Jordan Peterson

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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 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 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.

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.

Symbols of Transformation

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

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 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 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.

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 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:
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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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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:
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Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

Thompson's gonzo journalism classic recounts a drug-fueled journey to Las Vegas, blending surreal narrative and social critique to explore the dark side of the American Dream.

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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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 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:
Ben Shapiro Bill Gates Lex Fridman

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.

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.

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