The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem: The Definitive Work on Self-Esteem by the Leading Pioneer in the Field

An insightful journey in how to understand, value and build your self-esteem. I loved that author gives lots of personal perspective mixed with captivating psychological cases.

Great read. This is a staple for a reason. Everyone should read this. Everything you need is in the first half.

This book is great for those who struggle to connect with more emotionally-driven self-help books on the topic. The author provides strong grounding in theory ("what") before moving on to the "how". I like that his tone is fairly neutral, like a good psychoanalist, so you can more easily separate from the fog of emotions and approach your own experience with a clearer head. I'm learning a lot and understanding myself better.

Nathaniel Branden is considered by many to be one of the pioneers of the self-esteem movement. Precisely that means he was one of the core influences in bringing about the importance of self-esteem (or lack thereof) in psychological issues. Branden has written many books on the subject with this one representing the total collection of all his prior thoughts. Branden stresses the importance of discovering that the root of self esteem is an internal evaluation. Letting self esteem be dictated by external forces such as the opinions of others is a recipe for problems as it gives up control to our own happiness. The importance of maintaining this control ourselves, put best in Branden's own words, "lies not merely in the fact that it allows us to feel better but that it allows us to live better - to respond to challenges and opportunities more resourcefully and more appropriately...I have come to think of positive self esteem as, in effect, the immune system of consciousness, providing resistance, strength, and a capacity for regeneration." Self esteem is not a substitute for knowledge and skills or many other facets of importance, but as Branden illustrates a low self esteem offers an unnecessary burden on our lives thus making a healthy self esteem essential. Branden is a logical writer who presents firm premises and clear paths to his conclusions. He values ambition, integrity, respect and the importance of ingenuity in human evolution. Branden caters to the potential greatness within us rather than a focus on simply accepting deficiencies. He doesn't suggest disowning our shortcomings but presents a potentially better path by emphasizing the positive aspects of a strong self esteem. If you seek an uplifting journey into the roots of psychology, there is no doubt Branden's work will be of interest.

This book remains the best book I've read since I've bought it. It's a complete handbook and guide on developing one of your greatest need: Self-Esteem. With tremendous detail that's beautifully written, and enlightening all the way through, we get practical steps to develop feeling worthy and competent in life. It reaches into every area of life hence why I consider this book indispensable. I'm still in awe that addressing self-esteem to the degree Nathaniel Brendan has is unparalleled by even that most prestigious studies, books, or professors/therapists at the best universities (at least in the way this book gives access to the average man). As been said, Nathaniel was ahead of his time. Massive gratitude and props.

“Apart from disturbance whose roots are biological, I cannot think of a single psychological problem—from anxiety and depression, to underachievement at school or at work, to fear of intimacy, happiness, or success, to alcohol or drug abuse, to spouse battering or child molestation, to co-dependency and sexual disorders, to passivity and chronic aimlessness, to suicide and crimes of violence—that is not traceable, at least in part, to the problem of deficient self-esteem. Of all the judgments we pass in life, none is as important as the one we pass on ourselves.” ~ Nathaniel Branden from The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem Nathaniel Branden is a smart dood. Big brain. Very big brain. He’s the leading authority on the science of self-esteem and, in addition to the big brain/wisdom, he has a fascinating life story. Nathaniel met Ayn Rand as a teenager and began an intimate relationship with Ayn and her work that lasted over 20 years and included highlights such as Ayn deeming Nathaniel the embodiment of her ideals and Nathaniel helping to create the Objectivist movement. Check out part one of his fascinating interview with Ken Wilber at his website (NathanielBranden.com) for more mojo on that front and to get a personal look at his life and wisdom. The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem is, as its sub-title proclaims: “the definitive work on self-esteem by the leading pioneer in the field.” Branden’s style is rigorously smart yet still approachable (and almost Emersonially quotable :). In this Note (as with all the others), I’m less interested in giving you an intellectual overview of the subject and more interested in pulling out some of the many Big Ideas we can *immediately* apply to our lives. Let’s explore some of the Big Ideas: 1. The Six Pillars - Of self-esteem. 2. Practice - Create self-esteem. 3. Living Consciously - Pillar #1. 4. Self-Acceptance - Pillar #2. 5. Self-Responsibility - Pillar #3. Yep. It’s clear. Let’s honor the small improvements we’re making as we develop our self-esteem and live more and more radiantly conscious lives, More goodness— including PhilosophersNotes on 300+ books in our ​*OPTIMIZE*​ membership brianjohnson . me.

I was looking for this book to raise my self esteem. This is a good practical book. Perfect size. Readable.

Dr. Branden may your soul rest in eternal peace

I received this book today and I'm presently on page 11. I love it!!! I read some 1 star reviews as well as reddit posts about the book prior to purchasing it. I don't have a background in psychology, however I completed a 4 year business degree. Contrary to some negative reviews, I very much appreciate the language style that the book is written in. The sentences are long, with the use of lots of comas so you have to be able to follow the idea. However this book also contains practical advice to common issues (outside of self esteem). Thus this book is not a gimicky, over simplified one but it's not an academic paper either. It lands in between. If you need a therapist because your life has been uprooted in some or all aspects (health, end of marriage/friendships, grief from loss of loved one, issues in career) this book will give you the answers and clarity that you seek prior to seeing a professional. It will give you an idea of where to focus on and understanding of your therapy and I believe it will make you more prepared for your sessions. So glad I found this book. 5 stars. One of the best books that I now own.

Good book. Was recommended to me. I have to admit though there’s something about the author and about the book that I don’t feel right about. I can’t describe it, hmm. I’d like to check some of his other works someday.

Has the basis for self-esteem (not self-love), so if you are like me who has issues to trust thyself, go ahead! This is the best way to start