The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem

The media could not be loaded. “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-EsteemNathaniel 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.

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.

The content here is very good. I am almost finished with it, and it is BY FAR the best self help type book I’ve read/listened to. I usually prefer books that are psychology based written by psychologists. This is one of those books. If you are into self-help books that feel like your witty, bubbly BFF is giving you a pep talk—know that this is definitely not that kind of book. That is not to say that it is boring, it’s just not cute or charming in any way. It’s direct, clear, well structured, and simple.He breaks down what contributes to self esteem and makes important distinctions about what self esteem is not. His guidance for building the six pillars is mostly through practicing stream of consciousness writing assignments—which seems too simple, but it is a useful tool. I initially was re-listening to parts so I could take notes and journal along with it. It is not really a casual listen, but it is fantastic. It would be a great read if you are a therapist counseling others with self esteem issues.The only thing I found odd and off putting was his repeated mentions of his personal (mentor/romantic) relationship with author Ayn Rand. Felt like a shameless name drop and took away from the flow of the book. He could’ve made his points without mentioning her name. It wasn’t often, but it was odd.Overall it has great, solid information to get to the root of low self esteem or to understand the foundations of good self esteem, whether for yourself or in parenting, teaching, or helping others.

Great book for an introduction to your self esteem and the people around you.

An excellent book with useful writing exercises. I like being able to refer to the printed text anytime. So for me it was worth purchasing this hard copy.

Under 50 pages in and got my moneys worth

If there is one book I would recommend someone to read, this is on the top selections. Nathaniel did a great job explaining abstract concept into words. The exercises are meaningful and rly help me understand myself and others better. Ppl go to school to be "educated" and paying exorbitant money and for what? large number of ppl don't even remember or use the subjects they had "passed" after they graduated hs/college/uni. The lesson offers in this book far more important than what our current school system can offer. It's relevant to everyone's live no matter who you are, what you do, your gender, race etc. We don't teach kids wisdom. We teach them to think like we do and unintededly (or perhaps purposely too in some cases) paved a road for them to make the same mistakes the more "adults" in society have already and constantly do. Then we wonder to ourselves, why is the world the way it is? Do yourself a favor and get this book.