Kari’s Thoughts
If you’ve been paying attention, you’ve probably heard of Jordan Peterson. He’s kind of a “new kid on the block” and came to everyone’s attention when he took an unpopular stand against Canada’s attempt to “proscribe speech.” Loved by many, vilified by as many more, he has ignited much interest and you can find videos of his lectures, interviews, etc. on YouTube, if you’re interested in learning more about him.
Peterson is a university professor in Canada, and works as a psychologist, which may be partly why I am fascinated by him (shared interest/studies there). When I watch his interviews, I find him thoughtful in his responses. While I don’t always agree with him, either in his interviews or in his book, I always find him thought-provoking. He’s been accused of many things, but I think he’s a truth-teller, in the sense that he always tries to speak the truth as he understands it. I also think he’s fair-minded, even when unfairly accused, although I have seen him become a bit “testy” (but then again, who wouldn’t be, after what some have said about him).
Uncle David read Peterson’s “12 Rules for Life” first, and what he told me about it was so intriguing that I decided to read it for myself. I liked that fact that he doesn’t pull his punches, and much of what he says does not match the “conventional wisdom” but DOES often match studies done, as well as what our own life experience shows us. One of the things I most appreciate about Jordan Peterson, and about this book, is that he doesn’t pretend that life is, or should be, easy. Life is hard, and it often feels unfair. But that doesn’t relieve us of our responsibility to ourselves and to others.
If you read the book, I’d love to hear your thoughts about it. I don’t want to give too much away, so I’ll just leave it there. But let me know if you’d like to discuss it further …
Love,
Aunt Kari