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The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem summary
The Definitive Work on Self-Esteem by the Leading Pioneer in the Field
19 mins
Brief summary
The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem by Nathaniel Branden is a self-help book that emphasizes the importance of building a strong sense of self-worth through six key practices, including living consciously, self-acceptance, and personal integrity.
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The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem
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Self-esteem is the immune system of consciousness, essential for performing at your best.
“Ten steps to build your self-esteem!” “Five tips to gain confidence!” How many self-help gurus have you heard spout claims like these? Probably many. We hear about self-esteem all the time, but would you be able to define it?
Self-esteem is the immune system of consciousness; it provides strength, resistance, and the ability to regenerate. Just like our immune system, self-esteem is innate, and we need it to handle life’s difficulties.
Calcium is another fitting analogy for self-esteem. Calcium strengthens our teeth and bones and is essential for a healthy body, while self-esteem is vital for strong psychological development. While we wouldn’t necessarily die from a lack of calcium, our ability to live life fully would be significantly limited. The same goes for self-esteem: We don’t need it to survive, but we cannot live a full life without it. Why is this?
It’s all to do with the way our self-esteem works – by creating certain expectations about what we are capable of. These expectations influence our behavior in a way that turns them into reality. Self-esteem becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Consider the story of a recovering alcoholic from the author’s psychotherapy practice. He was about to land the biggest commission of his career as an architect, but instead of being excited, he was incredibly anxious and felt that he didn’t deserve it. Why? Because of his low self-esteem and the low expectations he had for himself. In order to steady his nerves, he chose to drink, became very drunk, behaved rudely and lost the job. Unfortunately, his low self-esteem led to his downfall.
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What is The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem about?
The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem shows us that building confidence in ourselves is just a matter of taking a few simple steps. Healthy self-esteem is something we can achieve not just as individuals, but in our relationships and communities too.
The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem Review
The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem (1994) delves into the fundamental aspects of building and nurturing self-esteem. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Exploring the six pillars of self-esteem, it offers a practical roadmap for cultivating a healthy sense of self-worth.
- With real-life examples and exercises, it empowers readers to take actionable steps towards improving their self-esteem.
- The book's profound insights into the importance of self-acceptance and self-responsibility make it a compelling and enlightening read.
Best quote from The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem
To trust ones mind and to know that one is worthy of happiness is the essence of self-esteem.
—Nathaniel Branden
Who should read The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem?
- Anyone interested in taking concrete steps to boost their own self-esteem
- Anyone who’d like to learn how to build a culture that supports self-esteem
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The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem FAQs
What is the main message of The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem?
The main message of The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem is the importance of fostering a healthy self-esteem for personal growth and fulfillment.
How long does it take to read The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem?
The reading time for The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem varies depending on the reader's pace. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem is worth reading as it provides valuable insights into building self-esteem, leading to personal empowerment and greater happiness.
Who is the author of The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem?
The author of The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem is Nathaniel Branden.
What to read after The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff
- Resilient by Rick Hanson with Forrest Hanson
- The Confidence Code by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman
- Confidence From the Inside Out by The Blinkist Team
- Start Where You Are by Pema Chödrön
- Making Work Human by Eric Mosley and Derek Irvine
- Radical Compassion by Tara Brach
- The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins
- Coach Yourself Confident by Julie Smith
- 12 Rules For Life by Jordan B. Peterson