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 sugar-coat 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 mind-set that has infected American 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 humour, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**k is a refreshing slap for a generation to help them lead contented, grounded lives.
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[Charles Bukowski was an alcoholic, a womaniser, a chronic gambler, a lout, a cheapskate, a deadbeat, and on his worst days, a poet]***
(HarperCollins, 13 September 2016, ebook, 225 pages, Around the Year in 52 Books 2019, a book with a weird or intriguing title, borrowed from @GlasgowLib via @OverDriveLibs)
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I've never read a self-help book before so I didn't know what to expect. I loved the title though so decided to give it a whirl. I am one of those people who cares far too much about many things, most of them ridiculous and who causes anxiety and stress for nothing at all. I didn't used to be but I have seen some worrying trends over the past couple of years. But hey, I'm human and I have flaws. The gist of this book is really don't sweat the small stuff, baby. Manson takes a lot more words to say that. This book made me laugh at times and also sit open-mouthed in horror thinking oh my god that is so me, I am ashamed! The book is very honest, brutally so as Manson uses example from his own life and well known events to illustrate his points. The book did make me realise what is really important to me though and that I need to stop freaking out and wanting to punch someone if my fricking train is five fricking minutes fricking late africkinggain. See I am getting better!
