Lessons from the 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos By Jordan Peterson | Rule 11
0The eleventh rule in Jordan Peterson’s 12 Rules for Life is “Do not bother children when they are skateboarding.” This rule highlights the importance of allowing individuals, particularly young people, to take risks, face challenges, and experience failure as a means of building resilience and strength. Peterson uses the metaphor of children skateboarding to illustrate how essential it is for personal growth that people confront situations that are both challenging and, at times, dangerous. These experiences enable individuals to develop courage, confidence, and self-reliance.
Peterson argues that by overly protecting or restricting children from taking risks, we inadvertently hinder their development and leave them ill-equipped to face the realities of life. Growth requires confronting one’s fears, learning from mistakes, and gradually mastering difficult situations. When children (or adults) are denied these opportunities, they miss the chance to build character and internalize the belief that they are capable of handling adversity.
This rule also speaks to the importance of freedom in learning and exploration. Overprotective attitudes, though well-intentioned, can lead to a kind of psychological fragility, where individuals become fearful of the world and lack the confidence to pursue their goals. Peterson emphasizes that allowing people to take risks encourages them to trust in their abilities and strengthens their resilience.
In essence, “Do not bother children when they are skateboarding” is a call to embrace and respect the process of personal growth that comes from risk-taking and challenges. Life is inherently filled with risks, and it is through facing them, rather than avoiding them, that individuals learn to thrive.
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• Jordan B. Peterson on 12 Rules for Life
All credits to Dr. Jordan Peterson
A renowned clinical psychologist and best-selling author, has inspired millions with his practical and thought-provoking insights. His book 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos offers powerful principles for personal growth and responsibility, helping people bring order to their lives and navigate the challenges of modern society. In this collection of clips, we explore key highlights from his 12 rules, each designed to encourage self-discipline, resilience, and a deeper sense of meaning. Peterson’s wisdom challenges us to rise above chaos and transform ourselves, one practical step at a time."
The first rule in Jordan Peterson's 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos is "Stand up straight with your shoulders back." At first glance, this rule may seem to focus only on posture, but Peterson delves much deeper into its significance. By standing up straight with your shoulders back, you send a powerful signal to yourself and others: a signal of confidence, resilience, and self-respect. This posture symbolizes the strength needed to face challenges head-on rather than shrinking away in fear or insecurity.
Peterson explains this rule through a biological lens, drawing on research on dominance hierarchies in animals, particularly lobsters. In a way, lobsters compete for territory and status within their social structure, and the victor stands tall while the defeated slouches. This behavior translates to humans, where standing tall can signal to others—and to oneself—a readiness to take on life’s challenges. A person who "stands up straight with shoulders back" demonstrates their willingness to assert their place in the world, cultivating a mindset that is proactive rather than passive.
Beyond the physical, this rule encourages people to take responsibility for themselves and their lives. By embodying this stance, people are more likely to approach life with purpose and resilience, rather than falling into a cycle of self-pity or hopelessness. It’s a call to embrace one’s personal power, showing that confidence and inner strength often begin with the smallest changes in behavior. For Peterson, this simple rule serves as a foundational step toward a life of responsibility and greater mental fortitude, setting the tone for the rest of his principles.