Nathaniel Branden Quotes

A collection of quotes by Nathaniel Branden.

Nathaniel Branden (1930-2014) was a prominent psychotherapist and author, known for his significant contributions to the field of psychology and self-esteem. He was born in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, and later moved to the United States. Branden studied psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees.

Throughout his career, Branden focused on the importance of self-esteem in personal development. He became a leading advocate of the psychological theories of Objectivism, developed by philosopher Ayn Rand, and played a crucial role in popularizing her ideas. He briefly became Rand's intellectual and romantic partner during the 1950s.

Branden published numerous influential books, including "The Psychology of Self-Esteem" and "The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem," which explored the significance of self-esteem in shaping an individual's thoughts, emotions, and actions. He also conducted various lectures and workshops worldwide, emphasizing the importance of self-esteem in achieving personal growth and happiness.

Despite facing some controversies and a rift with Ayn Rand in the late 1960s, Nathaniel Branden remained a respected figure in the field of psychology and continued to contribute to the understanding and enhancement of self-esteem until his passing in 2014. His work continues to inspire individuals seeking to improve their self-esteem and live more fulfilling lives.

In a world in which the total of human knowledge is doubling

In a world in which the total of human knowledge is doubling about every ten years, our security can rest only on our ability to learn.

Nathaniel Branden


Productive achievement is a consequence and an expression of

Productive achievement is a consequence and an expression of health and self-esteem, not its cause.

Nathaniel Branden


A woman in love will do almost anything for a man, except gi

A woman in love will do almost anything for a man, except give up the desire to improve him.

Nathaniel Branden

Love Man

Reason and emotion are not antagonists. What seems like a st

Reason and emotion are not antagonists. What seems like a struggle between two opposing ideas or values, one of which, automatic and unconscious, manifests itself in the form of a feeling.

Nathaniel Branden

Conflict

For the rational, psychologically healthy man, the desire fo

For the rational, psychologically healthy man, the desire for pleasure is the desire to celebrate his control over reality. For the neurotic, the desire for pleasure is the desire to escape from reality.

Nathaniel Branden

Pleasure

To preserve an unclouded capacity for the enjoyment of life

To preserve an unclouded capacity for the enjoyment of life is an unusual moral and psychological achievement. Contrary to popular belief, it is not the prerogative of mindlessness, but the exact opposite: It is the reward of self-esteem.

Nathaniel Branden

Self Respect

A human being has been given an intellect to make choices, a

A human being has been given an intellect to make choices, and we know there are other food sources that do not require the killing of a creature that would protest being killed.

Mary Tyler Moore

War

Live with integrity, respect the rights of other people, and

Live with integrity, respect the rights of other people, and follow your own bliss.

Nathaniel Branden

Respect

There is overwhelming evidence that the higher the level of

There is overwhelming evidence that the higher the level of self-esteem, the more likely one will be to treat others with respect, kindness, and generosity.

Nathaniel Branden

Respect