The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fu*k
Mark Manson

Review: Sidra Javed

Let me introduce the book in its own words first. Then I shall continue with my review. “The Subtle Art of not Giving a Fu*k” will not teach you how to gain or achieve rather how to lose or let it go. It will teach you to take inventory of your life and scrub out all but the most important items. It will teach you to trust that when you fall back you will still be ok.” I went wrong with the order of these books as I read. Everything is Fuked first and this one later. That one didn’t inspire me much and I felt it was more like a random talk. I recently read ‘Will’ where Mark is a co-author. It’s absolutely loved his style so decided to give this book a chance and I am glad I did right.

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As the title suggests “The Subtle Art of not Giving a Fu*k” is about eliminating the unnecessary attention we give to our life situations. Instead focus on a few things to do them rightly. Don’ t overwhelm yourself with being the best or the most happy. Let’s focus more on what’s true, immediate and important. He talks about social media too and its playing with our mental peace. There is a bombardment of advertisements. We are constantly comparing ourselves with the picture perfect, shining and happy-go-lucky social media influencers. We start questioning our own life choices. This makes us less satisfied as it enforces the fact that you lack something.

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We keep thinking we are not good enough. Things aren’t that great which leaves us heartbroken. While pain is an integral part of life, ignoring or avoiding it also causes pain. “The Subtle Art of not Giving a Fu*k” tells we must try to preserve our energy. It gives fuck about things that really matter, things that influence our life situations, things that create a significant change.

We need to accept the fact that life is not a bed of roses. It will definitely suck at times but it’s all right. Some sort of suffering is inevitable. No matter what you do, life consists of failure, loss, regrets and even death. The only way to deal with it is to learn how to bear it all. “The Subtle Art of not Giving a Fu*k” is divided into chapters with very catchy names. These include Don’t Try, Happiness is a Problem, You are not Special etc. which compel you to read on.

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Mark uses plenty of examples in “The Subtle Art of not Giving a Fu*k” from his own life. He laughs at them with you. This will make you feel if he can do it so can you. The writing style is very informal. It seems like a dear friend is talking to you which adds to the charm .It’s worth a read. I recommend it.

Previous review by Sidra Javed, Atomic Habits by James Clear