Following the global success of The Courage to Be Disliked, which has sold more than 15 million copies worldwide, acclaimed Japanese philosopher and Adlerian psychology expert Ichiro Kishimi returns with a powerful new book, The Courage to Be Ordinary. The book offers readers a timely and transformative perspective on overcoming burnout, breaking free from constant comparison, and discovering the freedom of living an authentic life.
Addressing the growing pressures of hustle culture and the relentless pursuit of success, The Courage to Be Ordinary encourages readers to challenge the belief that they must always strive to be exceptional. Instead, Kishimi presents a compelling argument that embracing ordinary life is not a sign of failure but a path to genuine confidence, inner peace, and personal fulfillment.
The book explores how the desire to constantly prove one’s worth can lead to stress, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion. By letting go of the need for external validation, readers can create space for their natural strengths and cultivate a more meaningful and balanced life. Kishimi’s message is both reassuring and empowering: true freedom comes from accepting oneself without the burden of competition.
Drawing upon the principles of Adlerian psychology, The Courage to Be Ordinary offers practical insights for anyone seeking to reduce stress, build healthier relationships, and redefine success on their own terms. Its central message—that ordinary is powerful—resonates strongly in today’s fast-paced world.
Ichiro Kishimi, born in Kyoto in 1956, is one of Japan’s foremost authorities on Adlerian psychology. A graduate of Kyoto University Graduate School of Letters, he has researched and taught Adlerian psychology since 1989. A certified counsellor and consultant for the Japanese Society of Adlerian Psychology, Kishimi is also a renowned translator of the works of Austrian psychologist Alfred Adler.
The English edition has been translated by Haydn Trowell, an award-winning translator known for his work with celebrated Japanese authors including Yasunari Kawabata, Maki Kashimada, and Rie Qudan. Trowell holds a PhD in Translation Studies from Monash University and has extensive experience working with publishers across Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
With The Courage to Be Ordinary, Kishimi once again offers readers an insightful guide to living with greater clarity, resilience, and self-acceptance, reminding us that the greatest strength may lie not in standing out, but in embracing who we truly are.
