Freedom and the Fear of Dislike

Reading from The Courage To Be Disliked by Fumitake Koga and Ichiro Kishimi. To explore Adlerian psychology's concepts of freedom and community.

Key Takeaways

• Freedom is the courage to be disliked. It means living by your own principles, not being a "slave to inclination" (Kant) or seeking constant recognition.

• "Separation of tasks" is the tool for freedom. It defines boundaries by focusing on your own tasks (e.g., leading a horse to water) and letting go of others' outcomes (e.g., whether the horse drinks).

• Fear of judgment is self-centred. This fear stems from an "attachment to self," not concern for others. True connection requires shifting to "social interest" and seeing others as comrades.

• Adlerian psychology is "Individual Psychology" because the self is "indivisible." It rejects dualisms (e.g., mind/body, reason/emotion) and views individuals as whole, choosing their actions and emotions.

Topics

Freedom & the Courage to Be Disliked

• The universal desire for recognition (Kant's "inclination") makes one a "slave to desire."

• Analogy: A stone rolling downhill is unfree; a human resisting inclination and climbing uphill is free.

• Core Principle: Freedom is being disliked by some, as it proves you are living by your own principles.

  • Note: This is not a call to wrongdoing, but to be unconcerned by others' judgment.

• Cost of Freedom: The possibility of not being recognised.

Separation of Tasks: The Tool for Freedom

• Principle: Define clear boundaries by focusing only on your own tasks.

• Example (The Philosopher's Father):

  • Problem: A strained relationship, attributed to a childhood trauma.

  • Freudian (Aetiology) View: The trauma caused the bad relationship.

  • Adlerian (Teleology) View: The memory was used to justify not repairing the relationship.

  • Solution: The philosopher focused on his own task—resolving to repair the relationship—without expecting his father to change.

  • Outcome: The father eventually said "Thank you," showing the power of focusing on one's own actions.

Community Feeling: The Goal of Relationships

• Critique of Task Separation: The student argued that it leads to isolation.

• Philosopher's Clarification: Task separation is a starting point, not an end in itself. It untangles relationship threads to enable true connection.

• Goal of Relationships: "Community feeling," or "social interest."

  • Definition: Seeing others as comrades, finding refuge in the community, and desiring to contribute.

  • Adler's "Community": An all-inclusive ideal (past, present, future, all life) that is an "unattainable ideal" but a necessary guide.

Self-Centeredness vs. Social Interest

• Self-Centeredness: An "attachment to self" focused solely on the "I."

  • Includes: Tyrants, egotists, and those obsessed with recognition.

  • Rationale: Worrying about others' opinions is self-centred because it is a concern for how they satisfy your desire for recognition.

• Social Interest: A "concern for others" that shifts focus from self to community.

• The Dilemma: The student questioned this, arguing that the self is the natural protagonist of one's life.

Next Steps

• Sandeep Dutt: Write the Sunday newsletter, including the Good Schools Alliance's new governing council.

• All Participants:

  • Reflect on the concepts of freedom, task separation, and self-centeredness.

  • Share reflections in the WhatsApp group or request a blogger ID for the website.

  • Meet next Saturday to continue the discussion.

Like Vs Dislike - Ranjana Singh

Like vs Dislike

With the advent of digital platforms and exposure to social media "like" and "dislike" have taken new dimensions. The concept of "like" which specifically symbolises approval or enjoyment — can impact the phenomenon of "dislike," particularly within educational contexts.

Like and dislike can empower students, educators, and the broader educational community in various ways, fostering critical thinking, analytical thinking, engagement, and a deeper understanding of content.

The rise of digital classrooms and social media has transformed students' perspectives in an educational context. Platforms like Google Classroom, Edmodo, and even social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter allow students to express their preferences through "like" buttons. This seemingly simple feature can create an environment where positive reinforcement is readily visible and accessible. When students "like" a particular post and comment and on a piece of content, it develops a sense of shared interest. This participation strengthens the feeling of team endeavour.

However, the empowerment of "like" inherently brings the concept of "dislike" into sharper focus. In platforms where "dislike" buttons are absent, the lack of engagement (i.e., fewer "likes") can serve as a form of silent criticism. This dynamic pushes students to think critically about what content they endorse, often leading to more thoughtful interactions. Students might reflect more deeply on why certain content resonates with them while other content does not, fostering a habit of critical analysis that is essential in educational development.

"Like" mechanisms also enhance the process of constructive feedback. Whether virtual or physical, students and educators benefit from practising brainstorming, student reflection, and volunteer teaching in a classroom setting. Positive reinforcement through "likes" can highlight effective teaching methods, successful projects, or engaging discussions. Conversely, the absence of "likes" on certain materials can prompt educators to reconsider their approaches and invite feedback from students.

This process empowers students to express their preferences and encourages educators to adapt and improve. For instance, if a teacher notices that a particular type of interactive content receives more "likes" than traditional lecture notes, they might incorporate more interactive elements into their teaching strategy. This feedback loop, driven by the empowerment of "like," can lead to a more dynamic and responsive educational environment.

Additionally, it fosters a Culture of Openness and Dialogue within educational contexts. When students feel empowered to express their preferences, they are more likely to engage in discussions about why they like or dislike certain content. This dialogue can lead to a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives and promote a more inclusive classroom environment.

For example, a student might express their preference for collaborative projects over individual assignments through their engagement patterns. This preference, when openly discussed, can reveal insights into different learning styles and preferences within the classroom. Educators can then tailor their approaches to accommodate a broader range of student needs, creating a more inclusive and effective learning environment.

Therefore by leveraging the positive aspects of "like" and addressing the challenges it brings, educators and students can create a culture of continuous improvement and meaningful interaction. This balanced approach can ultimately enhance the educational experience, promoting deeper understanding and critical thinking among all participants.

Ranjana Singh

Sunbeam Varuna