Jordan Peterson is a clinical psychologist and professor of psychology at the University of Toronto. He has written several books, including Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief and 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos.
Peterson recommended many books for people who want to improve their lives. We have created a list below.
1984 by George Orwell
George Orwell’s 1984 is a dystopian novel about a society controlled by a totalitarian government. The government controls everything in society, including the thoughts and actions of its citizens.
The book was written in 1949, and it is set in the future year 1984. It was published shortly after World War II, and it reflects the concerns of that time period about the rise of communism and the possibility of a future global war.
A Farewell To Arms by Ernest Hemingway
A Farewell To Arms by Ernest Hemingway is a novel about love and war. The novel follows the story of an American ambulance driver, Lieutenant Frederic Henry, who falls in love with a British nurse, Catherine Barkley. The two meet in Italy during World War I and their love affair must endure the horrors of war.
The novel was inspired by Hemingway’s own experiences as an ambulance driver during World War I. A Farewell To Arms is considered to be one of the great American novels of the 20th century.
A History of Religious Ideas by Mircea Eliade
Mircea Eliade was a historian of religion who wrote the seminal work, A History of Religious Ideas. In it, he sought to trace the development of religious thought from its earliest origins to the present day. He argued that all religions share certain commonalities, which he called “archaic metaphysical” ideas.
These include a belief in an invisible reality behind the visible world; a belief in sacred time and space; and a belief in divine beings or forces.
Eliade believed that these shared ideas are what makes religions fundamentally alike, even as they may differ in their specifics. His work remains hugely influential in the study of religion today.
Affective Neuroscience by Jaak Panksepp
Affective neuroscience is the study of the neural mechanisms of emotion.
The book Affective Neuroscience by Jaak Panksepp is a comprehensive guide to the field, covering everything from the basic science of emotion to its clinical applications.
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Animal Farm is a novel written by George Orwell. The novel is about the rise of the Soviet Union and the rebellion against it. The novel centers around a group of animals who live in a farm known as Animal Farm.
The animals are forced to follow the orders of the leader, Napoleon, and live in a state of constant fear.
However, the animals are eventually able to overthrow Napoleon and return to their own way of life. Animal Farm is a story that speaks to the human condition, and it is a representation of the way that humans can be controlled by those in power.
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
In his novel Anna Karenina, Leo Tolstoy tells the story of a woman who is trapped in a loveless marriage and falls for another man.
The book is set in imperial Russia and follows the lives of several different characters. Despite its length, the book is considered to be one of the greatest novels ever written.
Beyond Good And Evil by Friedrich Nietzsche
In Beyond Good And Evil, Friedrich Nietzsche sets out to challenge some of our most fundamental beliefs about morality.
He believes that the traditional concept of good and evil is nothing more than a social construct, created by people in order to maintain order and control.
Nietzsche believes that we should move beyond this way of thinking and instead focus on what he calls the “will to power”.
This is the idea that we should strive to become the best that we can be, without being limited by notions of right and wrong.
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World is a novel about a future society where people are born into predetermined social classes, and where the government controls every aspect of life. The book was published in 1932, and it is still relevant today.
Cancer Ward by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s Cancer Ward is a novel about a group of patients in a cancer ward in a Soviet hospital.
The novel follows the patients from their admission to the ward, through their treatment, and to their eventual discharge.
The novel is set in the early 1950s, and it gives a rare glimpse into life in the Soviet Union during that time.
Crime And Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky is a novel about a man who commits a crime and then struggles with guilt and consequences.
The novel explores themes of morality, justice, and redemption. It is considered one of the greatest novels of all time.
Demons by Fyodor Dostoevsky
There are few authors who can so effortlessly bring the reader into the darkest recesses of the human soul than Fyodor Dostoevsky.
In Demons, he tackles the age-old question of whether evil is innate or a product of one’s environment. The novel follows a group of characters living in a small town in Russia during the 1800s who are gradually consumed by their own worst impulses.
Dostoevsky expertly weaves together different themes and ideas to create a multi-layered story that is both timeless and relevant.
The characters are richly drawn and complex, making it impossible to predict how they will react in any given situation.
This unpredictability keeps the reader on edge throughout the novel as they try to piece together what motivated each character’s actions.
DMT – The Spirit Molecule by Rick Strassman
In DMT – The Spirit Molecule, Rick Strassman explores the powerful psychedelic drug DMT and its potential to radically change our understanding of consciousness, death, and reality.
DMT has been used for centuries by indigenous peoples in South America for shamanic purposes, and Strassman’s groundbreaking research has shown that it can induce profound mystical experiences.
Earth in Human Hands by David Grinspoon
In his book Earth in Human Hands, David Grinspoon argues that humans have become a powerful force of nature and must take responsibility for the planet.
He believes that we can no longer wait for someone else to save the earth – we must act now. Grinspoon offers a vision of hope and possibility, showing how we can work together to create a sustainable future for all.
Enlightenment Now by Steven Pinker
In his book, Enlightenment Now, Steven Pinker makes the case that we are living in the most peaceful and prosperous time in human history. He attributes this to the spread of reason and science during the Enlightenment period.
Factfulness by Hans Rosling
Hans Rosling’s book, Factfulness, is about the importance of understanding global trends. In a world that is constantly changing, it is essential to be able to see patterns and trends in order to make sense of what is happening.
The book is divided into four sections: Introduction, The Gap Instinct, The Negativity Instinct, and The Fear Instinct. Each section discusses a different way that our brains tend to distort reality.
For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway
Ernest Hemingway’s For Whom the Bell Tolls is a novel about the Spanish Civil War. The story follows Robert Jordan, an American who has come to Spain to fight for the Republicans.
Jordan is attached to a group of guerrillas who are trying to blow up a bridge that will be used by the Nationalists.
The novel is set in the mountains of Spain and is full of action and adventure. Hemingway’s writing style is direct and straightforward, and he does not shy away from violence. This novel is considered one of his best works.
Gulag Archipelago by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
In his Gulag Archipelago, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn gives a first-hand account of the horrors he witnessed and experienced during his time in a Soviet gulag.
His work is not only an important historical document but also a searing indictment of the Soviet Union’s brutal regime.
How to Spend $75 Billion to Make the World a Better Place by Bjorn Lomborg
Lomborg, a visiting professor at the Copenhagen Business School, believes that money should be spent on global priorities such as fighting poverty and climate change.
He has identified seven areas where he thinks the world’s $75 billion could be best spent: health, education, food, water, environment, energy, and security.
Island by Huxley Aldous
Aldous Huxley’s Island is a novel about a utopia gone wrong. The island of Pala is supposed to be a paradise, but it turns out to be a place where people are controlled by an oppressive government.
The main character, Will Farnaby, is a journalist who comes to the island to write an article about it, but he quickly realizes that there is more to the story than meets the eye.
As he begins to uncover the truth about Pala, he also discovers that its citizens are not as happy as they seem.
They are living in a society that is based on lies and deception, and they are forced to follow strict rules in order to maintain order. Will eventually learns that the only way to escape from Pala is to leave the island forever.
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
In the midst of one of the worst possible circumstances imaginable, Viktor E. Frankl was able to find meaning.
In his book, Man’s Search for Meaning, Frankl details his experiences as a concentration camp inmate during World War II and how he was able to find hope in the midst of despair. Through his story, Frankl provides readers with a unique perspective on how to find meaning in their own lives.
Maps Of Meaning by Jordan B. Peterson
Jordan B. Peterson’s book, Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief, is a detailed and dense work that explores the nature of belief itself.
Peterson draws on a wide range of disciplines, from psychology to mythology, in order to try and understand how beliefs are formed and how they can influence our behavior.
Mercy Among the Children by David Adams Richards
In his novel Mercy Among the Children, David Adams Richards explores the themes of love and loss, hope and despair.
Set in a small town in New Brunswick, the novel follows the lives of two families – the Lesters and the McKays – over a span of 30 years. Through their struggles and triumphs, Richards paints a picture of what it means to be human.
At its heart, Mercy Among the Children is a story about family – both the ones we are born into and the ones we create for ourselves.
Modern Man in Search of A Soul by Carl Jung
In his book, Modern Man in Search of a Soul, Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung attempts to find the common ground between science and spirituality. He believes that both are essential to our understanding of the world and ourselves.
On the Genealogy of Morals by Friedrich Nietzsche
In his book On the Genealogy of Morals, Friedrich Nietzsche sets out to trace the origins of our morality. He does this by examining the history of our moral concepts, and how they have changed over time.
Nietzsche begins by looking at the concept of good and evil. He observes that in early cultures, these concepts were not seen as opposites, but as two sides of the same coin.
This is because early cultures did not have a clear distinction between what we would now call “moral” and “immoral” acts. Instead, they saw all human behavior as being natural and amoral.
It was only later, with the rise of Christianity, that our concept of good and evil began to take on its modern meaning.
Ordinary Men by Christopher Browning
In Christopher Browning’s book, Ordinary Men, he examines how the men of Reserve Police Battalion 101 were able to commit such atrocities during the Holocaust. The book focuses on the psychological factors that allowed them to do so.
Browning argues that these men were not fanatical Nazis or sociopaths, but rather ordinary people who were capable of great evil under the right circumstances.
Panzram by Thomas E. Gaddis
Thomas E. Gaddis’s Panzram is the story of a man who led a life of violence and crime. Born in Minnesota in 1891, Panzram was orphaned at a young age and sent to live in a boys’ home.
He ran away from his home and began a life of crime, spending time in reformatories and prisons. In 1924, he was sentenced to death for the murder of a cellmate.
Panzram’s story is one of rage and violence. He was a man who took what he wanted, when he wanted it, without regard for others. He killed indiscriminately, both animals and people. His crimes were brutal and shocking, even to those who knew him best.
Point Counterpoint by Huxley Aldous
In “Point Counterpoint,” Huxley Aldous explores the idea that there are two sides to every story. He argues that while it is important to consider both sides of an issue, it is also important to recognize that there is often more than one truth.
Aldous believes that it is possible for two people to have different opinions on the same issue and that both can be right. He uses the example of a debate between two people who are arguing about whether or not the Earth is round.
One person believes that the Earth is flat, while the other believes that it is round. Both are correct because they are each looking at the issue from their own perspective. This example shows how two people can have different opinions on the same issue, and how both can be right.
Progress by Johan Norberg
In his book Progress: Ten Reasons to Look Forward to the Future, Johan Norberg makes a case that the world is getting better.
He looks at various indicators of progress, such as life expectancy, literacy rates, and child mortality rates, and argues that in general, these things are improving.
Road To Wigan Pier by George Orwell
The Road to Wigan Pier is a book by George Orwell, first published in 1937. The book is a social commentary on the state of England at the time and is particularly critical of the working conditions of the English working class.
Orwell’s book was based on his own experiences as he traveled through northern England, living and working among the working class.
He observed firsthand the poor living conditions and poverty that many of them faced. His work was instrumental in bringing attention to these issues and helping to improve the lives of the English working class.
The Antichrist by Friedrich Nietzsche
Nietzsche’s The Antichrist is a controversial work, and its title character is just as controversial. The Antichrist is a figure who represents all that is opposed to Christianity, and Nietzsche believes that Christianity is a false religion.
The Antichrist is someone who embodies the values of Nietzsche’s philosophy, which include individualism, self-reliance, and a rejection of traditional morality.
While some see the Antichrist as a villain, others see him as a hero who stands up against an oppressive system.
The First Circle by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
The First Circle is a novel by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn that was first published in 1968. The book is set in the Soviet Union and chronicles the lives of prisoners who are incarcerated in a special prison for political prisoners.
The novel is based on Solzhenitsyn’s own experiences as a political prisoner and draws on his time spent working in a special prison for political prisoners.
The First Circle is widely considered to be one of Solzhenitsyn’s most important works, and it provides a unique insider’s view of the Soviet prison system.
The Gay Science by Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich Nietzsche’s The Gay Science is a work of philosophy that explores the idea of truth, morality, and religion.
Nietzsche argues that there is no such thing as objective truth and that morality is nothing more than a social construct.
He also critiques Christianity, claiming that it is a religion that promotes slave morality. The Gay Science is a provocative and thought-provoking work that will challenge readers to rethink their beliefs about truth and morality.
The Great Escape by Angus Deaton
The Great Escape is a book by Angus Deaton that was published in 2013. The book is about global poverty and inequality, and how these things have changed over time. In the Introduction, Deaton explains why he wrote the book and what he hopes to achieve with it.
Deaton begins by saying that he was motivated to write The Great Escape because he wanted to understand why some countries are rich and others are poor. He also wanted to know why some people are so much richer than others within countries.
He notes that there has been a lot of progress in reducing global poverty over the past few centuries, but that this progress has not been evenly distributed across the world.
For example, while poverty has declined significantly in Europe and North America, it remains high in many parts of Africa and Asia.
The House of God by Samuel Shem
The House of God is a novel by Samuel Shem, first published in 1978. The novel follows the lives of a group of medical residents at a hospital nicknamed “The House of God”.
The Myth of Mental Illness by Thomas S. Szasz
Mental illness is a myth. This is the claim of Thomas S. Szasz, a psychiatrist, and author of The Myth of Mental Illness.
Szasz believes that mental illness is a metaphor for problems in living. He argues that labeling someone as mentally ill does more harm than good because it pathologizes their behavior and leads to involuntary treatment.
Szasz’s views are controversial, but he makes some valid points. It’s true that mental illness is often used as an excuse for bad behavior. And involuntary treatment can be harmful. But there are also many people who suffer from genuine mental illnesses that benefit from treatment.
The bottom line is that mental illness is real, whether or not Thomas S. Szasz believes it to be so.
The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
The Old Man and the Sea is a novel by Ernest Hemingway. The novel was published in 1952 and won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1953.
It tells the story of an elderly Cuban fisherman, Santiago, who struggles to catch a giant marlin off the coast of Cuba.
The Old Man and the Sea is considered one of Hemingway’s most famous works. It is known for its simple, direct style and its theme of human endurance in the face of adversity. The novel has been adapted into several films and television programs.
The Painted Bird by Jerzy Kosinski
The Painted Bird is a novel by Jerzy Kosinski that follows the life of a young boy in Eastern Europe during World War II. The novel is considered to be one of the most important works of twentieth-century literature.
The Painted Bird was first published in 1965 and was immediately met with controversy. Some critics praised the novel for its brutal honesty, while others accused Kosinski of fabricating the story. Regardless of the controversy, The Painted Bird remains an important work of literature.
The Painted Bird is a difficult read, but it is ultimately rewarding. The novel gives readers a glimpse into the horrors of war and the human capacity for evil.
The Rape of Nanking by Iris Chang
The Rape of Nanking by Iris Chang is a book about the events that took place during the Second Sino-Japanese War. The book focuses on the city of Nanking, which was the capital of China at the time.
In December of 1937, Japanese troops invaded and captured the city. They proceeded to commit mass rape, murder, and looting. An estimated 200,000-300,000 people were killed during the massacre.
The book is based on interviews with survivors, eyewitness accounts, and historical documents. It is a shocking and brutal account of one of the worst atrocities in human history.
The Rational Optimist by Matt Ridley
In The Rational Optimist, Matt Ridley makes the case that optimism is the key to human progress. He argues that throughout history, optimistic people have been more likely to take risks and innovate, which has led to positive change.
Ridley begins by pointing out that humans have a natural tendency to be optimistic. He cites studies showing that people tend to believe they are more likely to succeed than others and that they will live longer than average. This optimism, he argues, is what drives people to take risks and try new things.
The Sacred Mushroom and The Cross by John M. Allegro
In his book The Sacred Mushroom and The Cross, John M. Allegro argues that Christianity is a continuation of a pagan religion that worshipped a mushroom god.
Allegro believes that the early Christians appropriated the stories and symbols of this ancient religion to create their own new religion.
He presents evidence from the Bible and other ancient texts to support his theory. While some of Allegro’s ideas are controversial, his theories provide an interesting perspective on the origins of Christianity.
The Will to Power by Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich Nietzsche’s book, The Will to Power, is a philosophical work that examines the concept of power. Nietzsche believes that power is the fundamental driving force in human nature. He argues that humans are constantly striving to increase their power and influence over others.
This quest for power leads to conflict and competition, which are necessary for human progress. Nietzsche also believes that the will to power is what makes humans unique and superior to other animals. This will to power is what gives humans the ability to create and achieve great things.
War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
One of the most important and influential novels of the nineteenth century, War and Peace, was written by Leo Tolstoy.
The novel tells the story of several families during the French invasion of Russia in 1812. War and Peace is not only a great work of literature but also a powerful historical document.
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig
Motorcycle maintenance is often seen as a chore. However, it can be therapeutic and even meditative if approached the right way.
In his book Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, Robert Pirsig shares his insights on how to find enjoyment in the process of keeping a motorcycle in good condition.
He covers topics such as the importance of focus, the value of taking your time, and the difference between working on a machine and working on an art piece. By following Pirsig’s advice, even the most mundane tasks can become opportunities for self-improvement and reflection.
Also Read: