You don’t read self-help books, you say? Well, I don’t give a f*ck as I don’t read them either. I think the vast majority of them are filled with fluffy, feel-good affirmations and vague bullsh*t that never quite translates into real-life solutions.
I’ve come across this book by accident. And by accident, I mean someone gave it to me. I said thank you, as any person with manners should put it on the shelf, and forgot about it for a few years. Then, one day, as I was looking for something to read, I picked it up, leafed through it, and didn’t put it back until it was finished.
Beyond the provocative exterior lies a book that delves into the raw, uncomfortable truths of life. Instead of sugarcoating things and proclaiming you beautiful because that’s what makes you feel good, Manson explores the idea that embracing life’s struggles and acknowledging our limitations is the true path to a meaningful existence. What’s more, by choosing what to suffer for, we can get a better grip on our lives and steer them in the direction we want.
What resonated with me the most is the central idea around which the entire book is built - we have a limited amount of f*cks to give in life, and we should be extremely discerning about where we invest them. This concept, while seemingly simple, carries profound implications. The joy in life doesn’t come from the absence of problems. It’s earned when we solve them.
In the end, “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” is a refreshingly honest and insightful book that transcends its provocative title. For a person, who avoids self-help books like the plague, this one left a lasting impression and challenged my perspective on what it means to truly give a f*ck about life.
Go read it now. You won’t be disappointed.