Oakville Reads discussion

Manson argues that we shouldn’t try, we should give up on being happy all the time, and we need to embrace suffering (among other ideas.) Manson’s ideas can potentially seem nihilistic. Or at least, lacking in positivity. Is there merit in Manson’s approach to life?

I think it's sort of helpful to be encouraged that you don't have to make everything positive. Things can be awful and suffering can inspire you to make changes or work harder or whatever depending on the situation at hand. I like the Bukowski story at the beginning of the book and how that illustrated his point in that regard, being spurned on by rejection. It may not be an approach that works for everyone but I can certainly appreciate how helpful it can be.

I agree, Kate. So much of what Manson's written can be helpful. And I didn't find it as much nihilistic as realistic. Life can hurt and sometimes, it can hurt beyond bearing. I don't think it's something we need to keep front of mind though. The news does a good job of reminding us every day.

It did occur that many of Manson's ideas can be found in the world's major religions, i.e., we're currently in the middle of Lent, a time of atonement for Christians. Honesty, courage, and humility are good, old-fashioned values. Even if couched in much cooler language, they're as important today as they ever were.

I do find the language tricky. The 'not giving a f*ck' concept reminds me of the double-negative we used to have to watch in grammar and, because I save certain words for use in my verbal arsenal, 'fuck' carries a lot of emotional weight. It makes ideas less clear to me. Having said that, once people get past the f-bombs, there's a lot worth heeding in Manson's work.

Maureen wrote: "I agree, Kate. So much of what Manson's written can be helpful. And I didn't find it as much nihilistic as realistic. Life can hurt and sometimes, it can hurt beyond bearing. I don't think it's som..."

I think the language is definitely an appeal to a younger audience, who may be less likely to read a typical "self help" book. Manson's language, in my opinion, acts to lessen the preachy tone that many inspirational and self-help books can carry. Through his language, and straightforward approach, Manson seems more accessible and his stories/lessons more feasible.

Now that I think about it, and it's quite obvious so I don't know why I'm realising it now, the title itself isn't just an attention grab, but an intentional response to traditional self help books, which work very hard at "giving a fuck." Manson notes this at the beginning of his work - other books take themselves and their ideas VERY seriously. Manson, on the other hand, wants you to relax and realise its not that complicated or spiritual or mantra-chanting/habit-inducing, its simple: Relax and accept.