Book Review #1: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck. A counterintuitive approach to living a good life

Book written by Mark Manson
​Review written by Alex Kheyson

Before I purchased this book, I was intrigued by its title since it was bold, direct, and obviously, the title that does not give a f*ck if someone gets offended. That was something that made me curious to learn more, since I certainly felt that I was giving too many f*cks about what other people think of me or how they perceive me, and wanted to change that. What a better way to do so, if not reading a book with such an intriguing title.

I’ve never listened to or read anything written by Mark Manson, but I’ve decided to give him a try, and I know that re really wouldn’t give a f*ck whether I did or not, so hey why not. Now, I have to tell you that I’ve listened to this book in the audio format, since they only time I can actually listen to an audio book is when I am sitting in traffic for 2-3 hours each day.

From the first few minutes of listening to the first chapter, I was in love with Mark’s writing. I was sitting in my car laughing at what Mark was writing about picturing myself in the same situation as characters in the book. I am sure people in cars around me were thinking that something was wrong with me, but who gives a f*ck.

This book dives into something so unique, important and under-explored, yet something that we deal with every single day of our lives – making a choice what to care about and value, versus what to let go and move on from. As Mark said in the first chapter – “This book will help you think more clearly what you are choosing to find important and unimportant in life.” We often care way too much about things and situations that do not contribute any value to our lives, yet we continue to hold on to them, subconsciously knowing that we shouldn’t be wasting our time to care what’s holding us back and instead focusing what’s truly important to us and where we should invest time and energy focusing.
This book illustrates and talks about the process of uncovering and prioritizing what’s really important to us and what we should care about in a very interesting story-telling format, and content that is extremely engaging, fun, and full of surprises. Mark’s writing makes us question what is really important in life and how to find balance in everything that we do in our personal and business lives.

I don’t want to give you a summary of this book and ruin the fun of actually reading or listening to this awesome book. But, I do want to share some of the key points and takeaways that I have noted while reading it. Curious is my takeaways will align with what you find important as you read it?

Key points/takeaways:

“Fixation on the positive only highlights what we lack”
“Not giving a f*ck about feeling bad is OK”
“The acceptance of the negative experience is a positive experience”
“The avoidance of pain is giving too many f*cks about pain”
“We are giving too many f*cks where f*cks are not to be given”
What does not giving a f*ck really means?
“We are always choosing what we are giving f*cks about”
“Can’t win if you don’t play”
“Life choices is like a game of poker – person who wins is the one who makes best choices with cards they are dealt”
Working on being less wrong every day versus striving to reach perfection
“We assume we know how the story ends”
“Once we create meanings, we hold on to them even if they are wrong – be careful what you believe”
“Openness to being wrong is the driver of progress”
“We pass on opportunities in life because we afraid to challenge our values”
“Don’t be special, don’t be unique, giving up the sense of entitlement”
“Magnitude of success depends on how many times you had failed at something”
“If we are unwilling to fail, then we are unwilling to succeed”
“Pain is part of the growth and change process”
“Absolute freedom by itself means nothing”
“We are valued by what or who we choose to reject”
“Without conflict, there cannot be trust”
“Conflict is necessary for a healthy relationship”
“We are often happier with less not more”
“Commitment gives you freedom and filter out the distractions”
“What is your legacy? – The only value that matters”
“Entitlement isolates us from reality”
 
I am happy to share the takeaways/key points above with you that I’ve noted by reading this book. I am sure as you read the book you will have your own takeaways. I highly recommend this book to anyone, and know that you will read it again and again, I certainly have. 

​Check out this book on Amazon by clicking here