First published in Japan as Shiawase Ni Naru Yuki by Diamond Inc., Tokyo, in 2016
First published in Australia and New Zealand by Allen & Unwin in 2019
This English language edition published by arrangement with Diamond, Inc. in care of Tuttle-Mori Agency Inc., Tokyo, through Chandler Crawford Agency, Massachusetts, USA.
Copyright Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga 2016
Copyright Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga in this translated edition 2019
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the publisher. The Australian Copyright Act 1968 (the Act) allows a maximum of one chapter or 10 per cent of this book, whichever is the greater, to be photocopied by any educational institution for its educational purposes provided that the educational institution (or body that administers it) has given a remuneration notice to the Copyright Agency (Australia) under the Act.
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Though he stands beside Sigmund Freud and Carl Gustav Jung as one of the most important figures in the world of psychology, Alfred Adler was for many years a forgotten giant. Using the traditional format found in Greek philosophy of a dialogue between a young man and a philosopher, this book provides an introduction to Adlers thought, which is said to be one hundred years ahead of its time.
The characters appearing in the book are a philosopher engaged in the study of Greek philosophy alongside Adlerian psychology and a youth who is pessimistic about his life. In the previous work, The Courage to be Disliked , the youth questioned the philosopher on the true meaning of his assertion, based on Adlers ideas, that People can change. And not only that, they can find happiness. The philosopher offered the following statements in response:
There is no such thing as an internal problem. All problems are interpersonal relationship problems. One must not be afraid of being disliked. Freedom is being disliked by other people. It isnt that you lack competence. You just lack courage. Neither the past nor the future exist. There is only here and now.
The youth rebelled against this stream of radical statements again and again. On encountering Adlers idea of community feeling, however, he came to accept the philosophers words and resolved to change himself.
The setting of this volume is three years later. The youth, who has become a teacher with the intention of putting Adlers ideas into practice, calls on the philosopher once more. Adlerian psychology is nothing but a bunch of empty theories. You are trying to tempt and corrupt young people with Adlers ideas. Ive got to break away from such dangerous ideas. So says the youth.
In what way should we walk the path to happiness revealed in the preceding volume? Is Adlers thought, which sounds like pure idealism, really a practicable philosophy? And what is the biggest choice in life that Adler arrived at?
This is the conclusion of a two-part work exploring the essence of Alfred Adler and his psychology of courage. Please ascertain for yourself, together with the youth who doubted and revolted against Adler, the true shape of the courage we need.
CONTENTS
It should have been a more lighthearted and friendly visit. I hope you will not mind if, at some point, I visit you here again. Yes, as an irreplaceable friend. And I wont be saying anything more about taking apart your arguments. Indeed, the youth had blurted out such words on his departure that day. Now, however, three years had gone by and he had arrived at this mans study with completely different intentions. The youth was trembling with the gravity of what he was about to confess, and he felt at a loss as to where to begin.
PHILOSOPHER : Well, can you tell me what is going on?
YOUTH : Youre asking why I have come to visit this study again? Well, unfortunately, Im not here just to hang out and renew an old friendship. Im sure you are busy, and my situation, too, is that I have little time for such things. So, naturally, there is a pressing issue that has brought me here again.
PHILOSOPHER : Yes, of course, it would seem so.
YOUTH : I have thought things over. I have worried and obsessed over it all more than is necessary and thought it all completely through. In doing so, I arrived at a very serious resolution and decided to come here to convey it to you. I know you have much to do, so please give me your time for just this one evening. Because this will probably be my final visit.
PHILOSOPHER : What happened?
YOUTH : Havent you figured it out? Its the problem Ive been suffering over for so long: Do I give up on Adler or not?
PHILOSOPHER : Ah. I see.
YOUTH : Ill get right to the point: Adlers ideas are quackery. Utter quackery. Actually, I have to go further and say that they are dangerous, even harmful ideas. While you yourself are certainly free to choose what you wish to adhere to, if possible Id like to get you to be quiet about it for once and for all. Ive resolved to make this my final visit tonight as Ive said, in the knowledge that I had to give up on Adler completely, in your presence and with this feeling in my heart.
PHILOSOPHER : So, was there some event that triggered this?
YOUTH : I will talk this through calmly and in an orderly fashion. First, do you recall that final day three years ago, when I last saw you?
PHILOSOPHER : Of course I do. It was a winters day, with glistening white snow all around.
YOUTH : Yes, it was. The night sky was a beautiful blue, and there was a full moon. Under the influence of Adlers ideas, that day I took a great step forward. I quit my job at the university library and found a teaching position at my old middle school. I thought Id like to put into practice a kind of education that was based on Adlers ideas and bring it to as many children as possible.
PHILOSOPHER : Isnt that a wonderful decision?
YOUTH : Sure. I was burning with idealism then. I simply couldnt keep such wonderful, world-changing ideas all to myself. I had to get more people to understand them. But whom? I could arrive at only one conclusion. The adults, who are no longer pure and unsoiled, arent the ones who need to know about Adler. Its by bringing his thoughts to the children who will build a new generation that his ideas will continue to evolve. That was the mission I had been assigned. The fire inside me was burning so bright, I might well have burned myself.
PHILOSOPHER : I see. You can speak of this only in the past tense?
YOUTH : Thats right; its totally history now. But please dont misunderstand me. I havent lost hope in my students. And neither have I lost hope or given up with regard to education itself. Its just that I have lost hope in Adlerwhich is to say, I have lost hope in you.
