Book Notes/The Courage to Be Disliked

The Courage to Be Disliked

by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga

"The Courage to Be Disliked" explores the concept of self-acceptance and personal freedom through a dialogue between a philosopher and a young man. Drawing on Adlerian psychology, the book argues that happiness is a choice and encourages readers to break free from the constraints of past experiences and societal expectations. Ultimately, it advocates for embracing one's individuality and the courage to pursue a fulfilling life.

19 curated highlights from this book

Key Insights & Memorable Quotes

Below are the most impactful passages and quotes from The Courage to Be Disliked, carefully selected to capture the essence of the book.

Freedom is not a matter of what happens to you, but how you interpret what happens to you.
To be disliked by others is a necessary condition for the happiness of the self.
The past is not a chain that binds you; it is a lesson that teaches you.
You have the right to be happy, regardless of the judgments of others.
Life is not a competition; it is a journey of self-discovery.
You cannot change the world, but you can change your perception of it.
The courage to be disliked is the courage to be yourself.
Forgiveness is not about forgetting; it is about letting go of the hurt.
True happiness comes from within, not from external validation.
Your life is your own; live it as you see fit.
Happiness is not something you acquire; it is something you create.
Life is not a competition; it is a journey.
You are not born to live according to others' expectations.
All problems are interpersonal relationship problems.
True freedom is the freedom to choose your own path.
The past does not determine your future; you do.
You are the one who decides what to do with your life.
Change begins with accepting who you are.
The moment you think of someone else as an enemy, you lose your freedom.