Maps of Meaning

Outline

Maps of Meaning (1999) explores why people across cultures tell similar stories and how those stories help us make sense of the world. Jordan B. Peterson combines mythology, religion, psychology, and neuroscience to examine how humans deal with the known and the unknown, order and chaos. The book argues that myths offer a map for moral behaviour and for facing uncertainty with courage and responsibility.

• People across cultures tell strikingly similar stories, and those stories help them make sense of the world.
• The book draws on mythology, religion, psychology and neuroscience to explain how humans deal with the known and the unknown.
• Order and chaos are two basic conditions every person has to learn to live between.
• Peterson argues that myths work as a map for moral behaviour.
• Those myths also show how to face uncertainty with courage and responsibility.

Jordan B. Peterson is a Canadian clinical psychologist and professor emeritus at the University of Toronto. He became widely known through his lectures and online discussions on psychology, mythology, and personal responsibility. His books include 12 Rules for Life, Beyond Order, and We Who Wrestle with God.