Nearly twenty-five years ago Nathaniel Branden's book: The Psychology of Self-Esteem introduced a new and revolutionary concept of self-esteem. Since then he has done more than any other theorist to demonstrate the supreme importance of self-esteem to human well-being. Now he presents the culminating achievement of a lifetime of clinical practice and study. Immense in scope and vision, and filled with brilliant insights into human motivation and behavior, Branden's new book is already being hailed as the ultimate work on self-esteem. Of all the judgments we pass in life, none is as important as the judgment we pass on ourselves. Nearly every psychological problem - from anxiety and depression to self-sabotage at work or at school, from fear of intimacy to chronic hostility - is traceable to low self-esteem. In the chaotic and competitive world we face today, both personal happiness and economic survival rest on how well we understand self-esteem and nurture it in ourselves and in others. Part I of this provocative book demonstrates compellingly why self-esteem is basic to psychological health, achievement, and positive relationships. It issues a summons to the hero within each of us. Nothing is more challenging than to live by our own mind, judgment, and values. And nothing is ultimately more rewarding. Part II introduces the six pillars themselves: six action-based practices for daily living that provide the foundation for the establishment and maintenance of self-esteem. Filled with vivid personal examples, these chapters also provide simple yet powerful exercises for gradually increasing personal awareness and effectiveness. Part III explores the importance of self-esteem in five key areas: the workplace, parenting, education, psychotherapy, and society at large. It provides concrete guidelines for teachers, parents, managers, and therapists who are responsible for developing the self-esteem of others.

Pt. I Self-Esteem: Basic Principles

1 Self-Esteem: The Immune System of Consciousness
2 The Meaning of Self-Esteem
3 The Face of Self-Esteem
4 The Illusion of Self-Esteem

Pt. II Internal Sources of Self-Esteem

5 The Focus on Action
6 The Practice of Living Consciously
7 The Practice of Self-Acceptance
8 The Practice of Self-Responsibility
9 The Practice of Self-Assertiveness
10 The Practice of Living Purposefully
11 The Practice of Personal Integrity
12 The Philosophy of Self-Esteem

Pt. III External Influences: Self and Others

13 Nurturing a Child's Self-Esteem
14 Self-Esteem in the Schools
15 Self-Esteem and Work
16 Self-Esteem and Psychotherapy
17 Self-Esteem and Culture
18 Conclusion: The Seventh Pillar of Self-Esteem

Appendix A: Critique of Other Definitions of Self-Esteem
Appendix B: A Sentence-Completion Exercise for Building Self-Esteem
Appendix C: Recommendations for Further Study
References
Acknowledgments
Index