{"id":35932,"date":"2021-05-28T18:22:17","date_gmt":"2021-05-28T22:22:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/?p=35932"},"modified":"2026-01-22T13:27:30","modified_gmt":"2026-01-22T17:27:30","slug":"the-subtle-art-of-not-giving-a-fck","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/the-subtle-art-of-not-giving-a-fck\/","title":{"rendered":"The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: Book Overview (Mark Manson)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>We&#8217;re constantly told to care about everything\u2014our image, our success, how many likes we get. But what if <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/the-secret-to-happiness\/\">the secret to happiness<\/a> is actually caring about less? Mark Manson&#8217;s <em>The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck<\/em> flips conventional self-help advice on its head. Instead of chasing positivity and more of everything, he argues we should get pickier about what deserves our attention and energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep reading for our overview of this book and discover why pain isn&#8217;t the enemy, why feeling special might be holding you back, and how to focus on what truly counts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-overview-of-the-subtle-art-of-not-giving-a-f-ck\">Overview of <em>The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In his book <em>The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck<\/em>, Mark Manson argues that our consumer culture and social media have us chasing the wrong things in pursuit of happiness and a meaningful life. We are giving a f*ck or caring about too many things that don\u2019t matter and don\u2019t make us happy in the long run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We are urged by social media and society to <strong>give a f*ck about everything<\/strong>. We are told to always be striving for more\u2014more happiness, money, experiences, friends, possessions. The self-help movement urges us to focus on being positive and feeling good. But all the focus on positivity actually emphasizes what we lack\u2014and so we keep striving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Manson argues that, as a result, we become addicted to phoniness, and we constantly pursue superficial things. This creates temporary highs rather than true happiness. We end up frustrated and feel that we are falling short in comparison to what we see in social media, which celebrates only the most extraordinary. Or, we develop the belief that we are entitled to always feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But, he argues, success, fame, and fleeting self-improvement don\u2019t lead to satisfaction. The key to a happy, meaningful life is to <strong>give a f*ck about less,<\/strong> and <strong>focus only on what is most valuable and important<\/strong> to us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Manson&#8217;s book will help you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Clarify what is important and unimportant to you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Realize that giving a f*ck about fewer and different things changes your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/direction-in-life\/\">direction in life<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Understand that it&#8217;s OK to feel bad, or for things to go badly in life.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Accept that pain is inevitable, and you can use it as a catalyst for improvement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Learn how to care about fewer things (give fewer f*cks).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>The Philosophical Foundation of the Subtle Art<br><\/strong><br>The advice in <em><em>The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck<\/em><\/em> comes largely from three different philosophical traditions\u2014Stoicism, Existentialism, and Buddhism. For context to Manson\u2019s advice, here\u2019s a general overview of each philosophy.<br><br>Stoicism values reason and duty above all else.&nbsp;In <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/app\/book\/meditations\/1-page-summary\" rel=\"nofollow\"><em>Meditations<\/em><\/a> (one of the definitive Stoic texts) Marcus Aurelius says that <strong>the only meaningful use of your time is to find out what you\u2019re meant to do in the world, and then do it.<\/strong>&nbsp;Aurelius also says that how you feel\u2014and how others feel about you\u2014doesn\u2019t matter; every action you take should be driven by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/what-is-rational-thought\/\">rational thought<\/a> and devotion to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/your-life-purpose\/\">your purpose<\/a>.<br><br>Existentialism values <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/app\/book\/radical-acceptance\/chapters-4-5\" rel=\"nofollow\">personal choice and personal growth.<\/a>&nbsp;It\u2019s rooted in the idea that <strong>life is meaningless, and therefore you must make your own meaning.&nbsp;<\/strong>An existentialist should determine what values and beliefs he or she holds, and then devoutly follow them. However, it\u2019s crucial that those beliefs and values are personal, and not instilled by someone else.<br><br>Buddhism values <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/app\/book\/radical-acceptance\/chapters-4-5\">acceptance and tranquility<\/a>.&nbsp;These values are exemplified in stories of how the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/buddha-journey\/\">Buddha<\/a> dealt with the evil god Mara: Rather than fighting against him, the Buddha would greet Mara as a friend and invite him in for tea.&nbsp;Following the Buddha\u2019s example, a Buddhist tries to meet any experience\u2014positive or negative\u2014with calm acceptance.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-hurdles-to-giving-fewer-f-cks\"><strong>Hurdles to Giving Fewer F*cks<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Manson cautions that when we choose to give fewer f*cks (that is, to reprioritize what we care about and what we don\u2019t), we\u2019ll make mistakes before we master the art, including the following.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-misunderstanding-happiness-nbsp\"><strong>Misunderstanding Happiness&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Manson believes that, contrary to what society tells us, happiness isn\u2019t an equation to be solved or an achievement attained when we do the right things. He argues that being unhappy and dissatisfied is part of life, and also a necessary counterweight to happiness; therefore, happiness isn\u2019t simply the avoidance of unhappiness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>According to Manson, happiness comes from solving problems and challenges.<\/strong> It\u2019s an action or ongoing activity because there are constant problems to solve; each problem you solve plants the seed of another problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you misunderstand <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/how-to-live-a-fulfilling-life\/\">how to be happy<\/a>, you give too many f*cks about the wrong things; you\u2019re looking for the perfect combination of f*cks that lead to permanent happiness, when no such combination exists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Where Does Happiness Come From?<br><\/strong><br>In <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/app\/book\/the-happiness-hypothesis\/1-page-summary\" rel=\"nofollow\"><em>The Happiness Hypothesis<\/em><\/a>, Jonathan Haidt argues that we can\u2019t directly create happiness for ourselves. Instead, we should take the following actions.<br><br><strong>Create the right conditions for happiness. <\/strong>We can\u2019t create happiness, but we can make sure that we\u2019re in a position to be happy. According to Haidt, this primarily means balancing emotional urges with reason; avoiding those impulses that bring <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/temporary-happiness\/\">fleeting happiness<\/a> at the cost of lasting damage (drinking, eating junk food, quitting your job without a plan), and giving in to those impulses that will bring long-term satisfaction (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/5-ways-to-love\/\">building strong relationships<\/a>, exercising, finding your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/your-dream-job\/\">dream job<\/a>).<br><br><strong>Be patient. <\/strong>We can\u2019t force happiness\u2014it will come in its own time.<br><br><strong>Allow happiness to flourish. <\/strong>Note the word \u201callow\u201d; it emphasizes that happiness is something that simply happens, rather than something that we create.&nbsp;<br><br>Haidt\u2019s argument is, in essence, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.utilitarianism.com\/paradox.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Paradox of Hedonism<\/a> (sometimes called the Paradox of Happiness), which states that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/looking-for-happiness\/\">pursuing happiness<\/a> will make you unhappy.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-overemphasizing-emotions\"><strong>Overemphasizing Emotions<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Manson tells us that<strong> the purpose of emotions is to provide feedback\u2014to tell us that something is good or bad for us.<\/strong> However, many people over-identify with how they feel and use their feelings as justifications for whatever they do (like \u201cI keyed your car, but I was really mad and couldn\u2019t help it\u201d). Emotions are only part of life, not its entirety.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead, Manson advises you to make decisions on what to care about based on your values, not on your emotions. Making decisions based on emotions alone, without applying reason, is what kids do, and doesn\u2019t work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>The Emotional Intelligence Model<\/strong><br><br>The <a href=\"https:\/\/nobaproject.com\/modules\/emotional-intelligence\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">emotional intelligence model<\/a> is a theory of psychology that attempts to describe how an \u201caverage\u201d person develops emotionally throughout his or her life. It provides benchmarks for measuring a patient\u2019s development (similar to how IQ measures cognitive ability).&nbsp;<br><br><strong>The emotional intelligence model focuses on four things:<\/strong><br>\u2022 Accurately identifying emotions in yourself and others<br>\u2022 Using emotions to aid thought processes (This is what Manson is referring to when he talks about using your emotions as feedback.)<br>\u2022 Analyzing and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/understanding-emotions\/\">understanding emotions<\/a>; your own and other people\u2019s<br>\u2022 Managing your emotions to achieve specific goals<br><br>A lot of what Manson says in <em>Subtle Art <\/em>is about managing your emotions, rather than letting your emotions manage you. That\u2019s why he warns against unrestrained pleasure-seeking, or simply trying to \u201cfeel good.\u201d The emotional intelligence model can give you some benchmarks for how well you\u2019re following Manson\u2019s advice.&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-believing-that-everyone-is-special\"><strong>Believing That Everyone Is Special<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Manson argues that many people\u2019s problems in coping with life stem from the self-esteem\/exceptionalism philosophy that began spreading through schools, churches, and business development seminars in the 1960s and 1970s. The priority became feeling good about yourself rather than <strong>trying, failing, learning, and accomplishing things.<\/strong> It has produced delusional people who can\u2019t handle challenges or adversity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>He contends that in fact, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/you-are-not-special\/\">you are not special<\/a>: Your experiences and problems are shared by millions of others.<\/strong> When you believe you\u2019re special, you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/feeling-entitled\/\">feel entitled<\/a> to feel good and have a problem-free life, which gets in the way of choosing constructive values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>You\u2019re Not Special\u2014And That\u2019s a Good Thing<\/strong><br><br>Therapist Lori Gottlieb\u2019s memoir <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/app\/book\/maybe-you-should-talk-to-someone\" rel=\"nofollow\"><em>Maybe You Should Talk to Someone<\/em><\/a> discusses the fact that sometimes, a person who\u2019s going through difficulty in life can\u2019t move past it until they stop seeing their problems as unique or exceptional. In one example that she relates to illustrate this, a woman with a history of alcoholism (prompted by an abusive marriage) is unable to forgive herself for her past mistakes\u2014she feels like she has messed up her life in a unique way and that her mistakes are worse than other people\u2019s. She\u2019s therefore unable to get involved in a new (healthier) romantic relationship. She can only move forward when she accepts that her struggles are similar to millions of other people\u2019s struggles.&nbsp;<br><br>Another of Gottlieb\u2019s examples shows the opposite type of exceptionalism: A man who thinks he\u2019s smarter than everyone around him continually causes problems in his relationships until he accepts that he isn\u2019t special, either.&nbsp;<br><br>These examples show that feelings of exceptionalism can work in both ways\u2014they can hold people to pain that they think is special, or they can hold people to feelings of superiority that prevent <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/meaningful-relationships-ray-dalio\/\">meaningful relationships<\/a>. It\u2019s only when a person recognizes that they\u2019re <em>not <\/em>exceptional (and that that\u2019s okay), that they\u2019re able to make progress in treatment and in their lives.&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-trying-to-avoid-pain\"><strong>Trying to Avoid Pain<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Manson\u2019s definition of happiness involves struggling to solve problems. The question he asks is: <strong>What are you willing to struggle for? <\/strong>What pain are you willing to endure to get what you want? The answers to those questions determine how our lives turn out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pain tells us what to pay attention to. From it, we learn what to do differently in the future. Therefore, when we strive for a life that\u2019s free of problems and pain, we don\u2019t get to learn from our suffering. You can\u2019t have a painless life; instead, <strong>you must choose what kind of pain or struggle is meaningful to you.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Mike Tyson\u2019s Daily Struggle<\/strong><br><br>Often, choosing to struggle once is not enough; to thrive, you have to continually recommit to your meaningful struggle.&nbsp;<br><br>Mike Tyson is known as one of the greatest boxers of all time\u2014in his prime, he boasted punching power that few people in history could equal, and skills to match. However, Tyson only became the dominant force that he was <strong>because he was willing to go through immense pain and struggle on a daily basis.&nbsp;<\/strong><br><br>According to one article, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportscasting.com\/mike-tysons-daily-training-routine-was-insane-even-by-his-standards\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tyson\u2019s daily routine<\/a> went something like this:<br>Wake up at 5 a.m.<br>3-mile run<br>Breakfast<br>10 rounds sparring<br>Lunch<br>More sparring (amount not specified)<br>2,000 squats<br>2,500 sit-ups<br>500 elbow dips<br>500 push-ups<br>500 shoulder shrugs (holding a 66-lb barbell)<br>Dinner<br>Exercise bike<br>Bed at 10 p.m.<br><br>This routine is more than most people would subject themselves to even once, let alone every day. Tyson\u2019s willingness to suffer through it over and over again is what made him into a champion boxer.&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-adopting-destructive-values\"><strong>Adopting Destructive Values<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Manson says that our culture and our media often push destructive values, which crowd out positive values and lead to dissatisfaction.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of these destructive values include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pleasure: <\/strong>It\u2019s a part of life but not sufficient for happiness in and of itself. You\u2019ll run into problems (for instance, addiction or obesity) if you make superficial pleasure your priority. It\u2019s also a value that gets in the way of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/realationships-with-others\/\">relationships with others<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Material success<\/strong>: People often base their self-esteem on what they own or how much money they make. But acquiring more wealth provides less and less satisfaction, once our basic needs are met. Also, when we prioritize wealth\/success over deeper values, we can become shallow.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Always being right<\/strong>: Research shows that we\u2019re often wrong about things. If you feel you must be right all the time, you\u2019ll be frustrated. Also, if you don\u2019t admit mistakes you can\u2019t learn from them.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Staying positive<\/strong>: Staying positive has benefits, but it\u2019s unhealthy to deny reality when it\u2019s bad or to repress negative emotions. Sometimes life stinks. Constantly being positive is a way of avoiding problems rather than solving them.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>(Shortform note: Negative values like these usually stem from what you think <em>other<\/em> people value. They\u2019re about how you relate to others (power and control), what you <em>think<\/em> they admire in you (money or status), or how they think of you (popularity, admiration, fame, and so on). Manson is urging you to instead choose values that are about yourself, because <a href=\"https:\/\/zenhabits.net\/self-worth-and-others\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">you can\u2019t control what other people think or do<\/a>. Since it\u2019s out of your control, it\u2019s not worth giving a f*ck about.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-give-the-right-f-cks\"><strong>How to Give the Right F*cks<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As an antidote to a life spent pursuing superficial things and living by destructive values, Manson suggests that you instead adopt these<strong> five constructive values, which will help you give f*cks about the right things:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/accepting-responsibility\/\">Take responsibility<\/a><\/strong> for everything that happens in your life, whether or not it\u2019s your fault. You may not be to blame for what happens to you, but you are responsible for choosing how you respond.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Admit that you could be wrong<\/strong>: In order to grow, you should entertain doubt about your beliefs, feelings, and rightness. Instead of trying to prove you\u2019re right, you should look for ways you\u2019re wrong, to see where you can grow. Accept that you aren\u2019t always right.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/embracing-failure\/\">Embrace failure<\/a>:<\/strong> Failure is an opportunity to learn. To succeed at something you first have to fail, usually multiple times, so you can learn.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Practice rejection<\/strong>: Our culture tells us to always be positive and accepting of everything. But in order to stand for something you have to make choices, accepting some things and rejecting others that run counter to the values you\u2019ve chosen. In order to have a healthy love relationship, you also need to be able to say and hear \u201cno.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reflect on your mortality<\/strong> to keep your life and values in perspective. You aren\u2019t as obsessed with trivial things when you confront and accept the reality that you\u2019ll die.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>He promises that, when you live by values and standards that are meaningful to you, pleasure, success, and happiness will come as a result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Manson\u2019s Values Compared to Aurelius\u2019s Meditations<\/strong><br><br>Manson\u2019s five counterintuitive values are very similar to some of the main topics of Marcus Aurelius\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/app\/book\/meditations\" rel=\"nofollow\"><em>Meditations<\/em><\/a>.<br><br><em>The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck:<\/em><br>\u2022 <strong>Take responsibility for everything in your life<\/strong>.\u00a0However, remember that responsibility and blame are not the same thing.<br>\u2022 <strong>Accept uncertainty. <\/strong>Remember that you don\u2019t know everything; doubt yourself and your beliefs, and examine them critically.<br>\u2022 <strong>Embrace failure. <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/learn-from-your-mistakes\/\">Learn from your mistakes<\/a> and use your failures as opportunities to grow.<br>\u2022 <strong>Practice rejection. <\/strong>Stop giving f*cks about the unimportant things in your life. Reject everything unimportant.Corollary: Practice <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/saying-no\/\">saying no<\/a> to people, and accepting it when people say no to you.<br>\u2022 <strong>Reflect on your mortality. <\/strong>Keep your life in perspective, as that will help you develop constructive values and standards.<br><br><em>Meditations:\u00a0<\/em><br>\u2022 <strong>Be strict with yourself and patient with others. <\/strong>The only <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/control-what-you-can-control\/\">things you can control<\/a> are your own actions\u2014thus, you are personally responsible for everything that you do.\u00a0You are <em>not <\/em>responsible for what other people think, say, and do; that\u2019s neither your responsibility nor your problem.<br>\u2022 <strong>Embrace <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pbs.org\/faithandreason\/theogloss\/logos-body.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong><em>logos<\/em><\/strong><\/a><strong><em> <\/em>(meaning both personal logic and natural laws). <\/strong>Aurelius believed that the universe was governed by perfect logic and natural laws, which ensured that everything would proceed in the best possible way.\u00a0However, people have limited perspectives and imperfect logic, which often leads them to incorrect conclusions. Aurelius argued that, if you feel unhappy or anxious, it\u2019s because you\u2019re struggling under some incorrect understanding of the world.<br>\u2022 <strong>Live without fear. <\/strong>Aurelius insists that the only danger in life is that which damages your <em>character<\/em>\u2014in other words,<strong> the only things you should fear are your own flaws.\u00a0<\/strong>Thus, you should work ruthlessly and fearlessly to improve yourself.<br>\u2022 <strong>Only concern yourself with living well. <\/strong>Aurelius urges you to reject material wealth and pleasure, and devote yourself completely to your duty (whatever that may be).<br>\u2022 <strong>Examine life and death rationally. <\/strong>A person\u2019s life is finite, and insignificant compared to the world.\u00a0Therefore, anything you do for yourself is meaningless; every action you take should <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/hub\/society-culture\/how-to-make-the-world-a-better-place\/\">make the world better<\/a> somehow.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-explore-further\">Explore Further<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To get into <em>The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck<\/em> in more detail, read <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/app\/book\/the-subtle-art-of-not-giving-a-f-ck\/preview\" rel=\"nofollow\">our full guide to the book<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We&#8217;re constantly told to care about everything\u2014our image, our success, how many likes we get. But what if the secret to happiness is actually caring about less? Mark Manson&#8217;s The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck flips conventional self-help advice on its head. Instead of chasing positivity and more of everything, he argues we should get pickier about what deserves our attention and energy. Keep reading for our overview of this book and discover why pain isn&#8217;t the enemy, why feeling special might be holding you back, and how to focus on what truly counts.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":36315,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[40,43],"tags":[290],"class_list":["post-35932","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-books","category-self-improvement","tag-the-subtle-art-of-not-giving-a-f-ck","","tg-column-two"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.3 (Yoast SEO v24.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: Book Overview (Mark Manson) - Shortform Books<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What if the secret to happiness is caring about less? 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