19. Order and chaos: why we need both of them

In the previous episode, we explored the first rule of Jordan Peterson’s 12 Rules for Life. It goes like this: "Stand up straight with your shoulders back."

Peterson’s second rule is as follows: “Treat yourself like someone you are responsible for helping.” However, in my view, this rule is not really about that — even though this idea does appear in the book, it’s mentioned closer to the end of the chapter.

The key concepts in this section are order, chaos, and the process that unfolds between them. Despite their abstract nature, these forces are present in our lives and are just as significant as more concrete, material things. A lack or excess of either one leads to undesirable consequences, which is why the search for the middle path becomes one of life’s most important tasks.

“For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Gospel of Matthew)