Jordan Peterson

Home
VIPs
Jordan Peterson

Dive into the literary world of Jordan Peterson, Psychologist.

Jordan Peterson is a Canadian clinical psychologist, cultural critic, and professor of psychology, widely known for his influence on modern discussions of psychology, philosophy, and society. He gained prominence through his now-famous YouTube channel, which features his university lectures, interviews, and a variety of personal and professional advice sessions. Peterson's bestselling book, "12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos," synthesizes his personal, clinical, and scholarly insights into practical advice, drawing on a range of influences from ancient texts to modern literature.

❝The purpose of life is finding the largest burden that you can bear and bearing it.❞ — Jordan Peterson

Peterson is an avid reader and often emphasizes the importance of literature and writing in understanding human psychology and societal structures. His lectures and writings are steeped in references to classic literature, religious texts, and philosophical works, demonstrating his deep engagement with various sources of wisdom throughout his career. This breadth of reading underpins his controversial but often insightful commentary on life, responsibility, and personal development.

Facebook

X (Twitter)

Instagram

YouTube

Jordan Peterson's Favorite Books

Last Updated: June 2024

Answer to Job

ung explores the psychological and theological implications of the Biblical Book of Job, discussing the nature of suffering, divine justice, and the evolution of the human psyche.

Harry Potter Boxed Set: Books 1-7

This bestselling series chronicles the adventures of Harry Potter, a young wizard, as he navigates the challenges of growing up, battling dark forces, and fulfilling his destiny in the magical world.

Also recommended by:
Lex Fridman

Man's Search for Meaning

Frankl's memoir and psychological exploration discusses his experiences in Nazi concentration camps and introduces logotherapy, a therapeutic approach centered on finding purpose in life.

Also recommended by:
Lex Fridman

History of Religious Ideas, Volume 1: From the Stone Age to the Eleusinian Mysteries

Eliade traces the development of religious ideas from prehistoric times to the ancient Greek mysteries, examining the evolution of spiritual beliefs and practices across cultures.

The Long Goodbye

Chandler's classic noir novel follows private detective Philip Marlowe as he unravels a complex web of deception, betrayal, and murder in 1950s Los Angeles.

Also recommended by:
Adam Savage

East of Eden

John Steinbeck's sweeping saga of the Trask and Hamilton families in the Salinas Valley of California, exploring themes of sin and redemption with biblical parallels, particularly the rivalry of brothers, mirroring the story of Cain and Abel.

Also recommended by:
Oprah Winfrey

War and Peace

Leo Tolstoy's epic novel set against the backdrop of Napoleon's invasion of Russia explores the impact of the Napoleonic era on Tsarist society through the interconnected lives of four aristocratic families, blending a meticulous historical study with deeper philosophical issues.

Also recommended by:
Martin Luther King, Jr. Ernest Hemingway

Fratricides

Kazantzakis' novel portrays the brutal realities of the Greek Civil War, depicting the internal and external conflicts faced by individuals torn between ideological loyalties and familial bonds.

An Outline of Psycho-analysis

Freud provides a comprehensive overview of his psychoanalytic theories, including the structure of the mind, the role of the unconscious, and the mechanisms of defense.

The Old Man And The Sea

This novella tells the story of Santiago, an aging fisherman who engages in an epic struggle to catch a giant marlin, symbolizing themes of perseverance, pride, and the human condition.

Also recommended by:
Jimmy Buffett Lex Fridman

The Madness of Crowds: Gender, Race and Identity

Murray critically examines contemporary social justice movements, discussing the complexities and controversies surrounding gender, race, and identity politics.

Earth in Human Hands: Shaping Our Planet's Future

Grinspoon explores humanity's role as a planetary force, examining our impact on Earth and advocating for a conscious and responsible approach to shaping the planet's future.

Affective Neuroscience: The Foundations of Human and Animal Emotions

Panksepp explores the neural mechanisms underlying emotions in humans and animals, providing a foundational understanding of affective neuroscience and its implications for psychology and psychiatry.

The Hobbit

This beloved fantasy novel follows the adventures of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who embarks on an epic quest with a group of dwarves to reclaim their homeland from the dragon Smaug, discovering courage and friendship along the way.

The Neuropsychology of Anxiety: An Enquiry into the Functions of the Septo-Hippocampal System

Gray investigates the neural mechanisms underlying anxiety, focusing on the role of the septo-hippocampal system and its interaction with other brain structures.

The Mystery Of Capital Why Capitalism Succeeds In The West And Fails Everywhere Else

De Soto analyzes why capitalism thrives in Western countries but struggles elsewhere, arguing that the lack of formal property rights and accessible legal systems hinders economic development in many nations.

Myth and Reality

Eliade delves into the nature and function of myths across different cultures, exploring how they shape human perception of reality and provide meaning to life.

Systemantics: How Systems Work and Especially How They Fail

Gall humorously and insightfully examines the nature of complex systems, exploring their inherent flaws and the often unpredictable ways they operate and fail.

Flowers for Algernon

Keyes' novel tells the poignant story of Charlie Gordon, a mentally disabled man who undergoes an experimental surgery to increase his intelligence, only to face unforeseen consequences.

The House of God

This satirical novel depicts the experiences of medical interns at a fictional hospital, offering a darkly humorous critique of the medical profession and the dehumanizing effects of the healthcare system.

The Origins And History Of Consciousness

Neumann traces the development of human consciousness from primordial times to modernity, integrating Jungian psychology with mythological and historical analysis.

Madness and Civilization: A History of Insanity in the Age of Reason

Foucault explores the history of how Western society has perceived and treated mental illness, examining the shifting boundaries between sanity and madness.

Stone Angel

Laurence's novel tells the story of Hagar Shipley, a fiercely independent elderly woman reflecting on her life and struggles as she faces her final days, highlighting themes of pride, resilience, and redemption.

The Master and Margarita

Mikhail Bulgakov's fantastical, satirical novel features the Devil visiting Soviet Russia, intertwining the lives of Margarita, her beloved Master who is an oppressed writer, and historical figures, ultimately exploring themes of good and evil, love, and redemption.

Also recommended by:
Johnny Depp David Bowie

The Ticket That Exploded

Burroughs' experimental novel continues the narrative of "The Nova Trilogy," using cut-up techniques to explore themes of control, addiction, and the fragmentation of reality.

Notice: Undefined offset: 978 in /var/www/ryan/data/www/vipreads.com/vip.php on line 103

Words With Power: Being a Second Study of The Bible and Literature

Frye explores the profound influence of the Bible on Western literature, examining its archetypal structures and symbolic power across various literary traditions.

Mephistopheles: The Devil in the Modern World

Russell traces the evolution of the figure of the devil in Western culture, examining its role and significance from the medieval period to modern times.

The Red And The Black

This psychological novel follows Julien Sorel's attempts to rise above his humble beginnings through manipulation and deceit in a society riddled with social hypocrisies and class warfare, offering a satirical take on French society during the Restoration.

Also recommended by:
Ernest Hemingway

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

Kesey's novel tells the story of Randle P. McMurphy, a rebellious inmate who challenges the oppressive regime of a mental institution, highlighting themes of individuality, conformity, and institutional power.

Thus Spoke Zarathustra: A Book for All and None

Nietzsche's philosophical novel follows the prophet Zarathustra as he shares his teachings on the Übermensch, the eternal recurrence, and the death of God, challenging readers to rethink traditional values.

Beyond Good and Evil: The Philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche

Nietzsche critiques traditional morality and explores the concepts of power, individualism, and the nature of truth in this seminal work of philosophy.

Also recommended by:
Lex Fridman

The Forge and the Crucible: The Origins and Structure of Alchemy

Eliade explores the spiritual and symbolic aspects of alchemy, tracing its historical development and its significance in various cultures as a transformative and mystical practice.

The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat: And Other Clinical Tales

Sacks presents a series of fascinating case studies of patients with neurological disorders, offering insights into the complexities of the human brain and the profound effects of neurological impairments on identity and perception.

Genius: The Natural History of Creativity

Eysenck explores the nature of creativity and genius, examining the psychological and biological factors that contribute to extraordinary creative achievements.

The Greatest Works of John Milton

This collection compiles Milton's most influential works, including "Paradise Lost," "Paradise Regained," and "Samson Agonistes," showcasing his mastery of epic poetry and profound theological and philosophical insights.

1984

George Orwell's dystopian novel depicts a totalitarian regime under the omnipresent surveillance of Big Brother, where individuality and free thought are crushed, warning of the dire consequences of political authoritarianism.

Also recommended by:
David Bowie Tupac Shakur Winston Churchill

Grapes of Wrath

Steinbeck's classic novel chronicles the struggles of the Joad family as they journey from the Dust Bowl of Oklahoma to California in search of a better life during the Great Depression.

The New Executive Brain: Frontal Lobes in a Complex World

Goldberg examines the role of the frontal lobes in human cognition and behavior, discussing their importance in decision-making, creativity, and adapting to complex environments.

Shamanism: Archaic Techniques of Ecstasy

Eliade provides a comprehensive study of shamanism, examining its practices, rituals, and the role of shamans in various cultures as intermediaries between the human and spiritual worlds.

Going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood, and the Prison of Belief

Wright provides a comprehensive and critical examination of the Church of Scientology, its origins, practices, and influence, particularly its entanglement with Hollywood celebrities.

Myths Dreams and Mysteries

Eliade delves into the symbolic and psychological significance of myths, dreams, and religious experiences, examining their roles in shaping human consciousness and cultural identity.

The Will to Power

Nietzsche's posthumously published work compiles his thoughts on power dynamics, philosophy, and morality, emphasizing the drive for dominance and mastery inherent in human nature.

Crime and Punishment

Fyodor Dostoevsky's intense psychological novel follows the mental anguish and moral dilemmas of Rodion Raskolnikov, an impoverished ex-student in St. Petersburg who formulates and executes a plan to kill an unscrupulous pawnbroker.

Also recommended by:
Tom Hanks Woody Harrelson

How to Spend $75 Billion to Make the World a Better Place

Lomborg presents research-based proposals on how to effectively allocate resources to address global challenges such as poverty, health, and education, aiming to maximize the impact of philanthropic efforts.

The First Circle

Solzhenitsyn's novel depicts the lives of scientists and engineers imprisoned in a Soviet labor camp, exploring themes of freedom, integrity, and the human spirit under oppression.

On the Genealogy of Morals and Ecce Homo

Nietzsche's works explore the origins and development of moral concepts and offer a deeply personal reflection on his philosophy, critiquing contemporary values and championing individualism.

Notice: Undefined offset: 565 in /var/www/ryan/data/www/vipreads.com/vip.php on line 103

The Ecological Approach to Visual Perception

Gibson's influential work introduces the theory of ecological perception, arguing that visual perception is a direct process shaped by the environment and our interactions with it.

The Rational Optimist: How Prosperity Evolves

Matt Ridley argues that economic prosperity is a product of social evolution, demonstrating how human progress depends on the exchange of ideas and goods.

Also recommended by:
Naval Ravikant

The Rise of Statistical Thinking

Porter explores the historical development of statistical methods and their impact on scientific inquiry, public policy, and modern thought.

The Gulag Archipelago

Solzhenitsyn's monumental work exposes the brutal realities of the Soviet Union's forced labor camp system, drawing on personal experiences and historical documents to chronicle the suffering and resilience of prisoners.

To Kill a Mockingbird

Harper Lee's beloved novel, set in the racially charged South of the 1930s, follows young Scout Finch as her father, lawyer Atticus Finch, defends a black man unjustly accused of rape, teaching profound lessons about morality and justice.

Also recommended by:
Oprah Winfrey Tupac Shakur

The Rise and Fall of American Growth: The U.S. Standard of Living since the Civil War

This comprehensive analysis examines the unparalleled economic growth in America from 1870 to 1970 and explores why this rapid growth was a unique episode unlikely to be repeated, assessing the challenges facing the U.S. economy today.

Also recommended by:
Bill Gates Lex Fridman Ben Shapiro

Brave New World

Set in a dystopian future where individuals are systematically controlled and conditioned for roles in a totalitarian society, Huxley’s novel critiques the dangers of sacrificing individuality for technological and governmental control.

Also recommended by:
Sam Altman Lex Fridman Tupac Shakur Winston Churchill

Notice: Undefined offset: 1023 in /var/www/ryan/data/www/vipreads.com/vip.php on line 103

The World's Religions

Smith offers an accessible and insightful overview of the major world religions, exploring their beliefs, practices, and historical development while highlighting their common spiritual themes.

Notice: Undefined offset: 1030 in /var/www/ryan/data/www/vipreads.com/vip.php on line 103

The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test

Wolfe's non-fiction account captures the psychedelic adventures of Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters as they journey across America in a colorful bus, spreading the gospel of LSD in the 1960s counterculture.

Factfulness: Ten Reasons We're Wrong About the World--and Why Things Are Better Than You Think

Rosling encourages a more fact-based world view by challenging common misconceptions and biases about global development, revealing data that shows how much the world has improved in terms of health, wealth, and education.

Also recommended by:
Bill Gates

Notice: Undefined offset: 1038 in /var/www/ryan/data/www/vipreads.com/vip.php on line 103

The Adventures of Pinocchio (Mint Editions (The Children's Library))

Collodi's timeless children's novel follows the adventures of Pinocchio, a wooden puppet who longs to become a real boy, learning valuable life lessons along the way.

Man's Search For Meaning

Psychiatrist Viktor Frankl's memoir has transcended its own genre by describing his experiences in Nazi death camps, all the while explaining his psychotherapeutic method, which involved identifying a purpose in life to feel positive about, and then immersively imagining that outcome.

Also recommended by:
Sam Altman

The Gay Science: or The Joyful Wisdom

Nietzsche's philosophical work celebrates the power of creativity and joyful wisdom, famously declaring the death of God and exploring themes of nihilism and the will to power.

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values

Pirsig's philosophical novel combines a cross-country motorcycle trip with a deep exploration of the nature of quality, the conflict between classical and romantic modes of thought, and the pursuit of a meaningful life.

Also recommended by:
Tupac Shakur

The Denial of Death

Becker's Pulitzer Prize-winning work examines the role of death in human psychology, arguing that much of human behavior is driven by an unconscious fear of mortality and the desire to achieve symbolic immortality.

Notice: Undefined offset: 999 in /var/www/ryan/data/www/vipreads.com/vip.php on line 103

The Rape of Nanking: The Forgotten Holocaust of World War II

Chang provides a harrowing account of the atrocities committed by Japanese forces in Nanking in 1937, shedding light on this often-overlooked episode of World War II history.

The Maltese Falcon

Hammett's classic noir novel follows private detective Sam Spade as he becomes entangled in a dangerous quest for a priceless statuette, navigating a web of deceit and betrayal.

Progress: Ten Reasons to Look Forward to the Future

Norberg presents a compelling case for optimism, highlighting advancements in health, wealth, safety, and freedom to argue that the world is steadily improving.

Play, Dreams And Imitation In Childhood

Piaget's seminal work delves into the cognitive development of children, analyzing how play, dreams, and imitation contribute to their understanding of the world and intellectual growth.

Animal Farm

Orwell's allegorical novella critiques totalitarianism through the story of a group of farm animals who overthrow their human owner, only to see their new government become equally oppressive.

Also recommended by:
Lex Fridman

The Great Code: The Bible and Literature

Frye analyzes the Bible's literary and symbolic significance, exploring its profound influence on Western literature and culture through a detailed examination of its narratives and themes.

Our Culture, What's Left of It: The Mandarins and the Masses

Dalrymple critiques contemporary Western culture, arguing that the erosion of traditional values and intellectual standards has led to social and moral decline.

Modern Man in Search of a Soul

Jung's seminal work delves into the spiritual and psychological challenges of modern life, addressing topics such as dream analysis, the role of spirituality, and the integration of the unconscious.

Demons

Dostoevsky's novel delves into the political and social turmoil of 19th-century Russia, examining the destructive impact of radical ideologies on individuals and communities.

Also recommended by:
Ben Shapiro

Island

Huxley's utopian novel envisions an ideal society on a remote island, blending Eastern and Western philosophies to create a harmonious and enlightened community, while addressing themes of human potential and societal organization.

The Antichrist

Nietzsche's provocative work critiques Christianity and its moral framework, advocating for a reevaluation of values and the embrace of a more life-affirming philosophy.

Aion

Jung delves into the concept of the self and the process of individuation, examining archetypal symbols and the collective unconscious, with a particular focus on the Christian era and its psychological impact.

Notice: Undefined offset: 959 in /var/www/ryan/data/www/vipreads.com/vip.php on line 103

Wuthering Heights

Brontë's only novel is a dark, passionate tale of the tumultuous relationship between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, set against the moody backdrop of the Yorkshire moors, exploring themes of vengeance, social class, and the supernatural.

Also recommended by:
Ernest Hemingway

Lord of the World

This prophetic early 20th-century novel imagines a dystopian future where secularism has taken over society, leading to the rise of a totalitarian world government and a final, apocalyptic struggle between good and evil.

Also recommended by:
Pope Francis

The Sacred and The Profane: The Nature of Religion

Eliade explores the dichotomy between the sacred and the profane, analyzing how religious beliefs and rituals shape human experiences and perceptions of reality.

The Moral Judgment of the Child

Piaget's groundbreaking study examines the development of moral reasoning in children, exploring how they evolve from a rigid adherence to rules to a more nuanced understanding of morality.

An Anthropologist On Mars: Seven Paradoxical Tales

Sacks presents seven case studies of patients with unique neurological conditions, offering insights into the complexities of the human brain and the resilience of the human spirit.

The Brothers Karamazov

This profound novel delves into the lives of the Karamazov family, focusing on their internal moral struggles, profound philosophical dialogues, and the search for faith and meaning amidst personal tragedy.

Also recommended by:
Winston Churchill Pope Francis Keanu Reeves Hillary Clinton Ernest Hemingway

The EMOTIONAL BRAIN: The Mysterious Underpinnings of Emotional Life

Ledoux explores the neural mechanisms behind emotions, revealing how the brain processes and regulates emotional experiences and their impact on behavior.

Symbols of Transformation

Jung delves into the symbolic and mythological underpinnings of human psychology, exploring how transformative symbols influence personal and collective unconscious processes.

The Great Mother: An Analysis of the Archetype

Neumann analyzes the archetype of the Great Mother in mythology, art, and religion, exploring its profound influence on human psychology and cultural development.