Page ixThe best analogy I can think of is to physical fitness—getting in shape. Others can encourage us or teach us
principles of exercise and healthy nutrition, but no one can make us a gift of being physically fit. That is a state we
must achieve ourselves—through the actions and practices we cultivate. Precisely the same is true of self-esteem.
We make a muscle strong by using it. That is how we make a mind strong.
Aristotle taught us that we build a good character through the discipline of converting virtuous practices into habits.
How this idea applies to building self-esteem, we shall shortly proceed to consider. But first we must look at the
context in which the need for self-esteem arises. What is it in the nature of reality and of mind that makes self-
esteem an urgent concern?
This is where our inquiry begins.
NATHANIEL BRANDEN
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
OCTOBER 2000