"12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos" is a self-help book authored by Canadian clinical psychologist Jordan Peterson and published in 2018. The book provides life advice through essays based on ethical principles, psychology, mythology, religion, and personal anecdotes. Peterson draws upon his clinical practice, personal experiences, and lessons from ancient myths and stories to offer principles for a meaningful life.
The book comprises twelve rules presented as essays, offering guidance on navigating life's complexities. These rules include concepts such as standing up straight with your shoulders back, treating yourself like someone you are responsible for helping, and setting your house in order before criticizing the world. Peterson emphasizes personal responsibility and the search for meaning as a defense against suffering. "12 Rules for Life" became a bestseller in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, selling over ten million copies worldwide by May 2023. The book has 448 pages in the hardcover edition and 320 in the ebook version. There are currently no film or television adaptations of "12 Rules for Life".