They apply the threat of privation or punishment so their subordinates have little choice but to act in a manner contrary to their personal needs, desires, and values. When people exert power over others, they compel them, forcefully. It is the authority that properly accompanies ability.Īuthority is not mere power, and it is extremely unhelpful, even dangerous, to confuse the two. If the problem is real, then the people who are best at solving the problem at hand should rise to the top. If there is a problem to be solved, and many people involve themselves in the solution, then a hierarchy must and will arise, as those who can do, and those who cannot follow as best they can, often learning to be competent in the process. These universal constraints, manifest biologically and imposed socially, reduce the complexity of the world to something approximating a universally understandable domain of value.

This means that the solutions we apply to our fundamental biological problems must also be acceptable and implementable socially. The fact that we are deeply social adds another set of constraints to the situation: We must perceive and act in a manner that meets our biological and psychological needs-but, since none of us lives or can live in isolation, we must meet them in a manner approved of by others. If other people can tolerate having you around, in other words, they will constantly remind you not to misbehave, and just as constantly call on you to be at your best. They will raise an eyebrow, or smile (or not), or pay attention (or not). If you begin to deviate from the straight and narrow path-if you begin to act improperly-people will react to your errors before they become too great, and cajole, laugh, tap, and criticize you back into place. People remain mentally healthy not merely because of the integrity of their own minds, but because they are constantly being reminded how to think, act, and speak by those around them. Simply put: We outsource the problem of sanity.

An individual does not have to be that well put together if he or she can remain at least minimally acceptable in behavior to others. People exist among other people and not as purely individual minds. It also offers loads of interesting insights into rulebreaking, religious symbols and there meaning, dealing with the past and much more. Building on the principles and ideas from the first book, beyond order takes us deeper into morality, rules and what it means to a good player in life. Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life Book Summary:īeyond order is Jordan Petersons sequel to the popular 12 rules for life.

Beyond order 12 more rules for life