The term "self-esteem" has been severely abused in recent years. Misunderstandings and misapplications of the idea by some of its supposed advocates have led many others to regard it with hostility. Misguided and superficial notions of self-esteem have led some psychologists and social workers to suggest that it can be derived from exaggerated praise, from "feel-good" approaches, from the elimination of grading systems in schools, from "selfless service" to others, and even from alcohol. The worst of these abuses have been documented and criticized by Nathaniel Branden, who is often called the "father" of the self-esteem movement and who has continued to contribute extensively to the literature on the subject in recent years. His recent article "What Self-Esteem Is and Is Not" effectively defends the concept from the abuses of both critics and self-styled practitioners. This article, excerpted from The Art of Living Consciously and available online, is highly recommended.

Self-esteem can be acquired by only one basic method: through the effort of practicing the virtues already discussed—thinking, rationality, independence, integrity, and so forth. On examination, every one of these virtues can be seen to be intimately related to an individual's development of a sense of efficacy and self-worth.