Rule 9 of life is a principle outlined in Jordan Peterson's book "12 Rules for Life", advocating for open-mindedness and intellectual humility when engaging with others. It suggests that we should assume that the person we are listening to might know something we don't.
Peterson argues that many people are desperate for a story about themselves, and that they often fail to acknowledge the potential value of perspectives different from their own. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing that others might possess unique knowledge or experiences that could enrich our understanding of ourselves and the world.
This rule encourages us to:
- Listen attentively: We should actively listen to others, seeking to understand their point of view, even if it differs from our own.
- Challenge our assumptions: We should be open to the possibility that our own beliefs and biases may be incomplete or flawed.
- Embrace intellectual humility: We should acknowledge that we don't know everything and be willing to learn from others.
By adopting this rule, we can foster more meaningful conversations, expand our knowledge, and develop more nuanced perspectives.
