The Courage to Be Disliked: The Japanese Phenomenon That Shows You How to Change Your Life and Achieve Real Happiness

In “The Courage to Be Disliked,” authors Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga present a compelling dialogue that bridges the gap between psychology and philosophy, drawing on the principles of Alfred Adler, a founding figure of individual psychology. The book is structured as a conversation between a philosopher and a young man, providing a unique narrative style that engages readers on both intellectual and emotional levels.One of the most significant contributions of this work is its exploration of the human desire for approval versus the necessity of self-acceptance. Kishimi and Koga argue that the need for recognition from others often leads to a life dictated by external expectations, thereby stifling personal growth. They challenge readers to cultivate the courage to be disliked, a radical notion in a society that often prioritizes conformity and seeks validation through social acceptance.The authors delve into the importance of embracing one’s individuality and the role of community in fostering personal development. They advocate for accountability to oneself and the value of authentic relationships over superficial connections. This perspective is particularly relevant in today’s hyper-connected world, where social media often blurs the lines between genuine interactions and performative relationships.Moreover, the book resonates with biblical principles, emphasizing themes of personal responsibility and the transformative power of self-acceptance. Readers familiar with spiritual teachings will find profound connections between Adlerian psychology and scriptures that promote love, understanding, and community engagement.The dialogue format maintains a refreshing pace, inviting readers into a philosophical inquiry that prompts introspection. With each turn of the page, Kishimi and Koga’s insights provoke thought and reflection, offering practical guidance that readers can apply to their own lives.While some may find the ideas challenging or even counterintuitive, “The Courage to Be Disliked” ultimately serves as an empowering manifesto for anyone seeking to break free from the shackles of societal expectations. It encourages a shift in mindset, proposing that true happiness lies in the acceptance of oneself rather than the pursuit of external approval.In conclusion, “The Courage to Be Disliked” is not merely a self-help book; it is a philosophical treatise that compels readers to rethink their understanding of self-worth, relationships, and personal freedom. Whether you are a seasoned scholar or a curious newcomer to these concepts, this book is a valuable addition to your library—an enlightening read that promises to foster growth and enhance one’s journey towards self-discovery.

Easy reading with wise and practical strategies to stay in the present. Reset your mind and don’t let your past decide your life. I enjoyed reading this book.

Quite interesting and useful. It’s not a self-help book, nor is it a Japanese phenomenon as the publisher touts, it is a book based on the philosophies of Alfred Adler, who was a contemporary of Freud and Jung but departed from their heavy reliance on trauma and cause and effect rationality. It was through Ichiro Kishimi’s books on Adler that excited Fumitake Koga and together their desire to share the Adler philosophy with the world is how this book was born.The title is what drew me to this book. The courage to be disliked? That is indeed freeing in some aspects. In Adlerian psychology that is the key to freedom, but how you get there, is what keeps the reader staying the course. The book is written in a dialogue manner between a youth and a philosopher. So it’s not in that preachy or bullet point genre, just two people exchanging ideas about life. And the dialogue is not setup in a vertical manner but the youth and the Philosopher are communicating on a horizontal plane, which by the way is a key in the journey to freedom. Seek to build horizontal relationships and refrain from vertical ones.I’m sure that thought, like dozens of others in this book have not been contemplated by most, so in many instances I found myself asking in my head the same questions that the youth was asking. Because I’ve done some reading in African philosophy and thought, I found some ideas here that clearly came/come from the wisdom of African thought, to which Greek philosophy owes its glory. This fact is not acknowledged by the authors and perhaps they are unaware.I still am giving five stars because I think the dialogue is enlightening and useful, especially so for parents of young children who are trying to steer the lives of their children, Adlerian philosophy warns against intervening in the tasks that belong to the children. It is one thing to read bout varios theories and quite another to try and implement these these theories in one’s life to attempt to make positive changes. This book could serve as an arresting beginning.

Phenomenal!Highly recommend! 'The Courage to Be Disliked' offers a refreshing perspective on happiness and personal growth. Thought-provoking and insightful, this book challenges readers to rethink their approach to relationships and self-acceptance. A game-changer for anyone looking to take control of their life and find true freedom. 5/5 stars!

Offers a very clear view of things that give energy to the reader. I love the part where it denies the effect of trauma, how what we take out of an incident has a bigger impact than the incident itself. This book gives the responsibility, thereby the power unto the individual itself, so that he or she can alter their life as they please.