Course Overview
Based on the international best-selling book by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga. This course teaches the central ideas of The Courage to Be Disliked through a practical, structured format. It is not a comfort course. It is a responsibility course.
Much of human suffering is a result of how we view ourselves, relate with others, and hold onto the past. Adlerian psychology, as presented in the book, challenges three common excuses:
- “My past made me this way.”
- “I need other people’s approval to be happy.”
- “My worth depends on being better than others.”
This course will force the student to examine those assumptions.
Course Objective
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Explain the major Adlerian principles taught in the book.
- Distinguish cause-based thinking from purpose-based thinking.
- Apply separation of tasks to real-life relationships.
- Identify recognition-seeking, inferiority, comparison, and control patterns.
- Reframe happiness as contribution rather than superiority.
- Live with greater freedom, even at the cost of being misunderstood or disliked.
Who This Course Is For
This course is for students who:
- Feel trapped by the past.
- Overthink what others think of them.
- Struggle with inferiority, comparison, or resentment.
- Want a framework for personal freedom and mature relationships.
- Are willing to trade excuses for responsibility.
Do you want comfort, or do you want freedom?
The book argues that freedom is costly. You may lose approval. You may lose old excuses. You may lose the story that made your weakness feel justified. But you gain agency.
Course Format:
- 10 Modules
- 10 Quizzes
- Final Exam
Course Instructor
Module 1: The Adlerian Revolution
From Excuses to Responsibility
Module 2: All Problems Are Interpersonal Relationship Problems
The Social Root of Suffering
Module 3: Teleology vs. Etiology
Stop Worshipping the Past
Module 4: The Denial of Trauma as Destiny
Your Wound Is Not Your Ruler
Module 5: Separation of Tasks
What Is Yours, and What Is Not
Module 6: Freedom and the Courage to Be Disliked
Approval Is a Cage
Module 7: Inferiority, Superiority, and the Competitive Trap
Stop Measuring Your Life Against Other People
Module 8: Encouragement, Not Praise
Equality Over Manipulation
Module 9: Contribution and the Meaning of Happiness
Happiness Is Found in Contribution
Module 10: Self-Acceptance and Living in the Here and Now
Drop the Performance. Live the Day in Front of You.
Final Exam
Course Summary
