Summary of Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga's The Courage to Be Disliked

The Courage to Be Disliked (2013) presents a conversation between a skeptical young man and a philosopher who emphasizes our individual power to change and find happiness, drawing upon the theories of influential psychologist Alfred Adler. The wide-ranging discussion examines our feelings of inferiority and superiority and the importance of interpersonal relationships, challenging the young man’s perceptions of happiness, freedom, and community. Philosopher Ichiro Kishimi and writer Fumitake Koga adopted a dialogue format to impart Adler’s philosophies, which are not always easy to accept or implement. The young man in the book represents both Koga and Kishimi, but most importantly, the reader. Kishimi and Koga hope that the dialogue will support readers through life’s challenges and help them live in the present moment, free from the constraints of seeking recognition and approval from others.