The Courage to Be Disliked: How to Free Yourself, Change your Life and Achieve Real Happiness by Ichiro Kishimi is a powerful and practical book that helps individuals gain the confidence to break free from society’s expectations and learn how to live their lives according to their own terms.
Kishimi’s philosophical framework of adlerian psychology encourages readers to embrace a “philosophy of courage” that allows them to actively determine how they will go about their lives, free from the shackles of home, workplaces, and other contexts that imprison them.
Kishimi presents five key elements to achieve a happier life, giving the reader a series of practical tools to do so.
Overview
In The Courage to Be Disliked, Kishimi offers an accessible presentation of the Adlerian psychological framework, a backbone of the book’s principles of courage.
Kishimi dives deep into complex topics such as the contexts of our lives and the crucial role of our life-style, providing readers with a wealth of advice, tips, and insights.
The 5 Elements of a Good Life
Kishimi offers a comprehensive collection of five core elements of how to lead a better life. The first is understanding one’s “life-style”, which is a key concept to comprehending a person’s purpose and mission in life.
Kishimi suggests that individuals set goals that are both realistic and inspiring, and explains that it is okay to reinvent yourself in order to move forward.
The second element pertains to the “freedom to make choices”; that is, the confidence to take control of our own lives and the ability to make one’s own decisions.
The third element behind finding a good life is to understand and accept yourself; Kishimi explains that this is essential for finding true happiness.
Furthermore, Kishimi encourages readers to develop stronger relationships with others, which he says is the fourth element for pursuing a successful life.
Lastly, Kishimi explores the complexity of human emotions, and how to constructively express and control them in order to ensure a healthier lifestyle.
Style of Writing
Kishimi’s writing style is both engaging and accessible, with a narrative that is supported by his philosophy of cultural relativism.
He writes with moments of humour and poignancy, helping readers to grasp the ideas and connect to the stories he presents. He also maintains a steady flow that encourages readers to stay involved and engaged throughout the book.
Concluding Remarks
The Courage to Be Disliked provides an enlightening presentation of psychological concepts and ideas, supplemented by tangible tools and practical advice for living a meaningful life.
Kishimi’s adept combination of theory and personal anecdotes makes The Courage to Be Disliked a must-read for those seeking to gain some self-assurance and lead an inspired life.
