I liked the first 12 rules book a lot and it helped me during a difficult period of my life, so I was very excited to read the sequel. Although this book directly continues the same style and substance of narrative like the first one, I found it less enlightening and life-changing and more of a commentary on Peterson's ideas and expounding of his world view, especially Christian religion with the abundant material taken from the Bible.
I am generally very impressed with the body of knowledge Peterson has created, especially his university lectures and the first 12 rules book. I find it very profound in the way he understands modern life, especially that of modern men, who have lost many of the rites of passage, meaning, purpose and infrastructure that has existed for thousands of years in multiple societies across time and space. Men were to be warriors, shamans, scientists, engineers, builders, protectors, but always with a defined role within society with defined expectations and life path.
All that has been broken down since the end of WW2 and with each passing decade everything gets further muddled and deconstructed. Some would say that this process was useful for women, in order for them to come to the forefront of society, and that is good, however what is to be done with all the millions of broken men out there, trying to find a purpose and a meaning in their existence? If the old structures are destroyed, then the old ideals are destroyed too. This means loyalty, honor, bravery, experience, suffering for the greater unit, etc. are destroyed as well.
Although I don't agree with everything Dr. Peterson says,and especially disagree with the drama-filled, reality-television-style of how he goes after his opponents and generally humans who seem to hold a worldview he abhors - his main ideas, and early expositions are still very useful for young, disillusioned men to find something to believe in and be, that could also help society and everyone living within.
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