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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.

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Jordan Peterson's Favorite Books

Last Updated: June 2024

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.

Two Essays on Analytical Psychology

Jung's essays introduce key concepts of his analytical psychology, including the theory of individuation, the collective unconscious, and the archetypes.

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.

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

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.

Brain Architecture: Understanding the Basic Plan

Swanson presents an accessible introduction to the structure and function of the brain, detailing its organization and the principles underlying its complex architecture.

Why Men Earn More: The Startling Truth Behind the Pay Gap -- and What Women Can Do About It

Farrell investigates the factors contributing to the gender pay gap, offering controversial insights and practical advice for women seeking to maximize their earnings.

Sometimes a Great Notion

Kesey's novel tells the story of the Stamper family, who run a logging business in Oregon, highlighting themes of individuality, family loyalty, and resistance against collective pressures.

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.

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.

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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.

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

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.

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The Horse's Mouth

Cary's novel follows the life of Gulley Jimson, an eccentric and rebellious artist, as he pursues his creative vision with relentless determination and often disastrous consequences.

Of Mice and Men

Steinbeck's novella tells the poignant story of two displaced ranch workers, George and Lennie, who dream of owning their own land but face harsh realities during the Great Depression.

Hamlet

Shakespeare's tragedy follows Prince Hamlet as he seeks revenge against his uncle, who has murdered his father, taken the throne, and married his mother, exploring themes of madness, revenge, and existential angst.

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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.

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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.

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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 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 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

Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief

Peterson examines the psychological foundations of belief systems, integrating insights from mythology, religion, and neuroscience to explore how humans construct meaning.

The Crisis of Islam: Holy War and Unholy Terror

Lewis explores the historical and cultural roots of Islamic extremism, providing context for understanding contemporary conflicts and the motivations behind jihadist movements.

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

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.

The Charterhouse of Parma

This novel tells the adventures of the young Italian nobleman Fabrizio del Dongo as he navigates the intrigues of the Napoleonic Wars and the Restoration period, seeking love and fortune, and ultimately retreating to the monastery of Parma.

Also recommended by:
Ernest Hemingway

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.

The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious

Jung explores the concept of archetypes and the collective unconscious, proposing that universal, primordial images and themes shape human experiences and cultural expressions.

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.

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

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.

The Great Escape: Health, Wealth, and the Origins of Inequality

Nobel laureate Angus Deaton explores the historical and current disparities in health and wealth among nations, discussing how some countries have made dramatic progress, while others remain mired in poverty, and the complex factors that drive these inequalities.

Also recommended by:
Bill Gates

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Zorba the Greek

This novel follows the life-changing friendship between a young Greek intellectual and the exuberant, larger-than-life Alexis Zorba, who teaches him to embrace the joys and sorrows of life.

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

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 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:
Keanu Reeves Pope Francis Winston Churchill Ernest Hemingway Hillary Clinton

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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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

Panzram A Journal of Murder

This biographical work presents the life and confessions of Carl Panzram, a serial killer and career criminal, offering a chilling insight into his psyche and the brutal conditions of early 20th-century prisons.

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.

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 Road to Character

This book explores how some of the world's greatest thinkers and leaders have built strong inner character through the conquest of their own vices and the struggle against adversity, urging modern readers to focus more on developing virtues rather than personal success.

Also recommended by:
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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

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

Painted Bird

Kosinski's harrowing novel follows the journey of a young boy abandoned during World War II, as he encounters brutality and inhumanity in the Eastern European countryside, exploring themes of survival and the loss of innocence.

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.

A History of Religious Ideas, Vol. 2: From Gautama Buddha to the Triumph of Christianity

Eliade continues his exploration of religious history, covering the development of major religious traditions from the time of Gautama Buddha to the rise of Christianity.

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Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress

Pinker argues that the ideals of the Enlightenment have led to progress in every aspect of human development and advocates for reason, science, and humanism as the foundational principles to further improve the human condition.

Also recommended by:
Bill Gates

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.

Beowulf: A New Verse Translation

Heaney's award-winning translation brings new life and accessibility to the ancient epic poem, telling the heroic tale of Beowulf's battles against the monster Grendel and other foes.

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.

The Big Sleep

Chandler's classic hardboiled detective novel introduces private investigator Philip Marlowe, who navigates a labyrinth of crime and corruption while solving a complex case in Los Angeles.

Also recommended by:
Adam Savage

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Don't Burn This Book: Thinking for Yourself in an Age of Unreason

Rubin encourages readers to embrace free thought and open dialogue, challenging prevailing cultural narratives and promoting intellectual independence.

Awakenings

Sacks recounts his experiences treating patients who survived encephalitis lethargica but remained in a frozen, non-responsive state, detailing their miraculous awakenings and subsequent struggles with reality.

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.

For Whom The Bell Tolls

Hemingway's novel follows Robert Jordan, an American dynamiter fighting in the Spanish Civil War, as he grapples with love, duty, and the brutal realities of war.

Stalin

Radzinsky's biography offers an in-depth look at the life of Joseph Stalin, drawing on newly available archival materials to provide insights into his rise to power and the brutal regime he led.

Also recommended by:
Tupac Shakur

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

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.

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 Winston Churchill Tupac Shakur

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.

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

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:
Lex Fridman Winston Churchill Sam Altman Tupac Shakur

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.

Psychology and Religion: West and East

This collection of Jung's essays examines the intersection of psychology and religion, comparing Western religious traditions with Eastern spiritual practices and their psychological implications.

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.

A Way of Being

Rogers reflects on his experiences and developments in humanistic psychology, discussing the principles of client-centered therapy and the importance of authenticity and empathy in therapeutic relationships.

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 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.

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.

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:
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