The Courage to Be Disliked by Fumitake Koga and Ichiro Kishimi

A Transformative Perspective on Happiness

The Courage to Be Disliked by Fumitake Koga and Ichiro Kishimi is one of those rare books that leaves a lasting impression, not just for its content but for how it challenges your beliefs. Centered around the principles of Adlerian psychology, the book presents a dialogue between a young man and a philosopher, exploring life-changing ideas about happiness, self-worth, and personal freedom.

At first glance, the title might seem provocative. Still, as you delve deeper, the concept becomes clear—true happiness and fulfillment come from living authentically without needing approval or validation from others. The book makes the case that much of our suffering is self-inflicted based on the perceptions we’ve created and the limitations we impose on ourselves.

What I found particularly engaging was how the book weaves complex philosophical ideas with simple, relatable dialogue. The young man’s questions mirror many of our doubts about life, relationships, and self-acceptance. The philosopher, inspired by Alfred Adler's teachings, breaks down these barriers, offering profound insights in an accessible way.

This book received many positive reviews, and after reading it, I can understand why. Its exploration of Adler’s work made me curious to dig deeper into his philosophies and the works of other thinkers mentioned throughout the book. While The Courage to Be Disliked encourages readers to face discomfort, its message is ultimately empowering—it teaches you that the courage to be disliked is the courage to live freely.