12 RULES FOR LIFE - 12 RULES FOR WHOSE LIFE? (Part 1)

****Part 1: Introduction

Jordan Peterson's 12 Rules for Life and Oswald Spengler's theories of Western socialism and the Western man may seem like disparate topics at first glance. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that there are profound connections between the two. Both Peterson and Spengler are concerned with the decline of Western civilization and the role that individual responsibility plays in preventing this decline. While Peterson focuses on personal responsibility and the cultivation of individual virtue, Spengler examines the historical, social, and cultural factors that contribute to the decline of civilizations.

In this article, I will explore the relationship between Peterson's 12 Rules for Life and Spengler's theories, with a particular focus on Spengler's view of Western socialism and the Western man. We have seen that both Peterson and Spengler recognize the importance of personal responsibility and individual agency in creating a healthy and flourishing society. However, they differ in their views on the relationship between the individual and the collective, with Peterson emphasizing the importance of the individual and Spengler emphasizing the role of the collective in shaping culture and society.

Ultimately, I would argue that Peterson's 12 Rules for Life and Spengler's theories are complementary, and that a synthesis of their ideas could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing Western civilization today. By cultivating individual virtue and taking responsibility for our own lives, we can contribute to the creation of a healthier and more resilient society, one that is capable of overcoming the challenges of the present and building a brighter future.

****Part 2: Jordan Peterson's "12 Rules For Life"

Jordan Peterson’s “12 Rules for Life” is a self-help book that outlines principles for personal growth and development. Peterson's book is rooted in the idea that many of the problems that individuals face in the modern world are a result of a lack of personal responsibility and a lack of meaning in life. Peterson argues that this problem is particularly prevalent among Western societies, and he offers a set of 12 rules that he believes can help individuals find meaning and purpose in life.

Rule 1 of Peterson's book is “Stand up straight with your shoulders back”. This rule is about taking responsibility for oneself and taking control of one's life. Peterson argues that Western societies have become too individualistic, and that this has led to a lack of responsibility among individuals. By standing up straight with one's shoulders back, individuals can show confidence and take control of their lives.

Rule 2 is “Treat yourself like someone you are responsible for helping”. This rule is about self-care and the importance of taking care of oneself. Peterson argues that many people are too hard on themselves, and that they need to treat themselves with the same care and compassion that they would offer to someone they love.

Rule 3 is “Make friends with people who want the best for you”. This rule emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with positive and supportive people. Peterson argues that negative relationships can hold individuals back, and that it is important to build relationships with people who will support one's growth and development.

Rule 4 is “Compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not to who someone else is today”. This rule emphasizes the importance of focusing on personal growth and development, rather than comparing oneself to others. Peterson argues that comparing oneself to others can lead to jealousy and resentment, and that it is more productive to focus on personal progress.

Rule 5 is “Do not let your children do anything that makes you dislike them”. This rule is about parenting and the importance of setting boundaries for children. Peterson argues that children need structure and discipline in order to grow into responsible adults.

Rule 6 is “Set your house in perfect order before you criticize the world”. This rule is about taking responsibility for one's own life before trying to change the world. Peterson argues that individuals who are not in control of their own lives are not in a position to change the world.

Rule 7 is “Pursue what is meaningful (not what is expedient)”. This rule is about the importance of finding meaning and purpose in life. Peterson argues that many people pursue expedient solutions to problems, rather than focusing on what is truly meaningful.

Rule 8 is “Tell the truth – or, at least, don’t lie”. This rule emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity. Peterson argues that honesty is essential for building trust and maintaining relationships.

Rule 9 is “Assume that the person you are listening to might know something you don’t”. This rule emphasizes the importance of listening and learning from others. Peterson argues that individuals should approach conversations with an open mind and a willingness to learn.

Rule 10 is “Be precise in your speech”. This rule emphasizes the importance of clear communication. Peterson argues that precise speech is necessary for conveying ideas and building trust.

Rule 11 is “Do not bother children when they are skateboarding”. This rule is about the importance of allowing children to take risks and make mistakes. Peterson argues that children need to learn from their own experiences in order to develop resilience and independence.

Rule 12 is “Pet a cat when you encounter one on the street”. This rule is about finding joy and happiness in the small moments of life. Peterson argues that individuals should take the time to appreciate the beauty and joy in the world around them.

Overall, Peterson's 12 rules are meant to provide guidance for personal growth and development. By applying these rules, individuals can take control of their lives and find meaning and purpose in the modern world. Peterson argues that these rules are particularly relevant to Western societies, which he believes have lost touch with traditional values and have become too focused on individualism.

Peterson's emphasis on personal responsibility and self-care resonates with the concept of "Western Man", which refers to the traditional values and virtues that have shaped Western civilization. "Western Man" is characterized by a strong sense of individualism, a commitment to personal responsibility, and a belief in the importance of hard work and self-improvement. These values have been central to the success of Western societies, but they have also come under attack in recent years as many people have questioned their relevance in the modern world.

Peterson's 12 rules offer a way for individuals to reclaim these values and to find meaning and purpose in their lives. By emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility and self-care, Peterson encourages individuals to take control of their lives and to build the resilience and independence that are essential for success in the modern world. At the same time, his emphasis on building positive relationships and pursuing meaningful goals reflects the traditional values of Western civilization and the belief in the importance of community and shared purpose.

In conclusion, Jordan Peterson's "12 Rules for Life" offers a set of principles for personal growth and development that are particularly relevant to Western societies. By emphasizing personal responsibility, self-care, and the pursuit of meaning and purpose, Peterson's rules offer a way for individuals to reclaim the traditional values and virtues that have shaped Western civilization. As Western societies continue to grapple with the challenges of the modern world, Peterson's rules provide a roadmap for personal growth and development that can help individuals find meaning, purpose, and fulfillment in their lives.