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

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.

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.

A very insightful read even in 2026

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.

In every field, some books are considered classics. That's the case with The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem. I bought this book when it first came out, have read it a couple times, and keep it in a bookcase with other valuable books that I re-read every few years. I think it's so important I recently bought it as a gift for my best friend. One of the most important truths you will ever learn is in this book: "No one is coming to rescue me. If I don't DO something, nothing is going to change." Branden elaborates further, but that advice alone is worth the price of the book. If you sink that truth deep into your life and become your own rescuer, believe me, your life WILL change. My only criticism of The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem is a personal one. Most of my self-esteem comes from my relationship with God. But this is a secular, not a Christian book, so I didn't really expect to hear that. This is not fluff. It's not New Age silliness. It's solid, crucial information that will help you live a happier life. If you're trying to build or repair your self-esteem, you need this book.

This book changed my life for the better in so many ways!

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

The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem is the first book on self esteem that I have read, and I certainly learned a lot about the field. Branden defines self-esteem as "the disposition to experience oneself as competent to cope with the basic challenges of life and as worthy of happiness." Event the definition helped me understand that self-esteem was not good feeling about yourself, something that I generally accepted on the outside looking in. The introduction of the book is good and Part 2 (the six pillars) of the book is very helpful as well. It would be easy to recommend this section of the book, but there are some shortcomings in the rest of the work. Pros: * The six pillars section, which is Part 2 in the book. The six pillars are the practice of living consciously, of self-acceptance, of self-responsibility, of self-assertiveness, of living purposefully, and of personal integrity. Cons: * Too long and tedious. Part 1 drags some, Part 3 becomes pretty boring by the end. * Sentence completion gets old fast. Same exercise for each section. * Author falls into same trap as the "fundamenta religionists" that he protests against. There is much too gain from self-esteem work in religion, and vice versa as well. * Not very practical. Could have been more focused on applied psychology. * All in all, could have been a great book at 100 pages. While this is a book worth reading, I would not recommend reading the entire work. Read the Intro and Part 2, skim the rest if you have to. Recommended.

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.

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

Nathaniel Branden is one of the only 3 psychologists that convince me with their arguments. I don’t believe what most therapists say. But Branden’s arguments are based on reality and the philosophy of Aristotle. I highly recommend this book.