a next week job as I’ve to find. Sold my website, social media assets, etc two years ago, which have been absorbed into a bigger business so can’t suddenly retrieve online. I have kept a copy of my content so shall retrieve and send. Enjoy the weekend!👍
Congrats Michael on the sale. No rush.
Hi Tim. I like Jordan Peterson's ways of thinking so much I bought my own copy of 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos. I apply what I have learned not just for myself but with the students I tutor. Professor Peterson also works at my alma mater, the University of Toronto, which I think is great. Whatever he wants to do now, and how he chooses to interact with other people and beliefs, are his business.
Such a great perspective Carol. Did you ever get to meet him? And does he have a kind side?
Hi, Tim. No, I haven't had a chance to meet Dr. Peterson, but I would like to. In his earlier days as a prof at UofT he seemed to have a "kind side" as you put it, according to his students. His lectures were very well attended.
Glad to hear Carol.
Great lessons. Thanks for sharing.
Cheers Mo
I have listened to Jordan on you tube. I find him thought provoking. Just as I enjoy what you write. I'm inspired by both of you
Thanks Jeffrey. What is his best Youtube video in your opinion?
I loved how you said character is more important than status or success. And it’s so true that the way we are sold things is through shiny results and lifestyles.
There is power in listening to people you disagree with. It opens up your mind and writers need that!
It sure does. Spend more time with people you disagree with. Also great for finding stuff to write about, too.
Number 11 is the best one, but 5 and 8 are speaking to me as well. I enjoyed it and saw many things I talk about, especially when teaching my students or talking to other art friends. I have shared this one to my Facebook page because there are many people that enjoy me doing so from a few people I follow.
Thanks for sharing Marsha. Are you a fan of Jordan?
Sorry, but I don't know anything about him except what I read in your article.
This illustrates the legacy power of the 'written word' in a 'proper' book compared to videos, online blogs and social media. Looking forward to buying and reading Tim Denning in a book. Oh and we would print and publish it if in the unlikely event you don't already have someone.
A book is coming at some point. Sorry, but Penguin Random House already has the deal. They chose to get involved early so my loyalty is with them.
I can understand the criticism but what has Jordan said that's "worse than the ideas of the Holocaust."?
I was wondering this, as well. I've been a fan of Jordan Peterson for a number of years, and while I agree that he's become very bitter, I've never heard him say anything that deserves to be labelled as "worse than the holocaust". I don't care for his political opinions, just his insights on psychology and myth. So, I'm curious what he's said that would make someone think it was worse than holocaust ideologies.
See above Brian.
Lenny, I'm not going to repeat what he said because it's so horrendous it shouldn't be said again. Go to his Twitter and look at his top tweets. Some of them are disgraceful. Still, I can see past that and still learn from him.
One tweet he wrote actually incites violence. Enough said.
Saying something is worse than the ideas of the Holocaust is an extremely BOLD statement, especially with no further information to back that up.
I gave you the answer Shane. Read his top tweets. It's all there.
While I acknowledge the possibility that he may have deleted something between you writing your article and you telling me to read his tweets, I just did what you suggested and scrolled through the last month worth of tweets. Although I respect your opinion, I don’t see what you are talking about.
Me too