The Disowned Self

by Nathaniel Branden

The Disowned Self explores, "...the problem of self-alienation - a condition in which the individual is out of contact with his own needs, feelings, emotions, frustrations and longings, so that he is largely oblivious to his actual self and his life is the reflection of an unreal self, of a role he has adopted. The problem of obliviousness to self, the causes and consequences of such obliviousness, and its treatment psychotherapeutically - is the theme of this book."

Genres: Psychology, Personal Development, Nonfiction, Self Help, Philosophy

370 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published May 1, 1984

About the author

Nathaniel Branden 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 also played a prominent role in the 1960s in promoting Rand's philosophy, Objectivism. Rand and Branden split acrimoniously in 1968, after which Branden focused on developing his own psychological theories and modes of therapy.

Reviews

[Sanjay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life changing. Mind blowing. One of the greatest that I've ever read!

[Michael David · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not very impressed with this, but I loved Branden's outspoken statement regarding religion:

Many people are readily able to recognize the psychologically harmful effects of religion's antagonism to sex ... Religion is much more than anti-sex. It is anti-mind, anti-self-esteem, anti-intellectual self-confidence, anti-self-assertiveness, anti-pleasure, anti-self-interest. Which means, basically, that religion is anti-life. (p.165)

He definitely has a point.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Philosophy of identity in plain English.

[Michal Sedlák · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much in the book that I'll have to read it again.

[indy ❁ ⋆⁺₊⋆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is the age of disruption where our sanity can be easily tripped and here it is a book which will help us to get the balance and understand human's behaviors.......

"A person's thoughts, memories, evaluations, and perception are expressions and or actions of his self. In disowning them he diminished his sense of self and induces feelings of self-alienation."-pg. 50

[Ems · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable, and the passages on Christianity were especially intriguing. However it felt a little too Freudian for my tastes.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was challenged by this book in various senses, such as how it is traditionally written and emotionally questioning. A specific piece demonstrates the reason why emotions are so important to humans. The author wrote (p. 51), “they comment on their emotions, they "explain" their emotions, they "apologize" for their emotions, they speculate as to the historical origins of their emotions - and, of course, they reproach themselves for their emotions — but they find it extraordinarily difficult simply to let themselves feel their emotions and then describe what they experience. They have to overcome years of defenses erected to protect them against their inner emotional lite.” I specifically love this piece because it’s generalisable to not only my reality and the unique emotions it contains, but the people around me too. My suggestion for the book’s perfect reader may be someone capable of traditional syntax or a questioner.

[Samuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is related to the disowned - repressed parts of self. I like it is more of an explanation rather than the usual way with exercises despite there are some practical areas too. Very good.

[Samar Devraj · Rating 4 out of 5]

incredible book but i hope i apply it IRL😭

[Reuben · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly insightful read, The Disowned Self offers practical tools for emotional processing and self-discovery. Highly recommended for personal growth.