Peterson opens with a rule that sounds almost comically simple but is grounded in evolutionary biology and psychology: physical posture directly affects psychological state and how others treat you.

The evidence he draws on:

• Research into dominance hierarchies among animals, including lobsters
• Serotonin systems that shift dramatically based on social standing — evolutionarily conserved into human neurochemistry
• Confident posture isn't just a symptom of confidence — it's an active input that can generate it

Slouching and avoiding eye contact signal defeat and low status to others and to your own nervous system, inviting exactly the treatment that reinforces that low status. Taking responsibility starting with something as basic as how you carry yourself is the necessary first step toward addressing larger chaos and suffering.