The Courage to Be Disliked: How to Free Yourself, Change Your Life, and Achieve Real Happiness
Written by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga
Narrated by Noah Galvin, Graeme Malcolm and January LaVoy
4.5/5
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About this audiobook
Now you can unlock your full potential and free yourself from the shackles of past traumas and societal expectations to find true personal happiness. Based on the theories of renowned psychologist Alfred Adler, this book guides you through the principles of self-forgiveness, self-care, and mind decluttering in a straightforward, easy-to-digest style that’s accessible to all.
The Courage to Be Disliked unfolds as a dialogue between a philosopher and a young man, who, over the course of five enriching conversations, realizes that each of us is in control of our life’s direction, independent of past burdens and expectations of others.
Wise, empowering, and profoundly liberating, this book is a life-changing experience that shows you a path to lasting happiness and how to finally be the person you truly want to be. Millions are already benefiting from its teachings—and you can be next.
Ichiro Kishimi
Ichiro Kishimi was born in Kyoto, where he currently resides. He writes and lectures on Adlerian psychology and provides counseling for youths in psychiatric clinics as a certified counselor and consultant for the Japanese Society of Adlerian Psychology. He is the translator, into Japanese, of selected writings by Alfred Adler—The Science of Living and Problems of Neurosis—and he is the author of Introduction to Adlerian Psychology, in addition to numerous other books.
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Reviews for The Courage to Be Disliked
2,015 ratings134 reviews
What our readers think
Readers find this title to be a life-changing book that combines psychology, philosophy, and self-development. The book offers valuable insights and practical lessons that can be easily applied in everyday life. It presents unconventional perspectives and challenges common notions, inspiring personal growth and transformation. While some readers found the book overwhelming or preferred a more detailed explanation, overall, it is highly recommended for anyone seeking clarity, happiness, and a positive outlook on life. The dialogue format and introduction to Adlerian psychology make it accessible and relatable to a wide audience.
1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Nov 8, 2023
Really good conversation about life and the way of dealing with ourselves to see the world in a positive manner.1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 8, 2023
One of my favorite new books. As an enthusiast of psychology, self development, philosophy, the book combines the three fields with logic and wisdom. Life changing!1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Nov 8, 2023
This book was my first encounter to Adlerian Psychology and I loved it. The only thing that bothered me about the book was the young man's (sometimes) insolent attitude so I'd recommend reading the book rather than listening to it.1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 8, 2023
great framework for perceiving life. anyone seeking happiness should give it a shot.1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 8, 2023
A must have in your book library. Great Book1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 8, 2023
This is truly a life changing book. I've read a lot of philosophical books, but this one requires an absolute re-read and study because the information in it is so valuable and easy to apply in my life. It is presented in a way that makes it easy to apply each lesson in every day life.1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 8, 2023
Certainly a novel point of view on the world and at the same time, listening to this book was like putting words on beliefs I’d had for a long time.
Wether you agree with the tenets propounded by the author or not, I think it’s worthwhile and would recommend.1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 8, 2023
Awesomely fun! A dialogue between philosophy and psychology. A life changer for all!1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 8, 2023
A wonderful recording in which an actual dialogue takes place. Wonderful.1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 8, 2023
Such a thought-provoking book! The book is written in the format of a dialogue which makes for easy listening. An excellent introduction Adlerian Psychology.1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 8, 2023
Neu ( wenigstens für mich), verständlich und anwendbar.Bitte lesen, wenn an praktischer Lebensphilosophie interessiert.1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 8, 2023
Should be called the Courage To Be Happy
I felt like I was exactly in the same place as the young kid.1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 8, 2023
Nice introduction to the philosophy of Alfred Adler. I like that it’s a conversation between a young person and a philosopher.1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 8, 2023
This book has allowed me to make the biggest change in my life. I cannot describe the gravity or meaningfulness these philosophies may bring to your life, but as for me, I am truly now at peace, or as the say in the book, dancing.1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 8, 2023
The best book ever read. I love that it was dialogue and the relatability was soo on point that that book should be an example of how books like this one be represented1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 8, 2023
My first introduction to Adlerian psychology. I learned so much about myself it’s incredible1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 8, 2023
Fantastic all around. I loved the format and wisdom.1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 8, 2023
If you let it it'll change your life. So thankful!1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 8, 2023
A life without destination. The courage to be disliked is a practical philosophy to be more self reliant and live in harmony with society.
Book is based on Alfred Adler teaching, a great comrade of and yet having fundamentally opposite view to Sigmund Freud. Some personal takeaways;
Life is not a line, like that of a mountain climb, but connected dots, where one gets to live moments to moments. Just like dance, there's no destination. If one is truly present in the moment, the past no longer binds.
When we get to live in such freedom we can and will get lost. But so long as we go through life engaging on life tasks -- the tasks of work, friendship, and love, it does not matter if we get lost, it'll be still a happy, courageous life.
Who would've thought that psychology, philosophy, and mindfulness convenes?
If reading a good book is like conversing with a good friend, well what a time well spent :)1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 8, 2023
This is an excellent introduction to a broad and engaging philosophy. I was encouraged and surprised to find how much it resonated with my own way of life. The text is well written and nicely read by entertaining actors. It is the perfect ‘read’ for a car ride. I did so on my way to work a 20 minute commute that gave me just the right dose got the day! Highly recommended!1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Nov 8, 2023
The author uses a dialog between two to explain his theories. That dialog does not seem natural but quite forced. In spite of that, the content is interesting.
I am not sure if the audio version is the most suitable for this kind of content. I sometimes find it difficult to follow. I would prefer the written text. That would help me take notes. It would also help to check the index and understand how each chapter and section fits in the overall structure. With the audio version all that is much difficult. For me, the audio could be a good complement, but not the best option if you have to choose between audio or text. I am sorry that the book is not available in Scribd.1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 8, 2023
It is rare to find a book that can shake you to the core. It took a while to reach the end, but it was just so I can linger and absorb the insights better, and to understand them. This book has accompanied me during one of the hardest periods of my life, uplifting me and helping me to put things in proportion. I am going to hear it once again and get a hard copy. It has started to change my world view and I hope what it leads me to continues to be such an inspiration.1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 8, 2023
Presented in easy to understand dialogue, this book is a great way to learn about Adlerian Psychology.1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Oct 15, 2025
This was my 1st encounter with Adlerian psychology and I found it refreshing despite the technicalities that pop up throughout the book. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 23, 2025
What a phenomenal book. It really shone a different light on my perspective on life. I hope to employ what I’ve learned from this book in real life. It’s rare when an audiobook format of a book is spot on, but I have to say, the audiobook of this book was beyond perfect! It was fantastic, almost as if the book was made for an audiobook format. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Aug 8, 2025
Changed much of my perspective about life, it is worth reading - Rating: 1 out of 5 stars1/5
Jul 22, 2025
Not only not helpful but actually harmful. I would give it negative stars if I could.
Very misleading title implying inner sovereignty but instead delivers psychological violence (exp "trauma doesn't exist..you make it all up to suit your purposes') disguised as profound insight. - Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5
Jul 10, 2025
Horrible voice actor. The older voice actor was good, but the younger one is too kids friendly sounding. I'm struggling to get through it - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Jun 18, 2025
The way this book is put together is perfect. Makes you think as well as pulls you right back for you know you will have questions. 10/10 recommend. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Jun 15, 2025
I very much enjoyed this title and the way it was presented
