The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson on Fluently app
This book is funny, direct, and surprisingly practical. It helps you choose what matters, stop chasing “perfect,” and handle problems with more calm. If you like honest writing and real-life examples, it’s an engaging read—and a good way to practice modern, everyday English.
About the Book
Title: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck*
Author: Mark Manson
Genre: Personal Growth
Year of Publication: 2016
Pages: 224
Summary: What the Book Is About
The book says you cannot care about everything, and you should not try. Life always has problems, so the goal is not “no problems.” The goal is better problems. The author explains that values matter more than positive thinking. If your values are clear, you can say “no” more easily, take responsibility for your choices, and spend your time on what is truly important. The writing style is casual and includes jokes, stories, and strong opinions, so it feels like a conversation.
“Who you are is defined by what you’re willing to struggle for.”
English Level
B2 — Learners preparing for IELTS 6.5 (or an equivalent level on TOEFL/other exams).
Why B2 is a good fit:
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The grammar is usually simple, but the style is informal.
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You’ll see slang, strong emotions, and cultural references.
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Some chapters use abstract ideas (values, meaning, responsibility), but the author explains them with stories.
Why This Book Helps English Learners
This is a strong book for learners who want natural American English in a modern voice. You will practice reading a confident, opinionated style. You will also learn how English uses humor, emphasis, and “everyday honesty.”
Language skills it develops:
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Reading: understanding tone, jokes, and opinion-based writing
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Vocabulary: emotions, mindset, self-control, choices, social pressure
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Idioms: informal phrases and “spoken” patterns (common in US media)
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Grammar in context: short punchy sentences, contrasts, emphasis, rhetorical questions
Estimated number of unique words: ~7,500–10,500 (depends on edition and how you count word forms)
What you can learn from the style (fast wins)
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How to read informal tone without getting lost
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How English uses strong emphasis (short sentences, repetition)
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How writers build a point with story → lesson → takeaway
Practical vocabulary themes you’ll meet often
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priorities (focus, values, trade-offs)
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emotions (anxiety, shame, anger, confidence)
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responsibility (choice, control, accountability)
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social life (approval, status, expectations)
“Real English” features in the book + how to study them
| Feature you’ll see | What it means | Simple study idea |
|---|---|---|
| Informal tone | sounds like spoken English | Rewrite one paragraph in your own words |
| Strong opinions | clear “I believe…” style | Collect 5 opinion phrases and reuse them |
| Humor + exaggeration | not literal, used for effect | Mark jokes and write the “serious meaning” |
| Rhetorical questions | questions that make a point | Turn 5 into normal statements |
A simple way to study with Fluently app (3-step routine)
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Read 2–3 pages and underline phrases you like.
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Pick 8–10 words, write short sentences, and say them out loud.
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Write a 4–5 line mini-summary in simple English.
One helpful tip: in The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson, the swear word is part of the brand and tone. You don’t have to copy it in your speaking. You can learn the meaning and choose a softer version when you talk.
User Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “It’s blunt, but it helped me stop overthinking. The tone is funny, and the ideas are easy to apply.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Some parts are repetitive, but I liked the focus on values and responsibility. I also learned a lot of modern English.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Not a classic ‘positive thinking’ book, which I liked. It’s more honest and realistic, with strong language.”
Average Rating: 4.7 / 5
Did You Know?
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The book became widely popular because it pushed back against “always be positive” culture and offered a more realistic message about life.
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Mark Manson first built a large audience online, and his direct writing voice helped the book stand out in the personal growth category.
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The title’s strong wording is intentional: it signals the book’s style—straight talk, humor, and clear priorities.
Similar Books You Might Enjoy
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Everything Is Fcked: A Book About Hope* — Mark Manson
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Atomic Habits — James Clear
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The Happiness Trap — Russ Harris
❓ FAQ
Is the book only about being rude or careless?
No. It is mainly about choosing your values. It says you should care deeply about a few important things, not everything.
Do I need to like the strong language to enjoy the book?
Not necessarily. The message is still clear without copying the tone. If you dislike profanity, treat it as part of the author’s style and focus on the ideas.
What is the main idea in one sentence?
Life is hard, so pick better problems and better values—then act with responsibility.
Is it good for English learners in the US?
Yes, because it uses modern, informal American English. You learn tone, emphasis, and common everyday phrasing.
How can Fluently app help me learn from this book faster?
Use short reading sessions, collect real phrases, and practice rewriting. With Fluently app, you can turn each chapter into vocabulary practice and simple speaking drills.
