Huzaifa Sani Ilyas

Life is a struggle between order and chaos, between good and evil, between right and wrong and between meaninglessness and meaning. These binary opposing rivals would never cease their rivalry until eternity. However, it is left for us to chose between the two paths. Jordan Peterson, a professor emiratus of clinical pyschology who taught in Havard and Toronto universities, is indeed apt in observing and measuring human behavior. Well-versed in Bible, he refers to Biblical references especially when drawing analogy in regard to socio-political context. His understanding of human behaviour is absolutely amazing. And it is not an oberstatement if I call him one of the masters of Psychology the world currently has. His book, 12 Rules for Life, explores the many problems and solutions of life viz depression, anxiety, deliquency, war, fear, social injustice, dogmatism, breaking home, political tension, wrechedness of the world, to pursuit of happiness, elimination of negativities, pursuit of excellence, creating a life full of inspirations and meaning, focusing on high purpose, and finding of the truth. Human being is very complex creature, a creature of reasoning whose heart is inclined to evil. Instead of clinging to conservative wills, he should strive to fight chaos. Chaos, according to Peterson, is everything that does not give an individual peace of mind. Lies, horrifying moments, worries, defeat, failures, family troubles, girlfriends misundertanding, economic crisis, debt, divorce, betrayal, infidelity, dismissal from workplace, temperament, fights, depression, etc., are the opposite of order and meaning. How would one avoid falling a victim to those chaotic elements? Peterson extensively explains causes of chaos and draws moral exegesis in which lessons would be derived from. 12 Rules for Life discusses the need for change-transformation from chaos to order. Peterson calls transformation 'antedotes to chaos', I personally believe that his suggestions are tranquilizers- in fact, recipes for a happier life. I understand that uncertainties and tribulations in life are inevitable, however, the solutions Jordan proffers are pathways to peace. Many of his antedotes, if not all of them, are in tendem with moral or cultural injunctions. He is clear in his discussion of the guidelines and never leaves vague ideas or ambigous analogies unexplained. His simplicity has gone to an extent that he gives scenarios that look closer to our society. He talks with pragmatism and explores universal human behaviour. I read his book and l watched and listened to his lectures. He speaks as if he lives in the same society with us. I call his demonstration "universally intelligible". Peterson explores human minds as if he is an inhabitant whithin it. He clearly explains human tendencies of Being and how environment shapes human behaviour into responding to Being. For him, even though human being possesses some natural abilities and instincts to behave in one way or the other, (cognitivism) he capitalizes that human being is influenced by environment and that mother, being the first socialisation process, peer groups and instituitions that include cultural and conventional have greater influence in shaping human thinking and behavior. JP is great! I wish I had read him earlier!