The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life

By: Mark Manson

Narrated by: Roger Wayne

Length: 5 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©2016 Mark Manson (P)2016 HarperCollins Publishers

Great book for the "everyman."

This was written well—though sometimes I found the anecdotal descriptions a little tedious or obvious.

The book is funny, direct, and for the most part, I agree with a lot of Mark Manson's ideas.

However, after listening to the book once, it seemed like his point was: "Your problems aren't that bad; don't be narcissistic; get over it." But there are some issues that are much more complicated than that—and the cause and/or result of all problems can't just be roped into selfishness, narcissism, and immaturity. Granted, these can be causes/results of behavior, but the view is limited.

In my opinion, this book is helpful for getting through the day to day minutiae and trivial problems we have in relationships and business, and perhaps not in-depth enough for those with more deep-seated issues or trauma.

All in all, this book is worth a read, if not for the entertainment value alone, but also for a crash course in how to not be a big baby about things that don't really matter in the long run. It's a good introduction into some older philosophical and religious concepts as well.

Relatable and with a lot of humor

I enjoyed listening to this book because he provided great examples regarding his own life experiences. He also used other people's experience to make his points across. My favorite part of the book is his humor while at the same time, supporting his claim. It is a must read for people who overthink, have a lot of anxiety, worries about past present and future, and to refocus on what really matters.

keeping it real and knocking it out of the park

I loved the down- to-earth delivery of some deep and rich content. It left me with a mental picture some GF coins - where there's only so many things in life 'really' worth spending them on.

I Don't Give a F*ck if You Read This

An excellent look into life from a rational perspective. Gives a good guide to take off the blinders of positivity and choose what is and is not important to deal with. Also, if you like the book, look into stoic philosophy.

I really enjoyed it. Top ten for sure.

Well, they swear alot and it takes a minute to get going. But it's quite good and well worth a listen. I loved it.

Great assessment of today's issues

While most of what is said focuses on millennials it is however important for all of us in America today. Amazing clarity for why we act, as a society, the way we do.

I only found one chapter disagreeable but nevertheless enjoyed the entire read. (Listen)

Good book

My favorite part was after his parents divorced, he said that his life sucked donkey balls. I spit beer through my nose. Good book once you get past the cursing...but hey, who gives a F*ck about that.

new favorite book!

was funny and informative. you'll love it! deeper than I thought it would be. :-)

Reminder to stop caring about the petty stuff.

Narration not bad made me laugh a couple of times. enjoyed most of the authors stories. Would listen again.

Sometimes you just need to hear it

Okay, I have to admit that I grabbed this on a whim with no expectations. In the end, I found some really good points in here. Was it ground-breaking? No, but often you simply need to hear somebody put into words what your mind knows so that you refocus.

Overall, I can't say there was anything in this book that I scoffed at, and it was presented in a manner that might initially be off-putting, but if you got past the title, then chances are you won't have too many issues with the presentation.

The narration was fine. It fit the tone of the book just fine.