Nathaniel Branden

Nathaniel Branden

Nathaniel Branden (April 9, 1930 – December 3, 2014) was a Canadian-American psychotherapist and writer known for his work in the psychology of self-esteem. A former associate and romantic partner of Ayn Rand, Branden played a prominent role in the promotion of Rand's philosophy, Objectivism. However, he later focused on developing his own theories on self-esteem and personal development, which diverged from Rand's Objectivist principles.

Early Life and Education

Nathaniel Branden was born Nathan Blumenthal in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. He developed an interest in the ideas of Ayn Rand during his teenage years. After completing his undergraduate degree in psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Branden went on to receive a PhD in psychology, furthering his interest in the psychological aspects of Objectivism.

Career

Branden's early career was closely tied to Ayn Rand and her philosophy of Objectivism. He was instrumental in establishing the Nathaniel Branden Institute (NBI), which offered lectures and educational materials on Objectivism to a wide audience. His relationship with Rand, both personal and professional, eventually deteriorated, leading to a public split in 1968.

Following his break with Rand, Branden focused on developing his own psychological theories, emphasizing the importance of self-esteem. He argued that self-esteem was the key to personal happiness, success, and healthy relationships. Branden authored several books on the subject, including "The Psychology of Self-Esteem" (1969), "Breaking Free" (1970), and "The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem" (1994).

Philosophy and Contributions

Branden's work on self-esteem is considered his most significant contribution to psychology. He identified six practices essential for the nurturing of a healthy self-esteem: living consciously, self-acceptance, self-responsibility, self-assertiveness, living purposefully, and personal integrity. These concepts formed the basis of what he called the "six pillars of self-esteem."

Despite his contributions to psychology, Branden's early association with Ayn Rand and Objectivism remained a notable aspect of his legacy. He continued to write and lecture on Rand's philosophy from a critical perspective, contributing to the discourse on Objectivism and its impact on American intellectual culture.

Personal Life

Branden's personal life, particularly his relationship with Ayn Rand, garnered significant public attention. Their affair, which was initially sanctioned by their spouses under the guise of rational self-interest, eventually led to a contentious breakup that had profound effects on the Objectivist movement. Branden married four times throughout his life and was survived by his wife, Leigh Branden, at the time of his death.

Death

Nathaniel Branden passed away on December 3, 2014, at the age of 84. His death marked the end of a controversial yet influential career in the fields of psychology and philosophy.

Legacy

Branden's work on self-esteem has left a lasting impact on psychology, offering a framework for understanding the importance of self-worth. His writings continue to be a resource for those interested in personal development and the psychology of happiness.