Book Review: The Courage To Be Happy
Book Information
Title: The Courage To Be Happy
Author(s): Ichiro Kishimi, Fumitake Koga
Genre(s): Self-help, Psychology, Nonfiction
Published On: June 3, 2019
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Pages: 278
"The author team behind worldwide bestseller The Courage To Be Disliked return with the must-have companion volume. In The Courage To Be Happy, Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga again distill their wisdom into simple yet profound advice to show us how we, too, can use twentieth-century psychological theory to find true happiness."
This is not a sponsored post, all opinions are my own!
The Book In 3 Sentences
- Liberation from the past: Your past does not dictate your present; it is your choices in the here and now that shape your destiny.
- Embracing acceptance: True respect lies in accepting others unconditionally, without imposing judgments or conditions.
- Authenticity over conformity: Rather than striving to be different, find fulfillment in embracing your true self, free from societal expectations.
How The Book Changed Me
This book has allowed me to regain happiness in my life. Reading the book was not a passive experience but a catalyst for personal profound growth. Implementing the philosophies has become a life-long journey. That said, the ideology offered has opened up a new lens for me to see the world, gaining a greater appreciation for life itself.
I have been able to adopt a more open mind, lower my stress, and appreciate life to the fullest. I have genuinely benefited from the changes I have made thus far, and feel I am on a better, more rewarding path in life.
How I Came Across The Book/Who Should Read It
I first came across this book through Ali Abdaal, who recommended: "The Courage to be Disliked". After reading that, I immediately worked my way through the sequel. These books are written in an engaging manner which I found impactful.
Anyone who is struggling in life; whether it be with happiness, past experiences, relationships, etc. can benefit from this book. Even if you feel content where you are, I still suggest reading it to gain exposure to a new philosophy - one you can decide whether you want to adopt or not.
My 3 Favorite Quotes
"No matter what has occurred in your life until now, it has no bearing at all on how you live your life from now on. And that you, living “here and now,” are the one who decides your own life."
"Every person is a compiler of a story of “me,” who rewrites his or her own past as desired to prove the legitimacy of “me now."
"Having another person decide the worth of “me”—that is dependence. Determining the worth of “me” oneself—that is self-reliance. If one were to ask which choice leads to a happy life, the answer should be clear. Your worth is not decided by someone else."
Summary/Thoughts
Adopting this or any philosophy takes courage. It takes courage to make a real change in your life - but what are you waiting for? If you aren't happy with where you are, the relationships you have, or the impact you have on the world, then it is time to make a change. The demands for change are high - but the rewards you will gain are immeasurable.
I believe in always having an open mind. I highly recommend reading both volumes in this series; however, the choice to adopt the philosophy is yours. At the very least, you can be exposed to a new pair of lenses to see the world. These books dive deeper into applying this philosophy towards love, child, and work relationships as well. While not covered as much in this review, I thought it was important to note. The two-book series will guide you through several different scenarios, describe the root cause for your problems in life, and provide a roadmap to regain control and happiness.
Embrace the power of the present moment and seize control of your destiny. Dive into the pages of "The Courage To Be Happy" and discover the liberating truth that your past does not define you. Join countless others in embracing acceptance, authenticity, and the boundless possibilities that await when you courageously choose to be happy.
If you have not read my review of the first book, you can check that out here:
Joe Closky
Feel free to reach out through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or email to discuss your opinion on this book or anything else! I hope I encouraged some of you to give this series a try!
