
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life
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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*ck positivity," Mark Manson says. "Let's be honest, shit is f*cked, 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*ck is his antidote to the coddling, let's-all-feel-good mind-set that has infected modern society and spoiled a generation, rewarding them with gold medals just for showing up.
Manson makes the argument, backed by both 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*ck 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*ck is a refreshing slap for a generation to help them lead contented, grounded lives.
- Listening Length5 hours and 17 minutes
- Audible release date13 September 2016
- LanguageEnglish
- ASINB01L78WBB4
- VersionUnabridged
- Program TypeAudiobook
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Product details
Listening Length | 5 hours and 17 minutes |
---|---|
Author | Mark Manson |
Narrator | Roger Wayne |
Audible.com.au Release Date | 13 September 2016 |
Publisher | HarperAudio |
Program Type | Audiobook |
Version | Unabridged |
Language | English |
ASIN | B01L78WBB4 |
Best Sellers Rank | 15 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals) 2 in Self-Help for Happiness 2 in Self-Help for Success 5 in Personal Success |
Customer reviews

Reviewed in Australia on 22 November 2020
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Top reviews from Australia
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This book kept popping up in my environment and finally I took the hint and bought it - now I know why the universe wanted me to read it. Thanks universe and thanks Mark for the best book I've read for ages.
There are many aspects of the books I liked but I found some of it somewhat contradictory. Mark speaks with alot of passion and enthusiasm which is great. HOWEVER, he fails to back up alot of his points with hard facts, and rather tells particular stories that validate his points. There are of course, countless other stories that would disprove his arguments.
The book is essential Mark Manson's opinions on life. Some of it is fantastic, but other parts are just opinion. He always swears a little too much for my liking!
The essential message of the book is that we are constantly bombarded by messages from outside of ourselves to “give a f*** about just about everything. These messages come from marketing, social media, society, friends, parents, peer groups, tv, movies, books — the list goes on and on. Fulfilling all these demands to give a f*** about everything are overwhelming and impossible to achieve. And if we try to achieve them all we’ll end up spiralling into some very unhealthy ways of living and being.
The answer is to decide for ourselves what we truly value and decide to remain rigorously focused on giving a f*** about these things.
That’s it. Well … not quite, of course. That needs to be fleshed out. And Manson does that in an easy to read, entertaining style that makes for a quick read — at least quicker than it will take to implement this “counter-intuitive approach”.
I can detect elements of Stoic philosophy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and a few other philosophical and psychological perspectives behind the ideas in this book. But technical language is nowhere to be seen. This book is written for layperson and provides lots to chew over despite the easily digestible recipe.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who is tired of the cliched approach of much self-help. The ideas in this book, if taken seriously and applied in living, can be liberating and empowering. And even if you are already knowledgeable about the ideas in the book, check it out. It’s always worth exploring things we already know in ways we haven’t considered before. This book is certainly worth giving a f*** about despite its few flaws.
Top reviews from other countries

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I have to admit, I wasn't convinced (ignorant, you could say) of all these self-help books people lavish over, I honestly thought it was a load of hippy crap as a means to make a quick buck... Although after a bout of depression last year (yea the "D" word get's thrown around alot these days), I myself was seeking out therapy. I was recommended this author and discovered this book. After asking myself "If this doesn't work, I'll just try something else" I figured I had nothing to lose.
And WOW. This book really changed my perspective on things and ultimately I feel much better and improved! Not 100%, but I'm getting there slowly.
As you could tell from the title, the author isn't shy of using profanity, and I like this. I've read other self-help books and while they're good and all, Mark Manson really engages you on a personal level. Imagine going to the doctor, and he's been all professional... but a tad boring and nearly sends you to sleep. Now imagine the same doctor taking you to the bar, having a pint and a laugh, but telling you the same advice. Who would you connect with better? Yea, I thought so.
Controversial title aside, the book isn't about just not giving a damn, but about focusing WHAT to not give a damn about. Stop getting stressed about by what the media (and others) want us to be, not getting worked up by social media, stuff like that. Instead, focus the damns on the important stuff: family, friends, your well being.
The book does take a while to pick up, with the early chapters focusing on examples of people who you may or may not relate to, or even care about. It can start to drag on, but eventually, Mr. Manson really dives into the meat of the book, and asks yourself to challenge your beliefs. Knowing that you're not always right all the time. Not denying your own flaws by redirecting the blame onto other people when challenged (many people are guilty of this). Acknowledging you're not perfect and rolling with it. Realising your emotions and problems aren't exclusive: nearly everyone in the world will have experienced what you felt at some point in their lives.
Real stuff that actually helps you come to terms with yourself and not inflating your ego, or doing some tantric yoga exercises to unlock your inner chi circles. Real stuff.
I consider this book my bible: I read certain parts every now and then to maintain my self improvement, it gives me solace during times where I'm feeling down, and I harrass my Instagram followers by posting snippets of the pages. I've even brought several copies for friends who were going through a rough time.
-----------------------------------
TLDR: this book helped me out, connects with you on an unconventional level, and ultimately offers brilliant advice that helps improve yourself and hopefully others around you. Highly recommended!
PS. It's a MASSIVE shame that certain individuals refuse to fully read the book due to liberal use of the F word. I'd say that's the whole point: letting go of your "I'm entitled so I'm offended" beliefs and challenging yourself to overcome this personal stigma to improve your outlook on life.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 June 2019
-----------------------------------
I have to admit, I wasn't convinced (ignorant, you could say) of all these self-help books people lavish over, I honestly thought it was a load of hippy crap as a means to make a quick buck... Although after a bout of depression last year (yea the "D" word get's thrown around alot these days), I myself was seeking out therapy. I was recommended this author and discovered this book. After asking myself "If this doesn't work, I'll just try something else" I figured I had nothing to lose.
And WOW. This book really changed my perspective on things and ultimately I feel much better and improved! Not 100%, but I'm getting there slowly.
As you could tell from the title, the author isn't shy of using profanity, and I like this. I've read other self-help books and while they're good and all, Mark Manson really engages you on a personal level. Imagine going to the doctor, and he's been all professional... but a tad boring and nearly sends you to sleep. Now imagine the same doctor taking you to the bar, having a pint and a laugh, but telling you the same advice. Who would you connect with better? Yea, I thought so.
Controversial title aside, the book isn't about just not giving a damn, but about focusing WHAT to not give a damn about. Stop getting stressed about by what the media (and others) want us to be, not getting worked up by social media, stuff like that. Instead, focus the damns on the important stuff: family, friends, your well being.
The book does take a while to pick up, with the early chapters focusing on examples of people who you may or may not relate to, or even care about. It can start to drag on, but eventually, Mr. Manson really dives into the meat of the book, and asks yourself to challenge your beliefs. Knowing that you're not always right all the time. Not denying your own flaws by redirecting the blame onto other people when challenged (many people are guilty of this). Acknowledging you're not perfect and rolling with it. Realising your emotions and problems aren't exclusive: nearly everyone in the world will have experienced what you felt at some point in their lives.
Real stuff that actually helps you come to terms with yourself and not inflating your ego, or doing some tantric yoga exercises to unlock your inner chi circles. Real stuff.
I consider this book my bible: I read certain parts every now and then to maintain my self improvement, it gives me solace during times where I'm feeling down, and I harrass my Instagram followers by posting snippets of the pages. I've even brought several copies for friends who were going through a rough time.
-----------------------------------
TLDR: this book helped me out, connects with you on an unconventional level, and ultimately offers brilliant advice that helps improve yourself and hopefully others around you. Highly recommended!
PS. It's a MASSIVE shame that certain individuals refuse to fully read the book due to liberal use of the F word. I'd say that's the whole point: letting go of your "I'm entitled so I'm offended" beliefs and challenging yourself to overcome this personal stigma to improve your outlook on life.







P.S: If you are looking to feel good, this might not be your cup of tea.
