去年，在我儿子出生的前几天，我看到了 Jordan Peterson 的一个演讲，内容就是他的书《人生十二法则》。老爷子的演讲风趣幽默，又和蔼可亲。你能感觉到，他是真的希望你能过好自己的一生。最近又翻出他的书来看，每一条 rule 都简单朴实又振聋发聩。

1. Stand up straight with your shoulders back

Your posture signals to yourself (and others) that you are ready to face challenges and take responsibility.

2. Treat yourself like someone you are responsible for helping

People often care for others better than they care for themselves. Give yourself the same attention and compassion.

3. Make friends with people who want the best for you

Avoid those who drag you down or envy you. Surround yourself with people who genuinely support your growth.

4. Compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not to who someone else is today

Progress is personal. Benchmark against your own improvement, not others’ achievements.

5. Do not let your children do anything that makes you dislike them

Set boundaries and teach responsibility. Over-permissive parenting harms children in the long run.

6. Set your house in perfect order before you criticize the world

Before blaming society or the world, fix your own life: habits, relationships, health, responsibilities.

7. Pursue what is meaningful (not what is expedient)

Choose long-term meaning over short-term comfort or convenience.

8. Tell the truth — or at least, don’t lie

Dishonesty distorts reality and creates chaos. Truth aligns your actions with reality.

9. Assume that the person you are listening to might know something you don’t

Listen with humility. Real understanding requires genuine attention.

10. Be precise in your speech

Define your problems clearly. Vague language leads to vague thinking.

11. Do not bother children when they are skateboarding

People need exposure to risk to grow strong. Overprotection weakens them.

12. Pet a cat when you encounter one on the street

Life is full of suffering. Learn to notice small moments of beauty and peace.