Mark Manson is a blogger turned self-help author. He has an unorthodox and alternative take on self-help advice in “The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A F*ck.” He tries to cut through the usual and overloaded self-help genre by using his provocative style to jolt the readers out of their comfort zones. It’s clear not only in the book’s title but throughout the book. Manson argues that we should focus on a few things that genuinely make us happy. He says that we burn out as a result of stretching too thin.
Mark Manson’s candidness is straightforward, confronting and refreshing. The book starts with a non-stop barrage of profanity. This barrage serves as a test of the reader’s willingness to engage with Manson’s raw perspective. The book begins with the life and ethos of Charles Bukowski. It focuses on the phrase “Don’t Try” from Bukowski’s tombstone, which sums up the book’s core philosophy. It’s about what truly matters beyond society’s ideas of success and happiness.
At its core, “The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A F*ck” advocates accepting life’s unavoidable truths. These include suffering, failure, and the limits of our control. Manson’s advice is all about accepting our limits and choosing only the things that matter, and giving a “F*ck” to others. He urges us to reevaluate our pains and struggles and find meaning and purpose in them. He asks the readers to be picky in choosing their struggles and tasks. They should only focus on what makes them happy and ruthless about saying no to all those other things.
Mark Manson uses various anecdotes throughout the book. The book’s narrative weaves real-life lessons learned from Hiro Onoda’s long warfare and the Buddha’s enlightening journey, among others. Manson uses these tales to support his argument and anchor it in real human experiences. We can look back on these experiences and learn from them.
However, Manson’s overreliance on the F-word sometimes detracts readers from the lesson at hand. The writer’s shock value and edgy persona risk alienating serious readers, who might otherwise find value in his writing. The book starts strong, but later, it seems Manson oversimplifies complex psychological and cultural issues in his critique of societal norms.
But, the success of “The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A F*ck” shows most readers liked Manson’s confrontational and direct writing style. Manson’s mix of philosophical reflection comes with real-life stories and raw advice. It challenges the genre’s norms and gives an unpolished guide. It feels like getting authentic advice from a caring friend.
Overall the central piece of advice of “The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A F*ck” is to forget FOMO(Fear Of Missing Out) and learn to focus on things that genuinely matter and give a “F*ck” to others. In its conversational style, the book suggests tackling life problems with courage, defining our values and attaining fulfilment in our chosen paths. Whether the readers are able to embrace the tone and edgy persona of the writer or not, his book definitely makes a point about living a good life.
The book seems like a series of blog posts or newsletters written in a straight-to-your-face style. But it’s a good read where the writer throws unapologetic truths to the readers for living a good life.
My Rating:- ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Goodreads Rating: 3.89
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life Book Reviewed On:
- Paperback
- Total Pages: 212
- Genre: Non-Fiction/Self-Help
- The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson
Interesting review. This book seems to dance on the fine line between carelessness and liberating oneself from needless worries.
Is the rating of 3.89 based on a certain number of reviews or overall? It would help contextually to understand the critique.
This book changed my perspective! So glad I stumbled upon your review, Vishal. It’s made my approach to life so much lighter.
I read this book and honestly didn’t find it groundbreaking. Seems like common sense packaged in bold language.
While the book’s rating is decent, I wonder if its popularity is due to genuine insight or clever marketing. Your thoughts, Vishal?
Bit of both, but more of marketing ๐
but what if this book is just a way to make us care less so we question less? sounds fishy to me.
I think it’s more about emotional intelligence and choosing battles wisely, not about complacency.
Read this book and now I donโt give a f*ck about giving reviews. Just kidding, loved your take on it, Vishal!
Not sure I agree with the book’s philosophy. It sounds like it’s encouraging a carefree attitude rather than responsible decision-making. Thoughts, anyone?
so this book talks about not caring at all or what? like, is it saying we shouldnt care about anything or just not sweat the small stuff?
It’s more about prioritizing what’s truly valuable and not stressing over everything else. Definitely give it a read!
Hey Vishal, cheers for the review! Was on the fence about picking this one up, but your thoughts have tipped me over. Seems like a fresh take on self-help. Just what I needed.
heard a lot about this book, especially in gaming streams weirdly enough. not sure why gamers be recommending self-help but your review sounds cool. might check it out, or might just play another game instead, lol.
In your review, you mentioned the Goodreads rating as 3.89. I cross-checked, and indeed, that’s accurate as of now. It always interests me how public perception aligns with individual reviews. Thank you for providing a well-rounded viewpoint.
my friend keeps talking about this book, says its life changing or somethin. not sure how not giving a f*ck is gonna change my life, but alright, your review’s convinced me. lets see if i can finish this one without getting bored lol.
Loved your review, Vishal! This book sounds exactly like what I need right now. It’s been so hard to filter out the negativity lately, I’m hoping ‘The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck’ could really help me with this. Adding it to my reading list!
okay, but isn’t the title a bit misleading though? the book talks about choosing what to care about, not literally about not giving a f*ck. i think that’s an important distinction the review missed. thoughts?
I read your piece on ‘The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck’, Vishal. Whilst you’ve elaborated its merits, don’t you believe it excessively simplifies complex life problems? I find such advice often overlooks the nuanced challenges people face.
After going through Vishal’s review, I’m just wondering if the first chapter will teach me the sublime art of not giving a F*ck about my boss’s emails on weekends, haha! Sounds like my kind of book.
saw this book being talked abt a lot, the review’s good but still not sure if its my cup of tea, feels like it might be too blunt? idk, maybe ill give it a try after finishing my current read.
I enjoyed reading your review on ‘The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck’. However, I’m curious about how this book compares to other self-help books in terms of actionable advice. Do you think it offers more practical guidance than others?
i think this book is more bout mindset than step by step advice. like its more bout how to think differently abt challenges. thats what makes it stand out imo
hey Vishal, just finished reading your review on ‘The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck’. really like how u explained the book’s vibe. ive been into self-help for a while and this one sounds like a must-read. thanks for sharing your thoughts, gonna grab a copy soon!
Mark Manson’s blog offers a unique perspective on navigating life’s challenges and finding happiness.
Yeah true.
Nice book
The epic