The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life
Who Would Like This Book:
This book is a breath of fresh, irreverent air for anyone tired of sugar-coated self-help advice! Mark Manson delivers tough love in a casual, no-nonsense style, blending laugh-out-loud humor with realistic, practical life lessons. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by society's pressure to be positive, perfect, or special all the time, you'll appreciate this book's core message: You have a limited amount of energy, so choose carefully what you care about. Readers in their 20s/30s, those going through life transitions, or anyone who’d rather get to the point (with a few F-bombs along the way) will find this one relatable and energizing.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some people just can’t get past the barrage of F-words and Mark’s brash, sometimes self-congratulatory tone. If you prefer your life advice backed by strong research, from credentialed experts instead of bloggers, you may find the book a little shallow or repetitive. Some readers felt his approach is more style than substance, with lots of personal anecdotes that don’t always add up or feel relevant. If you’re sensitive to privilege or dismissive attitudes, parts of the book may rub you the wrong way.
About:
'The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck' by Mark Manson is a motivational self-help book that encourages readers to prioritize what truly matters in life. The author presents a counterintuitive approach to living a good life by advocating for carefully choosing what to care about and focusing on important values and goals. With a potty-mouthed writing style, the book challenges readers to reevaluate their perspectives on self-worth, relationships, and life priorities. Through practical advice and personal anecdotes, the book aims to guide readers towards a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
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Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The book touches on themes of mental health, individual struggles, and societal issues; these themes may be triggering for some readers.
From The Publisher:
#1 New York Times Bestseller
Over 6 million copies sold
In this generation-defining self-help guide, a superstar blogger cuts through the crap to show us how to stop trying to be "positive" all the time so that we can truly become better, happier people.
For decades, we've been told that positive thinking is the key to a happy, rich life. "F**k positivity," Mark Manson says. "Let's be honest, shit is f**ked and we have to live with it." In his wildly popular Internet blog, Manson doesn't sugarcoat or equivocate. He tells it like it is-a dose of raw, refreshing, honest truth that is sorely lacking today. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**k is his antidote to the coddling, let's-all-feel-good mindset that has infected modern society and spoiled a generation, rewarding them with gold medals just for showing up.
Manson makes the argument, backed both by academic research and well-timed poop jokes, that improving our lives hinges not on our ability to turn lemons into lemonade, but on learning to stomach lemons better. Human beings are flawed and limited-"not everybody can be extraordinary, there are winners and losers in society, and some of it is not fair or your fault." Manson advises us to get to know our limitations and accept them. Once we embrace our fears, faults, and uncertainties, once we stop running and avoiding and start confronting painful truths, we can begin to find the courage, perseverance, honesty, responsibility, curiosity, and forgiveness we seek.
There are only so many things we can give a f**k about so we need to figure out which ones really matter, Manson makes clear. While money is nice, caring about what you do with your life is better, because true wealth is about experience. A much-needed grab-you-by-the-shoulders-and-look-you-in-the-eye moment of real-talk, filled with entertaining stories and profane, ruthless humor, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**k is a refreshing slap for a generation to help them lead contented, grounded lives.
Ratings (167)
Incredible (23) | |
Loved It (54) | |
Liked It (28) | |
It Was OK (37) | |
Did Not Like (16) | |
Hated It (9) |
Reader Stats (362):
Read It (191) | |
Currently Reading (6) | |
Want To Read (104) | |
Did Not Finish (12) | |
Not Interested (49) |
7 comment(s)
I think this book should be read to expand/challenge ones flawed thinking in regard to success or what makes a “good life.”
As a Christian, many of the author’s ideas disagree with my own, but I found others helpful, nonetheless. I firmly believe in absolute truth and my own definition of a successful life is closely tied to my study of the Bible. I think this author is coming from a different belief system.
That being stated, I often struggle with guilt and shame over having disappointed my parents. The book helped me rethink the way I define successful relationships. By redefining my matrix as it relates to my own children, not my parents, I was able to let go of a huge burden. I now have a better understanding of how my previous matrix for success was holding me captive to a false identity and not allowing me to fully enjoy the amazing life I do have!
Obviously, the book contains multiple f-bombs, but at least we were warned right there in the title.
F***ing repetitive and actually rather mean spirited, should you read this book? F*** no way!
I do not necessarily share the same worldview as the author. And his brusque, direct, sometimes profane approach may not be for everyone. Sometimes he seems to lack compassion. Yet the material and the approach drew me in, kept me engaged, and gave me some crucial and impactful reminders, as well as simple and potent language, to help me process many of my struggles and priorities in life. And honestly it brought some clarity to some theological concepts I was struggling to understand. This is what I needed for this time in my life and I’m thankful.
Audio v en
This is only the second book I DNF, however, after reading others’ reviews I am certain reading on will be a colossal waste of my time. I’m not sure who the target audience is, but this one is not for me.
I was really nervous about this one at first and there were times that were incredibly cringe worthy but overall really loved the content. Which is rare for me and a “self help” book
It's a long shot at getting through to those of us with the topically harmful hold ups of a people pleasing personality. This book's humor and sarcasm does a disservice to those who crave guidance but need to qualify their thoughts through abstract themes. The message is important, but delivering it tongue in cheek makes it difficult to hear.
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