The Courage to Be Disliked, Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga, 2013

The book explores Adlerian psychology and challenges the notion that our past determines our future. It encourages embracing self-acceptance, focusing on contributing to others, and freeing oneself from the need for external validation. True happiness, according to the book, comes from building horizontal relationships and living in the present moment rather than chasing status or approval.

Top 3 Learnings:

1. Freedom comes from focusing on your own tasks and letting go of the need for recognition from others—living to meet others’ expectations is the opposite of freedom.
2. Happiness is achieved by contributing to the community, fostering self-acceptance, and developing the courage to trust others without expecting anything in return.
3. The present moment is all that truly exists—dwelling on the past or future is often an escape from engaging with life as it happens now.