12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos

Do you think Peterson’s rules reflect a particular political position on a conservative-to-liberal spectrum? Are there certain rules that seem to embody a political position more centrally than others? Do all the rules seem to be drawn from a particular worldview in or beyond politics, or do they seem objective?

If you could instantly be excellent at following one of the prescribed “rules for life,” which rule would you pick, and why? Do you think other people would generally prioritize the same rule, or do you think people would be divided in terms of a preferred or favorite rule? Which others (besides the one you chose) might be generally high priority?

Are there any rules on Peterson’s list that you would alter in order to improve according to your own view of humanity and/or life? If there is more than one rule you would amend, would there be specific patterns to your revisions? For example, would you be working from a different set of assumptions about human nature or the possibilities of individual intervention?

To what extent does Peterson engage contradictory evidence or alternative viewpoints when presenting his rules? Would you consider him a fair commentator on social issues? Why or why not? (Be sure to define “fair” in your response.)

Some of the rules are straightforward, and others are either figurative or tongue-in-cheek. Why do you think Peterson varied the rhetorical approach of presenting his rules? Were any of the rules easier or harder to understand because of the imagery Peterson used to illustrate it in the chapter titles? (Hint: Consider, especially, “Do not bother children when they are skateboarding” and “Pet a cat when you encounter one on the street.”)

“Meaning” is a central concern in the book, and in Peterson’s foundational philosophies of life. How does Peterson define “meaning,” and what are some of the best ways to harness it, according to the author?

Many of the chapters, at least in part, ruminate on motherhood. What are some of the concerns the author expresses about mothers, specifically? What stereotypical mothers does he illustrate? On what sources are these stereotypes based? 

What role does Christianity play in both the “rules for life” and the presentation of that subject matter? Think about Peterson’s assumptions, examples, and goals.