Member-only story
12 Rules for a Progressive Life
Self-help isn’t just for the self-obsessed
I’m one of many writers who has offered a detailed critique of Canadian psychology professor Jordan Peterson’s politics. I also joined other men in speaking out about his views in Washington, DC. In addition to being wrong about civil rights legislation in Canada and elsewhere, Peterson’s individualistic worldview fails to address real-world problems of economic inequality and discrimination. Even when asked what public policies he might support to expand opportunities for young people today, he has little to offer other than his own self-help advice, which he’s codified in the best-selling 12 Rules for Life.
Progressives are dismissive of Peterson’s rules and self-help texts generally.
While reactions like this are funny, we shouldn’t be dismissive of self-help. Yes, it’s easy to make fun of rules like “Stand up straight with your shoulders back” or Peterson’s admonition that his fans clean their rooms. But people really do need advice in life. Not all of us have role models who can teach us things that a…
