Not a typical book on self-esteem as any reader of
Nathaniel Branden's books will attest. This was the first theoretical book I read of Branden's. I was first introduced to this amazing author's work in his action-oriented _How to Raise Your Self-Esteem_.
There is no exaggerating in saying _Honoring the Self_ is life-changing in it's psychological and philsophical implications. It explains so much in terms of what self-esteem actually is and how it can be understood to affect any life pursuit or relationship you can imagine. The most important pursuit and relationship being one's happiness and self-actualization. Chapters on fear and guilt inspire self-exploration to depths we often neglect.
The final section of the book offers a brief summary of the philosophical and political foundations necessary for a society of self-esteem. From an ethics of rational self-interest to a political economic system of free markets, this section is sure to provoke a re-thinking of some of your cherished beliefs.
It is an excellent foundation for further research into self-esteem, philosophy and economics. However, if your primary interest is just self-esteem, the author's _The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem_ would be your next rewarding read.
It is rare that a book will seem new and fresh with every read, but _Honoring the Self_ does just that. Read it twice, thrice, as many times as you can before it falls apart. Then buy another copy!