The Courage to be Happy: Discover the Power of Positive Psychology and Choose Happiness Every Day

The Courage to Be Happy: Discover the Power of Positive Psychology and Choose Happiness Every Day is a self-help text by Japanese authors, philosophers, and lecturers Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga. First published in English in 2019 by Allen and Unwin, The Courage to Be Happy is a companion text to Kishimi and Koga’s 2013 text The Courage to Be Disliked: The Japanese Phenomenon That Shows You How to Change Your Life and Achieve Real Happiness. This follow-up title delves further into psychologist Alfred Adler’s philosophies. Inspired by Greek philosophical traditions, the authors frame Adler’s ideas in the context of a dialogue between a philosopher and a youth. Throughout the text, these fictional figures debate the efficacy of Adler’s ideas and consider how they apply to the layperson’s life. The title’s conversational tone and accessible language are meant to appeal to a wide range of readers but are ideal for searching minds curious about how personal advancement intersects with social responsibility. 

Key takeaways include:

• Pursue Education Without Relying on Rewards or Punishment
• Seek Freedom Through Self-Determination and Responsibility
• Overcome Resentment and Anger by Reframing Personal Experiences
• Find Happiness Through Contribution and Service to Others
• Show Respect, Love, and Empathy to Foster Healthy Relationships

This guide refers to the 2019 Atria Books paperback edition of the text.

Content Warning: The source text and guide feature depictions of mental illness, physical abuse, and emotional abuse.

Summary

The Courage to Be Happy is structured as an ongoing dialogue between a fictional and unnamed philosopher and youth. Throughout their conversation, the philosopher and the youth discuss the veracity and integrity of Alfred Adler’s ideas. The philosopher represents the voice of reason. He consistently upholds Adler’s ideas and patiently accepts the youth’s dissents. The youth represents the interrogative, skeptical voice. He consistently challenges Adler’s principles, as he has found them inapplicable to his personal life and teaching experience. By the end of the text, however, he comes to accept and even laud Adler’s ideas.

Adler’s life philosophy revolves around love, friendship, and work, which he calls “life tasks.” If the individual devotes themselves to these tasks, they will be able to participate effectively in their communal spheres. If the individual does not have a sense of belonging in their community, they will exhibit problem behaviors—what Adler calls the five stages of problem behavior. These behaviors include demanding admiration, drawing attention, engaging in power struggles, seeking revenge, and feigning incompetence. 

To overcome these behaviors, Adler holds that the individual should let go of childishness and prioritize self-love. If one loves oneself, one will feel more self-confident and self-reliant. This self-reliance then breeds personal happiness and effective community living. The individual must trust themselves and take pride in their daily life. If they do so, they can show others love without fear and meet others where they are. These behaviors help any community to operate more smoothly, and community is essential to human survival.