Branden, Nathaniel (1930-)

Nathaniel Branden (born Nathan Blumenthal) is known to many as “the father of the self-esteem movement.” Branden is the author of 20 books that explore the philosophical, psychological, and cultural foundations of individualism and the free society. Having developed a close personal relationship with novelist and philosopher Ayn Rand (whom he met as a college student in 1950), in 1958 Branden started Nathaniel Branden Lectures, in which he addressed and expanded on the psychological issues raised by Rand. These lectures were later formalized into the Nathaniel Branden Institute (NBI). The NBI disseminated Rand's Objectivist philosophy internationally through live lectures and audiotaped courses. Although his personal and [Page 38]professional relationship with Rand came to an end in 1968, his pioneering work on the psychology of self-esteem ...