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Self-esteem: do you have enough?

Apr 14, 2022 · 6 mins read

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Born to think and create

We are rational beings in full control of our destiny. If we accept this truth and take responsibility for it, we will naturally see ourselves in a good light.

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If we fail to take responsibility for our life and actions, that estimation falls into danger.

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That is the essence of the psychology of self-esteem.

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Humans are different. Other animals may have consciousness, or at least awareness, but only humans require a conceptual framework by which to view themselves.

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Other animals can perceive green-colored objects, but only we have the idea of “green.” Dogs can perceive people, but only we have the concept of “humankind.” Only we can ask questions about the meaning of life.

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Sigmund Freud saw humans as being manipulated by their instincts. BF Skinner saw us as a machine that responds to stimuli. Neither psychologist, Nathaniel Branden says, give humans credit for the powerful minds that give us self-awareness and the ability to reason.

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Nathaniel Branden’s book The Psychology of Self-Esteem became a popular psychology classic. Branden was part of the circle of philosopher Ayn Rand.

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Branden remembers Ayn Rand's remark: “The function of your stomach, lungs or heart is automatic; the function of your mind is not”.

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We have the power to regulate and shape our own consciousness to achieve goals. No other animals are able to imagine, create, invent and construct things according to mental constructs and values.

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Humans are created to think, and we must do so in order to esteem ourselves highly. By being passive or fearful or living or merely pleasure-seeking, we kill our greatest gift. The result is hatred of the self. To love ourselves, we must cherish our ability to think.

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