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.

Jordan Peterson's Favorite Books

Last Updated: June 2024

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:
Lex Fridman  Bill Gates  Ben Shapiro 

The Symbolic Life: Miscellaneous Writings

This collection of Jung's essays and lectures covers a wide range of topics, including the symbolic dimensions of human experience, the process of individuation, and the interplay between the conscious and unconscious mind.

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.

Notice: Undefined offset: 1022 in /var/www/ryan/data/www/vipreads.com/vip.php on line 103

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

Notice: Undefined offset: 1032 in /var/www/ryan/data/www/vipreads.com/vip.php on line 103

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.

Notice: Undefined offset: 1057 in /var/www/ryan/data/www/vipreads.com/vip.php on line 103

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

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.

Notice: Undefined offset: 938 in /var/www/ryan/data/www/vipreads.com/vip.php on line 103

Notice: Undefined offset: 1010 in /var/www/ryan/data/www/vipreads.com/vip.php on line 103

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:
David Bowie  Johnny Depp 

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

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.

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

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.

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

Notice: Undefined offset: 984 in /var/www/ryan/data/www/vipreads.com/vip.php on line 103

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

Notice: Undefined offset: 1037 in /var/www/ryan/data/www/vipreads.com/vip.php on line 103

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 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.

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.

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 

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 

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.

Notice: Undefined offset: 1030 in /var/www/ryan/data/www/vipreads.com/vip.php on line 103
Do you have a suggestion for someone who should be featured on our site? Reach out to us today, and we'll make every effort to include them soon!