57 pages • 1 hour read
Maps of Meaning
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
564
Book • Nonfiction
1990s
1999
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief, Jordan B. Peterson explores how humans construct meaning through myths and beliefs by integrating insights from various disciplines, including neuroscience and psychology. The book analyzes the relevance of mythological archetypes and the evolution of the human brain, arguing that understanding these elements helps address existential crises and combat evil. The narrative connects mythic structures with human experiences, supported by personal anecdotes and references to thinkers like Carl Jung. The text discusses sensitive topics such as the Holocaust, genocide, and psychological trauma.
Informative
Contemplative
Challenging
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
9,289 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Jordan B. Peterson’s Maps of Meaning has received mixed reviews. Positively, readers appreciate its deep dive into the psychological significance of myths and its interdisciplinary approach. However, some criticize the book for being overly complex and dense, making it challenging for a general audience. In essence, the work is thought-provoking but may require patience and prior knowledge in psychology and mythology.
Who Should Read Maps of Meaning?
The ideal reader of Maps of Meaning by Jordan B. Peterson is someone fascinated by the intersection of psychology, mythology, and philosophy. Comparable works include Joseph Campbell's The Hero with a Thousand Faces and Carl Jung's Man and His Symbols. This reader values deep explorations of human behavior and symbolic interpretation.
9,289 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Carl Gustav Jung
Carl Gustav Jung
A Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst whose work on analytical psychology, particularly theories on myth and religion, significantly influences Peterson's exploration of symbolism and meaning.
Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich Nietzsche
A German philosopher recognized for his ideas on morality and religion, whose theories on restructured belief systems and the concept of the 'exemplary human' inspire aspects of Peterson's work.
Aleksandr Isayevich Solzhenitsyn
Aleksandr Isayevich Solzhenitsyn
A Russian novelist and historian known for his critiques of totalitarian regimes, whose experiences and writings about Soviet labor camps inform Peterson's views on individual struggle and ideological critique.
564
Book • Nonfiction
1990s
1999
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.