The Courage to Be Disliked: The Japanese Phenomenon That Shows You How to Change Your Life and Achieve Real Happiness

The New York Times bestselling TikTok sensation with more than 13 million copies sold worldwide, The Courage to Be Disliked is a transformative and practical guide to personal happiness and self-fulfillment.

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.

BUY THE BOOK

Published May 7, 2024

288 pages

Average rating: 7.25

162 RATINGS

|

Join a book club that is reading The Courage to Be Disliked: The Japanese Phenomenon That Shows You How to Change Your Life and Achieve Real Happiness!

Booked and Bizzy

Booked & Bizzy is your go-to growth circle. Each month, we read a new book and unlock fresh ways to win in business, careers, family, and life.

Community Reviews

Ashley S
Feb 04, 2026
10/10 stars
I listened to this audiobook and within the first hour knew that this book was going to change my perspective, so I have bought a copy to reread and notate what speaks to me. I had heard of Adlerian Psychology but didn't know a lot about it. The format of this book is a conversation between a young person and an older philosopher which I found easy to follow.
Husan
Sep 12, 2025
9/10 stars
So far one of the best book I read in self help genre. I don’t know if anyone will agree with me but this one changed my life. I realized a lot of things.
Joyce L
Aug 18, 2025
8/10 stars
Being of a philosophical mind, with Socrates as my favorite, I enjoyed this book. A lot of great points. The title is misleading.
Resilient One
Apr 26, 2025
9/10 stars
Insightful and informative.
Chapter.by.Chpt
Apr 06, 2025
9/10 stars
The Courage to be Disliked provides a genuine insight on different perspectives of what it means to truly live. This book can be life changing if you take your time to read it and apply the lessons learned. It gave me the opportunity to conduct self reflection with each chapter. Highly recommend

See why thousands of readers are using Bookclubs to stay connected.