The Courage to Be Disliked

The authors Kishimi and Koga situate themselves at the intersection of Alfred Adler’s psychological theories and tenets of Greek philosophy, specifically those of Socrates and Plato. When Kishimi encountered Adlerian psychology, he soon realized that it was compatible with the ideas so prevalent in Greek philosophy. Thus, his method of counseling, teaching, and writing reflects both ideologies.

Alfred Adler was an Austrian physician who turned to psychiatry at the beginning of the 20th century, around the same time that Sigmund Freud began to present his theories of psychoanalysis. Unlike Freud, who focused on early childhood sexual development as the main source of mental illness, Adler relied upon his own experience as a physician and began to consider a person’s health in a more holistic sense. Because of these fundamental philosophical differences, the two soon parted ways in their professional lives. Adler moved to the United States and continued writing, counseling, and teaching until his death in 1937. His theories can be summarized by his idea of individual psychology; he believed that human behavior is motivated by a desire to overcome feelings of inferiority. As a result, his work emphasizes the importance of social engagement, personal responsibility, and the capacity of individuals to change their own lives. He also emphasizes the importance of making contributions to community, engaging in self-acceptance, and recognizing the importance of the present moment in order to find happiness.

Socrates and Plato, two ancient Greek philosophers, both lived around 400 BCE. Socrates’s ideas are highly influential in modern Western philosophy, but they are only recorded thanks to Plato, his student and collaborator. In a direct reflection of his beliefs, Socrates preferred to engage with his ideas publicly in the form of dialogue. His main principles included the importance of critical thinking, self-knowledge, and questioning social norms. For his belief in critical thinking, he was eventually executed on charges of corrupting the youth.