This excerpt from Jordan Peterson’s 12 Rules for Life explores the relationship between order and chaos in our lives and the meaning we find in navigating this fundamental duality. Peterson argues that a shared belief system is essential for humans to find order and meaning in the world. This is grounded in the idea of dominance hierarchies, which are a natural and unavoidable aspect of life, extending from lobsters to human society. He contends that these hierarchies shape our experience of the world, including our emotional states and our capacity for resilience in the face of suffering. Peterson uses personal anecdotes and historical examples to illustrate how navigating the unknown and the chaos of life requires courage, self-reflection, and a willingness to confront the truth about ourselves and the world around us. He emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility, proper behaviour, and the development of character. Ultimately, the text suggests that meaning emerges from the interplay between our values and the chaotic world, and that finding this meaning is a process of ongoing transformation, not a fixed destination.