Book Review: Mark Manson's "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck"

As a part of an ongoing bookclub with my boss and mentor, we decided to read Mark Manson’s best-selling and critically-acclaimed self-help book “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck”. A change of pace from our equally intriguing and insightful read-through of James Clear’s “Atomic Habits”, we were drawn in by the book’s abrasive title, intimidatingly orange cover, and seemingly under-discussed subject matter. Where Atomic Habits looked to guide its readers to improve upon their daily routines and create habits that would last a lifetime, it initially seemed that, through his many crude jokes and personal anecdotes, Manson’s advice was just the opposite of Clear’s. Instead, however, the effectiveness and importance of Manson’s book come from the first half of its title — instead of embracing nihilism and disregarding everything, Manson suggests that there are subtle yet importance nuances that distinguish which values we should consider, encourage, and help guide us.

Despite Clear’s many steps, protocols, and devices that he encourages the reader to use to develop good habits, I actually find Manson’s philosophy more difficult to apply in my daily life. I wouldn’t necessarily classify myself as a “worrier”, but I do strive to achieve the best results that I’m capable of, and sometimes I can be self-critical when any shortcomings arise. Manson encourages his readers to align their values to accept that failure is inevitable, and instead of avoiding it, we should instead accept that inevitability and use it to grow and improve ourselves. At the same time, instead of getting caught up in the small details of life that can sometimes be overwhelming, we should often reassess what is most important to us — whether it be family, good relationships, our health — and strive to give a f*ck only about those factors.

Manson’s unique perspectives are as welcoming and approachable as they are soothing; that is to say, his anecdotal approach and laid back attitude eases the reader into extremely conceptual and philosophical self-reflection. By choosing to value certain aspects of our lives, we inherently deny others. By embracing our mortality and deciding to make the best of life, we deny the negativistic viewpoint that could arise from the inevitability at the end of our lifespans. Manson, in many ways, flips conventions on their head for a more direct and honest conversation with his reader — one that teaches the important lessons that some values should be more important than others, that we often are too obsessed with material accomplishments, and that the subtle art of not giving a f*ck is instead choosing what we actually give a f*ck about in the first place.