Rhett Rogers reviewed The courage to be disliked by Ichirō Kishimi
The way to live
5 stars
The Courage to Be Disliked really just gave shape to ideas I already believed, but in a way that made them easier to understand and live by. The dialogue between the philosopher and the youth walks through Adlerian psychology step by step, and I liked how each idea built on the last. It gave me a clearer way to think about things like separating my own tasks from others’ and seeing all relationships as equal, or “horizontal.” Those concepts weren’t new to me, but the book helped me see why they matter and how they connect to personal freedom. I did find myself skimming here and there, but mostly because I was excited to see what came next.
More than anything, the book left me feeling both validated and motivated. It reminded me that it’s okay not to chase approval—that what matters is contributing and living by my values, not …
The Courage to Be Disliked really just gave shape to ideas I already believed, but in a way that made them easier to understand and live by. The dialogue between the philosopher and the youth walks through Adlerian psychology step by step, and I liked how each idea built on the last. It gave me a clearer way to think about things like separating my own tasks from others’ and seeing all relationships as equal, or “horizontal.” Those concepts weren’t new to me, but the book helped me see why they matter and how they connect to personal freedom. I did find myself skimming here and there, but mostly because I was excited to see what came next.
More than anything, the book left me feeling both validated and motivated. It reminded me that it’s okay not to chase approval—that what matters is contributing and living by my values, not being recognized for them. It also pushed me to realize that real change means adjusting my lifestyle and mindset, not just trying to think more positive thoughts. I’d definitely recommend it to others; even if not everyone connects with the style right away, I think most people would find something in it that really sticks.






