Mark Manson imagines how to restore old-fashioned virtues

Humans need hope. Manson appeals to readers to develop "a sustainable, benevolent hope" that unites rather than dividing us, that is "robust and powerful, yet still grounded in reason and reality." Only this can carry us through life "with a sense of gratitude and satisfaction."

In this remarkable work, Manson shows how current social values and expectations weaken us. He speaks of values that are now unfashionable: emotional maturity, character, and virtue. He also encourages us to face up to where we are and how we've got here.

Individual choices, choosing challenging commitments and taking responsibility for them -- these are the actions of mature adults, and the only path to "spiritual happiness." They also make us "anti-fragile," able to stand up to life.

Daily decisions have long-term consequences, and choice is a serious business. This important activity should not be confused with selecting among the overabundance and variety of consumer goods available today. In reality, these are distractions. The plethora of meaningless purchasing options steals our attention from the truly important things.

Human conflict is always with us, both within and without. The author notes that in the paradox of progress, "an irrational sense of hopelessness is spreading across the rich, developed world...The better things get, the more anxious and desperate we all seem to feel." Yet we all have the power of choice. How we cope with this as individuals will have great influence on the future pf spcoetu. 

I was surprised by the concluding section of the book, which lays out Manson's thoughts on how to pass through human crisis into a "post-hope" world. There is much to recognize here, and whether a reader resonates with the final section or not, this is definitely a worthy read.