The Psychology of Self-Esteem: A Revolutionary Approach to Self-Understanding that Launched a New Era in Modern Psychology (Paperback)

~ (Author) "There are two questions which every human being-with rare exceptions-asks himself through most of his life..." (more)
Key Phrases: social metaphysician, metaphysical efficacy, psychologically healthy man, Ayn Rand, Miss Rand, Original Sin (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

How people experience themselves affects every moment of their existence. Their self-evaluation is the basic context in which they act and react, choose their values, set their goals, meet the challenges of life. Their responses to events are shaped in part by who and what they think they are-how competent and worthy they perceive themselves to be. Of all the judgments they pass in life, none is more important than the judgment they pass on themselves. To say that self-esteem is a basic human need is to say that it makes an essential contribution to the life process, that it is indispensable to normal and healthy development, that it has value for survival. Without positive self-esteem, psychological growth is stunted. Positive self-esteem operates, in effect, as the immune system of consciousness, providing resistance, strength, and a capacity for regeneration." (Nathaniel Branden)

Product Description

This new edition of the original text reveals how Nathaniel Branden's landmark book broke the rules of conventional behavioral theory and promulgated his revolutionary ideas on the critical role that self-esteem plays in living a healthy, fulfilling life. The book offers an in-depth exploration of the need for self-esteem, the nature of that need, the conditions of fulfillment, and how self-esteem (or lack of it) affects our values, responses, and goals. Branden also debunks the misguided notion that self-esteem is a "feel-good phenomenon" and shows instead how self-esteem, rationality, perseverance, self-responsibility, and personal integrity are all intimately related.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; Anniversary edition (January 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0787945269
• ISBN-13: 978-0787945268
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #133,886 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Classic, February 8, 2001

By	"rickzuma" (New York City) - See all my reviews

Part I consists of the philosophical concepts relevant to psychology. The central ideas, presented in their essentials, lay the foundation of Branden's approach, illustrated in Part II and all of his future work. Part II deals with the central theme of Branden's life work: self-esteem. His radical approach is in stark contrast the ideas of the time and to the self-proclaimed self-esteem proponents in recent years.

His approach is reality oriented: Branden outlines the inescapable need for self-esteem, its source in reality and the consequence of the failure to live in accord with this need. The contrast between legitimate self-esteem and counterfeit self-esteem help to clarify and define this crucial concept.

The book is, one the whole, theoretical and condensed. I am always amazed to find it shelved in the self-help section. This book should be read in conjunction with his latter works: The Disowned Self, The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem and The Art of Living Consciously. The journey will be rewarding.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent description of human behavior, March 28, 2008

By	Ian Derek Farren Gause (Chile) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book explains psychology starting from the most basic biological principles. It uses a cientific aproach of step by step cause and effect to explain complex concepts such as emotions, anxieties and love, which makes understanding easier. I am an ingenier, and feel confortable with logic and reasonal thinking.

Everything on this book has an explanation coming from principles. You won't find a "this comes from instincts" kind of explanation.

I don't give 5 stars because I felt that order of the book could improve.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Really Enjoyed It, July 5, 2004

By	S. L. Moresi (Cordova, TN USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I don't know what I was expecting, but I really enjoyed this book. I was listening to the book on tape and tried to take notes while driving (bad idea). I thought comments such as "Self Esteem is your reputation with yourself," "A productive life is a psychological neeed," and his example of 3 men and their opinions, all valid of the same "cad" were, well, helpful to me. I recommend it to anyone who, regardless of their own self esteem issues, knows anyone dealing with anxiety or constant doubts. As I say, I enjoyed it.