The Art of Not Giving

In this definitive guide for our generation, a brilliant blogger gives us a simple explanation of how to stop trying to be positive all the time and become better, happier people. For decades, we've been told that positive thinking is the key to a happy, rich life. "Oh, optimism!" says Mark Manson. "Let's be honest, the situation sucks, and we'll just have to live with it." In his popular blog, Manson doesn't sugarcoat or equivocate. He tells it like it is—a dose of raw, refreshing, and honest truth that's sorely lacking today. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck is his antidote to the indulgence-and-feel-good mentality that has pervaded modern society and corrupted an entire generation, rewarding them with gold medals simply for showing up. Backed by academic research and timely, sarcastic wit, Manson claims that improving our lives isn't about turning lemons into lemonade, but learning to accept lemons better. Humans have flaws and limitations—“Not everyone is capable of being superhuman; there are winners and losers in society, and some of it isn’t fair or your fault.” Manson advises us to recognize and accept our limitations. Once we accept our fears, flaws, and doubts, once we stop running away and face painful truths, we begin to find the courage, perseverance, honesty, responsibility, curiosity, and tolerance we seek. Manson explains that there are limits to what we don’t care about, so we have to determine what really matters. Money is nice, but caring about what you do with your life is even better, because true wealth lies in experience. A rich moment of honest talk, filled with entertaining stories and biting, cutting humor, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck is a refreshing slap in the face for a generation, helping them live content, stable lives.