Notes from the fourth session of our Lent Study Group.
Précis of Chapter 4 – “Compare Yourself to Who You Were Yesterday, Not to Who Someone Else is Today”
In Chapter 4 of 12 Rules for Life, Jordan Peterson argues against the dangers of social comparison and instead advocates for personal growth through self-improvement. He explains that constantly measuring oneself against others leads to envy, resentment, and despair, as there will always be someone more successful, intelligent, or attractive.
Instead of competing with others, Peterson advises that individuals should evaluate their progress relative to their past selves. He uses psychological and philosophical insights to show that life is a deeply personal journey, and each person has their own set of unique struggles and challenges.
A key theme in this chapter is the incremental nature of improvement—even small daily progressions can lead to significant long-term growth. Rather than seeking perfection or external validation, Peterson encourages people to focus on internal development, taking responsibility for daily actions, and making meaningful changes over time.
Key Themes:
- The dangers of social comparison – Constantly measuring oneself against others fosters resentment.
- The necessity of self-reflection – True growth comes from comparing oneself to one’s past self.
- Small daily improvements – Focusing on consistent, meaningful progress leads to success.
- Personal responsibility – Life’s meaning is found in taking charge of one’s own progress.
Resonance of Chapter 4 with the Penny Catechism
Jordan Peterson’s fourth rule, “Compare Yourself to Who You Were Yesterday, Not to Who Someone Else is Today,” aligns with key teachings of the Penny Catechism, particularly in relation to humility, moral progress, and personal responsibility in the pursuit of holiness.
1. The Danger of Envy and the Call to Humility
Peterson warns that constantly comparing oneself to others leads to envy and resentment, which distort a person’s perception of reality and hinder personal growth. The Penny Catechism teaches that envy is one of the Seven Deadly Sins, as it fosters discontent and damages the soul. Instead, Christians are called to humility, recognizing their own struggles and growing in virtue rather than coveting others’ success.
Penny Catechism: “The seven deadly sins are Pride, Covetousness, Lust, Anger, Gluttony, Envy, and Sloth.”
→ Envy distracts from spiritual progress; humility fosters real growth.
2. Self-Improvement as a Moral Duty
Peterson argues that the best way to grow is by incrementally improving oneself daily rather than obsessing over where others stand. The Penny Catechism reinforces this principle by teaching that each person has a moral duty to strive for virtue in their own life, rather than competing with others.
Penny Catechism: “We are made to know God, love Him, and serve Him in this world.”
→ Our goal is to grow in holiness, not to measure our worth against others.
3. The Examination of Conscience and Personal Progress
Peterson’s advice to compare oneself to one’s past self echoes the Catholic practice of the daily examination of conscience, where individuals reflect on their actions and seek to correct faults. The Penny Catechism encourages believers to review their moral progress regularly in preparation for Confession.
Penny Catechism: “We must examine our conscience daily and before Confession, so as to recognize our faults and improve.”
→ True growth comes from self-reflection and repentance, not from competing with others.
4. Grace and the Role of Incremental Growth
Peterson’s principle of gradual self-improvement aligns with the Catholic understanding that holiness is a lifelong journey. The Penny Catechism teaches that no one reaches perfection instantly but must continually cooperate with God’s grace through prayer, sacraments, and moral effort.
Penny Catechism: “Sanctifying grace is that which makes the soul holy and pleasing to God.”
→ We grow in holiness over time, by striving daily to align our lives with God’s will.
Conclusion
Peterson’s lesson in Chapter 4 reflects the Penny Catechism’s call to personal responsibility, humility, and gradual moral improvement. True spiritual growth is not found in comparing oneself to others, but in measuring one’s own progress in virtue, repentance, and grace.
Resonance of Chapter 4 with the Catechism on Modernism (1907, Pius X)
Jordan Peterson’s fourth rule, “Compare Yourself to Who You Were Yesterday, Not to Who Someone Else is Today,” aligns with Pope St. Pius X’s condemnation of Modernism, particularly regarding the rejection of objective moral progress, the dangers of relativism, and the necessity of personal responsibility for truth and virtue.
1. The Modernist Obsession with Progress vs. Authentic Self-Improvement
Peterson warns against comparing oneself to others, as this fosters envy and resentment rather than real growth. Modernism, condemned by Pius X, falsely teaches that truth and morality evolve with society, leading individuals to measure themselves by fleeting social standards rather than objective moral principles.
Catechism on Modernism: “The Modernist believes that truth is not absolute, but evolves with human progress.”
→ Catholic teaching, like Peterson’s argument, insists that real progress is measured against an objective moral standard, not shifting cultural ideals.
2. The Modernist Denial of Objective Virtue
Peterson argues that improvement is a personal responsibility, measured by one’s own past self rather than by comparison to others. The Catechism on Modernism warns that Modernism denies the existence of fixed moral truths, encouraging people to base their moral standing on social comparison rather than divine law.
Catechism on Modernism: “Modernists pervert the concept of morality, making it dependent on subjective experience rather than objective truth.”
→ Moral improvement is not about conforming to others but about conforming to eternal truth.
3. The Danger of Modernist Egalitarianism in Morality
Modernism promotes radical egalitarianism, suggesting that all perspectives and moral states are equally valid. Peterson, however, emphasizes that individuals must recognize their own failings and take responsibility for improvement—a direct rejection of Modernist thinking.
Catechism on Modernism: “Modernism denies that there is a single true doctrine of faith, replacing it with a multiplicity of evolving personal beliefs.”
→ Like Peterson’s argument, Catholic doctrine insists that truth is objective and that individuals must measure their progress by it, not by comparison to others.
4. The Rejection of Objective Self-Examination in Modernism
Peterson encourages self-reflection and gradual moral progress, which aligns with the Catholic practice of examination of conscience. Modernism, by contrast, discourages personal accountability, teaching that morality is a social construct rather than a divine mandate.
Catechism on Modernism: “Modernists teach that religious sentiment, rather than reason or divine revelation, dictates morality.”
→ Instead of genuine self-examination, Modernism promotes a false standard of virtue based on societal trends.
Conclusion
Peterson’s fourth rule rejects Modernist relativism by affirming that:
- Moral progress is personal and objective, not based on comparison with others.
- Truth and virtue do not evolve—they remain fixed standards.
- Self-reflection and personal responsibility are necessary for true growth.
- Moral relativism weakens personal accountability, leading to superficial or false measures of success.
Peterson’s principle that growth comes from self-examination, not external validation aligns with Pius X’s defense of fixed moral truth and personal responsibility.
Lent Study Group
Each week, we read a chapter of Dr. Jordan Peterson’s Twelve Rules for Life and compare and contrast his insights with perennial Catholic doctrine. Participants are encouraged to read the chapter ahead of the meeting, noting their initial thoughts, questions, and reflections. Afterward, they search the Catechisms—including the Penny Catechism, the Catechism against Modernism, and other traditional sources—for relevant teachings that either align with or challenge Peterson’s ideas.
During the meeting, we discuss these comparisons, examining how Catholic moral theology, hierarchy, and objective truth provide a deeper and more complete understanding of the principles Peterson explores. By engaging in critical reflection and theological analysis, participants strengthen their ability to articulate and defend the faith, apply practical wisdom to daily life, and prepare spiritually—especially in the context of the liturgical season.
If you’d like to join in the discussion and participate in our study group, we meet every Wednesday from 5.30pm at Mrs Reed’s home on Hartington Road, email for an invitation.
