It’s commonly know the world is facing a mental health crisis. According to WHO: 800,000 people commit suicide each year. That’s nearly half of those who have died from the worst pandemic in a century. Covid-19 will dissipate, suicide will remain.

That’s why I was so excited to pick up a copy of Dr. Jordan Peterson’s 12 Rules for Life: an Antidote to Chaos. With 5 million copies sold and counting, Peterson is having a real impact on combatting depression. Insightfully illuminating, 12 Rules for Life takes an unabashed look into the depths of depression, and shines a light on the misery millions are now facing.

The best books bring forth something novel to its’ readers, and 12 Rules for Life does just that. A professor and psychologist by nature, Peterson uses wit and logic to present a novel cure for depression in each of his 12 Rules, some of which are sampled below…

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Rule 1 Stand up Straight with Your Shoulders Back

Peterson ties primitive building blocks developed by animals to human society, human brain chemistry, and human successes and failures. Even a lobster can teach us something about developing confidence, standing up for ourselves, and taking our place in the world.

“There is an unspeakably primordial calculator, deep within you, at the very foundation of your brain, far below your thoughts and feelings.”

Rule 2 Treat Yourself as if You Were Someone You Were Responsible for Helping

Find your place and better the world one individual action at a time. Peterson urges his readers to take direction, so they can flourish in life. He presents compelling reasoning to why you should respect yourself, and identifies what is truly good for your soul.

“Don’t underestimate the power of vision and direction. These are irresistible forces, able to transform what might appear to be unconquerable obstacles into traversable pathways and expanding opportunities.”

Rule 6 Set Your House in Perfect Order Before you Criticize the World

Venture into the darkest recesses of the mind, even the minds of mass murderers, and learn how to address the most painful internal suffering life throws at us. Control resentful, angry, bitter, and hopeless emotions and thought patterns swirling around inside the mind.

“If you are suffering — well, that’s the norm. People are limited and life is tragic. If your suffering is unbearable, however, and you are starting to become corrupted, here’s something to think about.”

Rule 8 Tell the Truth, or, at Least, Don’t Lie

Learn how to listen to yourself, stand up for yourself, and bring yourself out of hiding. Prevent tyranny of the soul, while properly consulting and forging your own path. Learn how, and why, you should always tell the truth.

“If your life is not what it could be, try telling the truth. If you cling desperately to an ideology, or wallow in nihilism, try telling the truth. If you feel weak and rejected, and desperate, and confused, try telling the truth.”

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In order the treat the wickedness of depression and violence, one must venture into deep and dark places. Peterson shines his light deep into the cavern of despair, and brings forth a golden apple. 12 Rules for Life: an Antidote to Chaos teaches us how to be strong and capable, how to interact successfully with others, and how to combat suffering of the worst kind. Dr. Jordan Peterson has created a masterpiece which is positively influencing millions of people to put down their misery and pick up life again.