Matthew's Reading Room

The Author: Jordan Peterson

A clinical psychologist, lecturer, and best-selling author from Canada, Jordan B. Peterson has a varied career in the field. He became famous all around the world for his fearless opinions on controversial issues, such as individual liberty, traditional values, and the state of free speech. Books like 12 Rules for Life and Beyond Order, written by Peterson, who has experience in academia and clinical practice, combine philosophical ideas with psychological insights to provide readers with practical life counsel. Many love his writings because of his profoundly philosophical yet realistic writing style.

Summary of “Beyond Order”

In his follow-up to 12 Rules for Life, Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life, Jordan Peterson delves into how individuals can infuse their lives with purpose and structure. Beyond Order explores the significance of balancing disorder with order, in contrast to the first book’s emphasis on the necessity of rules and structure to stabilise existence. According to Peterson, embracing a certain amount of chaos promotes creativity and personal growth, in contrast to an excess of order that can result in inflexibility and stagnation.

The twelve principles expand upon his earlier writings in a cumulative fashion, urging readers to face life’s unknowns bravely, accept responsibility for their deeds, and strive for personal growth. Peterson interweaves personal anecdotes with mythology, philosophy, and psychology in his mix of existential musings and practical guidance. He dares his audience to leave their safety nets behind and face life’s complexity head-on, refusing to let disorder win.

My Thoughts on “Beyond Order”

Beyond Order did just what I was looking for: it challenged me. Although Peterson’s views can be controversial at times, they consistently challenge me to consider alternative viewpoints and question my own presumptions. Even though I can’t entirely agree with every argument he makes, I still engage actively with the book, which is why it speaks to me.

His insistence that we must embrace disorder rather than run away from it was one of the most important things I took away from his talk. A common theme in my client’s work is people’s attempts to protect themselves from uncertainty by clinging to strict habits or denying or repressing uncomfortable feelings. It seemed especially pertinent since Peterson was trying to convey the idea that chaos isn’t a bad thing but a powerful catalyst for change. It made me remember that guiding clients towards progress sometimes entails letting go of the idea of perfect order and stepping into the unknown and uncomfortable.

The notion of individual accountability is another potent subject presented in the book. In my experience in therapy and personal life, holding oneself accountable has proven effective. A recurring theme throughout Peterson’s Rules is that taking responsibility for your problems is the only way to progress. Real change occurs when clients stop pointing fingers and start owning their actions, relationships, and thoughts, as I’ve seen with my clients.

One thing that piqued my curiosity was how Peterson used stories and mythology to support his arguments. His allusions to literature and myth provide a fresh perspective on contemporary mental health challenges. Although the book can be rather tricky to understand at times, its unique combination of theoretical concepts with real-world applications truly sets it apart. This goes beyond self-help advice and delves into profound questions about life and humanity.

But some sections were rather theoretical for my liking. Sometimes, the practical messages Peterson attempts to express get lost in his ramblings about complicated philosophical issues. Reading Peterson’s works is challenging since you must sort through a lot of dense material to get the good stuff. This difficulty is what makes reading the book so satisfying.

Ultimately, Beyond Order helped me consider how I manage the relative importance of order and chaos in my life. It also emphasised the importance of helping clients face and embrace unpredictability while laying a firm groundwork of personal responsibility and progress.

I Encourage Clients and Colleagues to Incorporate the Teachings from “Beyond Order”

1. Welcome the harmony that exists between disorder and order.
   A life well-lived entails balancing disorder with order. Reassure your clients that they can grow and discover themselves through embracing uncertainty and overcoming obstacles.
2. Individual accountability as the bedrock of transformation
   The secret to one’s growth is accepting responsibility. Instead of putting their faith in other people or things, clients should realise that they are the ones ultimately accountable for their happiness and the course of their lives.
3. Push through your fears and venture out of your comfort zone.
   Inspire your clients to overcome their concerns and move forward despite the discomfort. You must face your fears and uncertainties head-on instead of running away from them to grow.
4. Do not be overly structured or think rigidly.
   One way to stifle one’s development is to be overly dogmatic or dependent on a tight framework. Facilitate the realisation of the practical benefits of adaptability and flexibility for clients.
5. Incorporate narrative and story into your work.
   One effective therapeutic tool is stories and personal narratives. To help clients recognise the hero’s journey within their hardships, suggest they look at their challenges through a broader, mythological lens.
6. Recognise that pain is inevitable yet has a purpose.
   Pain is an inevitable part of life, but that doesn’t imply it’s meaningless. I assist clients in discovering meaning and wisdom in their hardships, enabling them to progress towards self-improvement.

In Summary

Beyond Order by Jordan Peterson is a challenging but ultimately worthwhile read. It examines the significance of maintaining a healthy equilibrium between disorder and order in one’s life. Readers are encouraged to explore themes such as responsibility, facing uncertainty, and embracing personal growth. The lessons it teaches about taking responsibility, finding a balance, and accepting discomfort are great tools for therapists and coaches to use with their clients, helping them become more self-aware and grow.