Discover the surprising superpower you already have to activate a thriving life—from the 15-million-copy New York Times bestselling author of the Japanese self-help phenomenon, The Courage to Be Disliked.

What if the quest to be special is actually preventing you from living your best life?

We’re taught early on to pursue greatness and set ourselves apart. But beneath this universal desire to be extraordinary lies a constant, anxious comparison with others, which inevitably keeps true happiness just out of reach.

In his inspiring new book, psychologist and philosopher Ichiro Kishimi breaks down the real reasons we subject ourselves to the crushing expectations of others, as well as a new way to thrive by accessing your inner compass and choosing a life that’s truly your own.

Drawing deeply from Japanese wisdom, The Courage to Be Ordinary will free you from the endless cycle of competition, boost your confidence, and empower you to live a happy life. Rejecting both an endless striving to be special and a cynical resignation to remain the same, Kishimi instead offers us a revolutionary third path, unlocking the full benefits of radical acceptance and authenticity. The Courage to Be Ordinary shows you:



- how birth order and parental influence affects your life long after you leave the home,
- the dangers of the fragile superiority behind the need to be special,
- and how to connect with your internal compass for true confidence in life, work, and relationships.


People-pleasing and the pressure to be extraordinary leads many people to live a life that looks the same from the outside. This book is your map to accept who you are, giving you the power you need to succeed.