Title: The Subtle Art of Not Giving F*ck
Author: Mark Manson
Publisher: Grasindo
Year of publication: 2018
Pages: 246 pages
ISBN: 9786024526986
UNAIR NEWS – Mark Manson is a blogger from New York, USA. He is known for his motivational-themed writings through his blog. The book with the original title The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F * ck was first published on September 13, 2016 in America.
This book was sold more than 3 million copies and was a hit on New York Times, Globe and Mail Best Seller because it was sold well on the market, the book was finally translated into several languages, including Indonesian.
This orange-covered book made me learn more about the meaning of life. Mark Manson believes that all humans are imperfect and limited. He explained that not everyone is capable of being extraordinary to create spectacular works. In this world there must be winners and losers.
There are 9 chapters that focus on different contents. Each chapter leads the reader to be aware of the reality in life but with a different perspective. The readers are directed to do things that are contrary to their habits in general.
In the beginning of the book, for example, the reader might have been astonished at the title that the author presented, “Don’t Try”.
It is written that many people are obsessed with realizing positive expectations that are impossible to realize, such as being happier, being healthier, being better, being smarter, becoming richer, and so on. It asks the reader to pause momentarily and have a deeper reflective moment. In fact, all kinds of advice to become a positive person is actually emphasized on reducing weakness in oneself.
Mark explained that if a person cares less about something, that person tends to do things well. Everything is related to the law of the opposite, that by being ignorant we produce something big. Chasing positive things will result in negative things, otherwise pursuing negative things will produce positive results.
One part that caught my attention was when Mark Manson interpreted the meaning of failure and success. He invites readers to revisit the meaning of success and failure again. Because many people misinterpret these two words. According to him, both success and failure are two relative concepts, depending on the perspective of each individual. Instinctively there are people who are afraid of failure. The person is only fixated on what he faces and what he masters.
Although this book is translated from English, the language is not complicated. Mark even gave an example of a reality based on the concept he wrote. So that readers can digest the contents of the book to the fullest. For readers who are interested in self improvement books, this book is highly recommended.
This book is suitable for all ages, both those who are studying, working, and elderly people. Unfortunately this book does not have pictures, only in the form of writing and occasional quotes to shorten the discussion. (*)
Author: Tunjung Senja Widuri
Editor: Binti Q. Masruroh
