The Courage to Be Disliked

In the vein of many business books written in the novel format, this book follows a conversation between an older philosopher and a young man. The teacher helps the younger man realize how to break free from the chains that keep him stuck in his old thought patterns.

It introduces concepts rooted in Adlerian Psychology that are incredible eye-openers and introduces them in a story-like format instead of a hard-to-digest clinical manner. At the core of this book is helping its readers understand the power within each of us to create a path to real happiness and real success. A… show more.

I really like the book The Courage to be Disliked. The conversation format between a philosopher and a student makes it an interesting read and the authors approach controversial subjects like trauma, the past, and parenting. It has been a useful tool for me in understanding when to intervene and when to let go, in work and home scenarios. It has also given me a different perspective on life, and has been an invaluable asset to me as a leader. With a focus on Adlerian psychology but with elements of Stoicism, it’s a solid foundation for ambitious people looking… show more.

A profound little philosophy book from Japan, communicating the psychology of Alfred Adler - a rival of Freud. Told as a conversation between an angry student and a patient teacher. A little book so good that I rushed home from other activities to keep reading it, and finished in a day. A surprisingly fresh perspective on how to live. (The “disliked” part is not the point, so don’t let the title distract you.)

The Courage to be Disliked is an homage to Alfred Adler, the founder of individual psychology, and offers lessons about attaining true happiness. Written as a conversation between a wise old man and a struggling young man, the book is in translation from Japanese and may come across as stilted or awkward at times. Yet profound wisdom abounds. Those brought up as people-pleasers will find it particularly fascinating. Just be sure to grab your highlighter; you’ll need it.