We will let Nathaniel Brandon, the father of the concept of self-esteem, have the floor in this short article. Self-esteem, as we shall see, transcends the science of psychology. Brandon was atypical in his professional discipline in realizing that “self-esteem is best understood as a spiritual attainment, that is, as a victory in the evolution of consciousness.”[i]
The need for self-esteem is generated by the sensation energy center of the false self and is therefore part of the illusion of P-B. Self-esteem stems from identifying with that aspect of the old narrative that tells a story of a flawed creation and a flawed human being in need of redemption. The following humorous story indicates the consequences of accepting the identity of a powerless person as a victim of circumstances beyond his control.
This guy went to see a psychologist and explained, “I am suffering from an inferiority complex. Since I was a child I’ve felt that I was inferior and it has affected my whole life in a negative way.” The psychologist began counseling him and instituted a whole battery of tests. “I have some good news” he said, “all your suffering was not in vain, you don’t have an inferiority complex, you are inferior.”
We have learned that the intellect is all but powerless in playing an effective role in the evolution of consciousness and indeed is often a barrier to entering the present moment. Acknowledging this aspect of Simple Reality we conclude this article with that aspect of the intellect that can move our process of awakening forward—the succinct insight.
“It is poor self-esteem that places us in an adversarial relationship to our well-being.”[ii]
“Self-esteem—high or low—tends to be a generator of self-fulfilling prophecies.”[iii]
“[The] immune system of consciousness, providing resistance, strength, and a capacity for regeneration.”[iv]
“If my aim is to prove I am ‘enough,’ the project goes on to infinity—because the battle was already lost on the day I conceded the issue was debatable.”[v]
[i] Brandon, Nathaniel. The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem. New York: Bantam, 1994, p. 53.
[ii] Ibid., p. 17.
[iii] Ibid., p. 15.
[iv] Ibid., p. 18.
[v] Ibid., p. 20.
