How to Gain Self-Esteem?

I saw a review of "NutureShock", a new book on child development. It basically says that a lot of "accepted" thinking is poppycock. "A striking example is the latest research on self-esteem. As [the authors] remind us, the psychologist Nathaniel Brandon published a path-breaking paper in 1969 called "The Psychology of Self-Esteem" in which he argued that feelings of self-worth were a key to success in life. The theory became a big hit in the nation's schools; in the mid-1980s, the California Legislature even established a self-esteem task force. By now, there are 15,000 scholarly articles on the subject.

"And what do they show? That high self-esteem doesn't improve grades, reduce anti-social behavior, deter alcohol drinking or do much of anything good for kids. In fact, telling kids how smart they are can be counterproductive. Many children who are convinced that they are little geniuses tend not to put much effort into their work. Others are troubled by the latent anxiety of adults who feel it necessary to praise them constantly."

Another "guru" dethroned. (Brandon was a notorious cohort of Ayn Rand, by the way.)

So where does individuality and self-confidence come from? Here from Phillip Rieff:

"It is important to note that, in the development of Western culture, the meaning of discipline cannot be separated from its credal animus. [read: Judeo Christian heritage]. The conformity of action in mass organization is anti-credal. Deep individuality cannot exist except in relation to the highest authority. No inner discipline can operate without a charismatic institution, nor can such an institution survive without that supreme authority from a relation to whom self-confidence derives. Without an authority deeply installed, there is no foundation for individuality. Self-confidence thus expresses submission to supreme authority."

Rather "counter-cultural" thinking, don't you think? ONLY through adherence to our creed can we develop -- in our deep humility and guilt -- self-confidence and individuality.

(If you want a good example of charismatic authority personified, watch Monsieur Vincent, a 1947 movie which you can get at the public library. Then start to watch for them [I think we used to call them saints!].)