Dougal Sutherland: Review of A Life Less Punishing in recognition of Movember

A book review in recognition of it being Movember

The book I want to discuss is A Life Less Punishing by Matt Heath.

I was asked to read the book in preparation for a podcast with Francesca Rudkin. My initial response was lukewarm – was worried it would be another celebrity self-help publication with lots of fridge-magnet quotes about loving life and being the best person you can.

I was very pleasantly surprised about how good it was. Was so good I interviewed Matt on a webinar recently that Umbrella held for Movember.

Interesting points about the book:

• Matt wrote it largely to try and help himself and sort his own life out
• Decided to read a history of world philosophy and see what he could learn – somewhat of an unconventional approach! He draws a lot on the Stoics and does a great job of explaining their philosophy of life, which is quite different to the staunch, unfeeling image often portrayed of them
• The book goes through a whole range of common emotions that men experience and discusses why we have these feelings and what do we do with them, particularly the difficult ones like shame, anger, guilt, sadness etc
• Matt is very honest about some of his own less than flattering experiences and some difficult times in his life e.g., relationship break up, death of his mum
• His level of honesty and self-reflection is itself inspirational for guys

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