The Courage to Be Disliked

Within the book "The Courage to Be Disliked: How to Free Yourself, Change Your Life, and Achieve Real Happiness" by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga, the authors explore teleology from an Adlerian perspective, which views individuals as always moving towards a goal. I chose to read this book because I wanted to develop courage and be more active in the content creation space.

Overview

The book is structured as a series of conversations held over five nights between a youth and a philosopher. They discuss the differences between teleology, the study of the purpose of a given phenomenon, and etiology, the study of causation. Each night covers a specific topic with multiple chapters dedicated to one conversation. The book addresses various subjects, including the present moment, trauma, and interpersonal relationship problems.

Analysis

The pacing of the conversation allows for easy comprehension as the youth asks questions that come to mind. However, certain sections, like "Discarding Other People's Tasks," are more abstract and could benefit from additional examples to further explore the concept. Some of the book's claims did not align with my own viewpoints, such as the assertion that trauma isn't real. Nevertheless, there were enriching perspectives, such as the idea that everyone can be happy and the importance of focusing on what is within one's control.

Takeaways

My main takeaways were 1/ understanding what to focus on when putting yourself out there, and 2/ viewing the pursuit of growth. The authors emphasize focusing on aspects within one's control, such as self-expression and how you convey your message, rather than always looking at the viewpoints of others. Taking in the views of others is valuable, but keep in mind to have your own purpose for what you’re acquiring feedback on.

 They also advocate for viewing personal growth as a journey taken on one's own terms, rather than as a competition with others. This perspective encourages seeing others as comrades in one's life journey as one continues to develop towards their best self.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Courage to Be Disliked: How to Free Yourself, Change Your Life, and Achieve Real Happiness" by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga offers valuable insights and a different perspective on developing courage.

Score Breakdown:

  • Writing Style: 4/5

  • Clarity: 3/5

  • Entertainment Value: 2/5

  • Takeaways: 3/5

  • Overall: 3/5

Want to read the book? Consider buying from the affiliate link below! This comes with no extra fee for you, and I will receive some of the profits.

Book Link: Kindle | Audiobook | Hardcover | Paperback

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