The Courage to Be Disliked
by Ichiro Kishmi
Presented by: Robyn Tresnak
The Courage to Be Disliked presents a transformative dialogue between a wise philosopher and a skeptical young man, using the conversational format to explore the principles of Alfred Adler, a pioneering psychologist often overshadowed by Freud and Jung. Written by Japanese authors Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga, the book explores how personal happiness and freedom are achievable—not through changing the world, but by changing how we perceive and interact with it.
At its heart, the book asserts a radical and empowering message: you are not determined by your past, your trauma, or the expectations of others. Instead, you create your own life through the meaning you assign to your experiences and the goals you set for yourself. This belief challenges many widely held assumptions about human behavior and self-worth.
Through the dialogue, the philosopher argues that we are all capable of change at any moment, but most people avoid it because of fear—particularly the fear of being disliked. To live authentically and happily, we must develop the courage to be disliked by others, choosing instead to live in alignment with our own values and purpose.
The book explores several key Adlerian principles:
Separation of Tasks – Understanding what is your responsibility and what belongs to others can free you from unnecessary anxiety and people-pleasing.
All problems are interpersonal relationship problems – Many of our internal struggles stem from how we relate to others and how much we rely on external approval.
We fabricate trauma – Instead of being defined by past experiences, we use those experiences to justify current behaviors. Change is possible when we take ownership of our present and future.
Contribution over competition – Happiness comes not from trying to prove your worth, but from feeling that you are contributing to others in a meaningful way.
Ultimately, The Courage to Be Disliked is a philosophical and psychological call to action: to free ourselves from the tyranny of approval, rewrite the narratives we’ve inherited, and embrace the power we have to live fully, freely, and with purpose.
It’s a refreshing and often challenging read that encourages deep self-reflection. For lifelong learners and anyone on a journey of personal growth, this book offers an invitation to let go of fear, embrace self-reliance, and pursue a life of genuine happiness—even if it means not everyone approves.
WHEN:
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Meet and Greet: 5:30 PM – 5:45 PM (US Central Time)
Presentation: 5:45 PM – 7:00 PM (US Central Time)
Meet Life Long Learners and Open Discussion:
7:00 PM – 7:30 PM (US Central Time)
WHERE (either):
In Person
CHRISTUS Heritage Hall, The Village at Incarnate Word
Braodway at Burr Road
San Antonio, TX 78209
or VIA ZOOM
Presentation:
5:45 PM – 7:00 PM (US Central Time)
**You must register to receive the Zoom Link**
You do not need to have read the book to attend the event.
If you would like to invite other colleagues to join this conference, have them visit the website at www.ExecutiveBookReview.com to find out more about this and future events.