Everything Is F*cked: A Book About Hope

I don't understand why someone could felt “tricked” and why people are finding such and odd review helpful: it isn't. You can dislike this book (like some of my friends) and argue with a simple and irrefutable argument: it's not my style. But this whole "trick" thing... that's just not the case. There's no trick here and I believe that's part of the whole point thru both this book and the previous one and that's one of the main the reason I engaged with the ideas shared on both Subtle Art and EiF. Keep in mind can have a “test drive” of Manson's prose on his website where you can easily find out if his style appeals to you or not since there's enough free (and very useful) content. That's it, is that simple. That's how I discovered the author and that's why I preordered TSA and EiF: his reasoning resonated with me and I felt it was practical, helpful and clear. So... either you like it (flexible, dynamic, witty, grounded, funny, accesible, current, relevant, easy to understand) or you don't because you are looking for, let's say, a more serious or academic approach (fair enough).Keep in mind: Mark is clearly not pretending to be anything else than "a random guy writing his own thoughts", that's the whole point because... must of us are, precisely, random girls and random guys trying to sort out our own thoughts in the middle of what we can agree to call “the digital crisis” (yes the world is overall better as stated by lots of respected authors with clear data but at the same time people are lonelier and sadder than ever, also verifiable with serious research). So, he might be a random guy but he finds a way to clearly sort out this mess (book one focused on how working in our values can change our perception of life and our relationship with others, book two explaining the relevance of hope in order to find meaning and drive for our life and for the future of humanity) by using clear examples that are easy to follow regardless of how complex the matter is. Because it is a complex matter.I understand quoting Bukowski might give you a wrong impression but I have always loved this line: “An intellectual says a simple thing in a hard way. An artist says a hard thing in a simple way.” Artist might sound as a pretentious word and I'm pretty sure Manson won't feel comfortable with it but he does manage to explain hard things on a simple way going from down to earth examples like the story of Dave Mustaine and Metallica (book 1) to complex and beautiful stories like the one of Meta von Salis and Nietzsche (book 2). He keeps you engaged and entertained while you are thinking on some heavy stuff. Take for example Mr. PeanutButter in Bojack Horseman, famous for his quote: "The universe is a cruel, uncaring void. The key to being happy isn't a search for meaning; it's to just keep yourself busy with unimportant nonsense and eventually, you'll be dead". If you find that phrase both funny and unsettling you are going to really, really enjoy both books.Regarding this book in particular I do feel that it is important to state that it is more “complex“ and less immediate than The Subtle Art. This is not to say that it's a hard read, it isn't. Its just that it does take matters to a next logical follow-up step, going from how to improve our own life (book 1) to how to try and help improve our species (book 2). Again, not in a pretentious way. And again, if your approach to life is cynicism or nihilism you might find a hard time enjoying the ride because it does suggest you to change for the better. For you. For your people. And yes, for our future. And that takes some healing, and healing is not easy. So you'll rather “just keep yourself busy with unimportant nonsense and eventually, you'll be dead“. But, If you do decide to take responsibility you'll come to accept (it won't be smooth) that change (inside and outside) also takes a leap of faith, it takes... hope. ;)That's the point of this second book. In order to improve/heal/ we must understand how "hope" and the use of that word has been really relevant thru the whole history of humanity. Where do we take it from there and how can we have a better, more compassionate and productive conversation with each other? Well... that's that's the point of EIF. And yes, it has a lot to do with coming to terms with death, with maturity (oh, the challenge), and again, values.And Kant. “Instead, he decided that the only logical way to improve the world is through improving ourselves—by growing up and becoming more virtuous—by making the simple decision, in each moment, to treat ourselves and others as ends, and never merely as means”. Like hell he did. And you can find out how to follow his steps in this pertinent relevant urgent and much appreciated book. But as always, it's up to you, cause “we don’t always control what happens to us. But we always control how we interpret what happens to us, as well as how we respond”. Manson channeling the great Frankl. Oh, I love it, never felt less tricked in my life. ;)

“Everything Is F*cked: A Book About Hope” by Mark Manson delivers a bold and unfiltered look at the concept of hope in a world that often feels chaotic. Manson blends humor, philosophy, and a no-nonsense approach to explore how we find meaning in the face of life’s challenges. It’s a thought-provoking read that challenges conventional wisdom while offering a unique perspective on what it means to have hope in today’s world. If you’re looking for a book that’s both brutally honest and strangely uplifting, this one is worth a read.

I first heard about this book after watching Mark Mason in YouTube/podcast interview; I was already familiar with his other works, so I had some idea of what I was getting into, and I was not disappointed. What really hooked me into buying the book was his outlook on "spirituality." (Look up the Jordan Harbinger Show if you want hear what he says.)With this book, Mason demonstrates again how he is a irreverently serious writer. He takes a serious topic -- that of our insane tendencies to let our emotions irrationally drive us simultaneously to delight and ruin -- and builds a solid narrative of how being hopeless is probably the most hopeful thing we could do for ourselves, as individuals and as humanity as a whole.What I really appreciated was his very approachable take on both Nietzsche and Kant. He breaks down their philosophies into manageable chunks without diluting the depth of both of those brilliant men. "God is dead" is an incomplete quote from Nietzsche, and without the proper context, most people usually gloss over and misinterpret what he meant, leaning heavily on less savvy, agenda or commercially inspired drivel that passes as philosophical analysis.Not so with Mason. He makes sure reader understands the reality of what these two men meant and he does with a sophisticated and lighthearted literary touch. Few writers outside of pure academia and biographies put as much effort into properly providing context that isn't overly simplified or incomplete as Mason as done. And he does this with half a score of other scientists, academics and philosophers throughout the book all adding up to a poignant conclusion.For me, there were a couple of slow spots, like when Mason digs into the religiosity of *all* things -- essentially using the term religion more pedantically as a "strong belief." I feel any author's writing about beliefs should make the distinction between religion as institutions (or cults), strong beliefs as an aspect of personality (nationalism, sports fanaticism and the such), and science as framework of trial and error, rather then bundle them all up as one overly muddled idea. It may be semantics, but I think falling back on the word "religion" in such a way hampers reasonable debate in today's current storm of anti-intellectualism.That aside, after having seen Mason on YouTube, I can see that Mason's real personality shines through. He's sincere in his writings and importantly, he's hopeful that we'll get the point of his book: That we don't need hope to be better human beings. We simply need to be better human beings.Also, read the chapter notes after you're done. They're as fun as the book is to read, and highlights some of his points more. Seems like Mason put as much effort into the notes as he did the book! Definitely a book worth keeping on the bookshelf.

As always Mark Manson know how to shake us off with is writing style. Some people say that "The subtle art of not giving a f " is better but I thought that this book is more complete.

This book presents in a simple way to understand how our mind works. And it's fun to read, with interesting historic facts. A book for everyone to read.

One day, a nameless online entity recommended buying this book. Here’s the thing, I’m impulsive and enjoy leaning into this emotion just so I can say “Well, you did recommend X and I bought the X and it was ….(my opinion)”It’s been a long while since I read a book about the psyche of the human brain. Wait, I’ve never read a book that had a smidgen of psychology contained in the pages. I refuse to count my Sociology O level grade A. This is proper easy to understand, it’s funny, a third of the book consists of study citations, research papers, the editors own thoughts and a whale sized portion of humour.This book is so funny, it cleverly wraps intrinsic brain theories with a pithy commentary. The writing style creates eye and brain hunger for just one .. more .. chapter.My tip to you is have 2 bookmarks, one for the last page you read, and the other for the references and source material in the back of the book.Always re-read the last couple of pages to refresh your memory before you pick up reading the next new page. Buy two copies. Start one yourself and then give one to a friend so you can share the mirth and the uncovered, unlocked knowledge about your trains of thought with someone *who understands* what direction your brain is heading.Are you having an off day and need a genuine smile? Grieving the loss of a friendship? Leaving a beloved team, or retiring from a job after a long career spanning decades? Feeling lost? Missing a lost item? Suffered a significant personal loss?I’m on page 78 and I’ll update this review when I’m done.Because I never cheat and read the last page. I like surprises a lot.Nina Payne, Fred’s wife.

I really recommend it to everyone I know, easy to read but packed with important understandings of human psychology

I didn't read any of Mark's books for the longest time - no specific reason why.However I bought this immediately after reading The Subtle Art... And glad I did.A very counterintuitive perspective on hope and does make a lot of sense. Another review said the content about AI towards the end didn't make sense, however I see the context and understand (...hopefully) what the author was trying to say.A lot of uncomfortable truths delivered in a 21st century way - honest, clear, and precise. Some could take offence at the style, but don't let that distract you from the content.This book isn't for the fainthearted so come prepared. It is heavy reading and needs time to process.I definitely recommend!