"The Adlerian philosopher whose Socratic dialogue on freedom from others' approval became a global bestseller."
Ichiro Kishimi is a Japanese philosopher who has spent decades studying and translating the work of Alfred Adler, the founder of individual psychology, into accessible ideas for modern readers. Alongside writer Fumitake Koga, Kishimi co-authored "The Courage to Be Disliked," a bestselling book structured as a Socratic dialogue between a philosopher and a troubled young man, exploring how Adlerian psychology can free people from the need for others' approval. First published in Japan in 2013, the book became a massive bestseller across Asia before its English translation turned it into a global phenomenon, introducing millions of readers to the idea that true freedom means accepting that others may dislike you.
Our in-depth summaries and reviews of his work
Adlerian psychology teaches that all problems are interpersonal, freedom comes from task separation, and happiness requires the courage to be disliked.
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Freedom is the courage to be disliked. Our full Courage to Be Disliked summary covers Adlerian psychology, the separation of tasks, living…
Read Summary →Drawing on Adlerian psychology, Kishimi argues that nearly all human suffering stems from comparison, competition, and conflict with other people.
A core Adlerian principle: you're only responsible for your own choices, not for how others feel about them—trying to control others' reactions is a losing battle.
Kishimi reframes the discomfort of disapproval as evidence you're living according to your own principles rather than performing for others.
"A healthy feeling of inferiority is not something that comes from comparing oneself to others; it comes from one's comparison with one's ideal self."— The Courage to Be Disliked
"It's that you are disliked by someone. It is proof that you are exercising your freedom and living in freedom, and a sign that you are living in accordance with your own principles."— The Courage to Be Disliked
"The courage to be happy also includes the courage to be disliked. When you have gained that courage, your interpersonal relationships will all at once change into things of lightness."— The Courage to Be Disliked
"Your unhappiness cannot be blamed on your past or your environment. And it isn't that you lack competence. You just lack courage."— The Courage to Be Disliked
Adlerian psychology teaches that all problems are interpersonal, freedom comes from task separation, and happiness requires the courage to be disliked.
Freedom is the courage to be disliked. Our full Courage to Be Disliked summary covers Adlerian psychology, the separation of tasks, living in the now, FAQs and a 7-day plan.
