BOOK REVIEW: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
When he was in his early twenties, Mark Manson spent most of his youth living a life that many type-A personalities could only dream of. While his peers were working hard in college and struggling to start their careers on a solid footing, Mark was traveling around the world, taking photos of exotic Hindu temples and hooking up with women from all different nationalities. He was living a life that seemed full of adventure and excitement, but beneath the surface, there was always a sense of unhappiness.
Mark’s life was like that of a drug addict, always seeking the next travel high, but never really being fully satisfied when he arrived at his next destination. Despite the amazing photos and stories, there was always a sense of emptiness that he couldn’t shake. He realized that he was searching for something more meaningful and fulfilling.
After finishing college, Mark took a real job, but he was still yearning for more. Like any rational millennial, he quit his job and became a full-time blogger in 2009. His blog started with dating advice, but it soon developed into something much more significant: personal development advice that doesn’t suck.
Mark’s blog was a reflection of his journey toward finding meaning and purpose in his life. His writing was raw, honest, and relatable, and it struck a chord with people all over the world. He shared his struggles and his successes, his failures and his triumphs, and he helped others realize that they weren’t alone in their struggles.
Mark’s writing was unique because he approached personal development in a way that was both practical and philosophical. He believed that true personal growth came from facing one’s fears and embracing discomfort. He encouraged his readers to take action, to get out of their comfort zones, and to confront the hard truths of their lives.
Mark’s message resonated with his readers, and his blog became a massive success. He published his first book, “Models: Attract Women Through Honesty,” which became a bestseller. His second book, “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life,” was a cultural phenomenon, selling millions of copies worldwide.
Mark’s success wasn’t just about his writing, though. It was about his willingness to live life on his own terms. He had the courage to follow his passions, to take risks, and to embrace uncertainty. He didn’t let societal expectations dictate his choices, and he didn’t care about what others thought of him.
Mark’s story, as shared in “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck,” is a reminder that life is about more than just achieving success and checking off boxes. It’s about finding meaning and purpose, and living a life that is true to oneself. It’s about having the courage to follow one’s passions, to take risks, and to embrace uncertainty. Mark’s journey towards personal growth and fulfillment is an inspiration to us all.
The first impression of the book is that the cover is good marketing. The bold title on a bold orange cover immediately catches the eye. I couldn’t resist picking it up when I saw it on the shelf at the Oxford Exchange in Tampa, and I ended up buying it as a Christmas gift for my wife (who is also a fan of personal development books). If nothing else, the title is amazing and is my all-time favorite title for any book I’ve ever read.
“The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” inspired me to write “Alpha Couples: Build a Powerful Marriage Like a Boss.”
Mark Manson was a huge inspiration for me. His book inspired me to start this blog with the intention of eventually using those blogs to be a foundation for a book. After three years of blogging and writing, I eventually published “Alpha Couples: Build a Powerful Marriage Like a Boss.” I also loved how Mark Manson was unapologetic in using a curse word on his cover. I wanted to do the same for my book, and originally planned to call my book “Alpha Couples: Build a Powerful Marriage Like a Fucking Boss.” Eventually, realized that it did not add a lot to the title and dropped the curse word, but I was still inspired by Mark’s unapologetic and down-to-earth approach to writing.
“The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” is about 200 pages long, and it reads like a collection of blog posts. The concepts presented are novel but not incredibly difficult to understand. Manson’s writing style is straightforward and conversational, which makes the book easy to read and digest.
The central message of the book is to focus on the important things in life and let go of the rest. Manson argues that we live in a world where we are bombarded with information and distractions, and we often get caught up in things that don’t really matter. He suggests that we should be more selective about the things we care about and not waste our time and energy on things that are trivial.
One of the key themes from the book is that it’s okay to experience pain and discomfort in life. Manson suggests that instead of avoiding these things, we should embrace them and use them as opportunities for growth and learning. He encourages readers to take responsibility for their lives and to stop blaming others for their problems.
Overall, “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” is a relatively good book. It offers practical advice on how to live a more fulfilling life without being preachy or condescending. It is a refreshing take on the self-help genre, and it is definitely worth a read for anyone who is looking to make positive changes in their life. If you’re looking for a book that will help you cut through the noise and focus on what really matters, this book is a great place to start.
If you’re looking for the Clif Notes, here are three main takeaways from “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*uck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life” by Mark Manson.
Mark Manson doesn’t give a f*ck (subtly).
1. You should give a f*ck – but about the right things
Mark Manson doesn’t give a f*ck (subtly).
Another key takeaway from the book is that happiness is not a constant state of being. Life is full of ups and downs, and it’s natural to feel sad or unhappy at times. Manson argues that we should accept this reality and learn to roll with the punches. Instead of chasing happiness, we should focus on building resilience and the ability to bounce back from adversity. Manson gives numerous examples of people who should have been happy but weren’t, as well as people who had difficult lives but were happy nonetheless.
2. You can’t be happy all the time
The book’s title is somewhat misleading, as Manson himself acknowledges. The real message of the book is to give less fcks about the dumb shit and more fcks about the important things in life. Manson argues that we often waste our time and energy worrying about things that don’t really matter, like the scratch on our brand-new car, while ignoring the more critical aspects of our lives, like our health, relationships, and personal growth.
3. You are probably wrong about everything – and that’s okay
Manson’s final main takeaway is that we are all flawed and imperfect human beings. We all have our biases, blind spots, and false beliefs, and that’s okay. The key is to acknowledge our fallibility and to keep an open mind. Manson argues that we should be willing to challenge our assumptions and beliefs and to seek out new experiences and perspectives. This, he argues, is the key to personal growth and fulfillment.
In conclusion, “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck” is an excellent read for anyone who is tired of the same old self-help tropes. Manson’s approach is refreshingly honest and pragmatic, and his book offers valuable insights into living a more fulfilling life. The three main takeaways from the book – giving a fck about the right things, accepting the inevitability of sadness and adversity, and embracing our fallibility – are all important lessons that we can all benefit from. Whether you’re a seasoned self-help reader or a skeptic, “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” is a book that’s well worth your time.
You can buy “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” using this Amazon referral link, or anywhere that books are sold.
If you are looking for another great book, which was inspired by Mark Manson’s, I recommend my own book “Alpha Couples: Build a Powerful Marriage Like a ‘F*cking’ Boss.” It is also available on Amazon, Audible, or wherever books are sold.
