Assertiveness Quote by Nathaniel Branden
““The opposite of self-assertiveness is self-abnegation--abandoning or submerging your personal values, judgment, and interests. Some people tell themselves this is a virtue. It is a "virtue" that corrodes self-esteem.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Psychology of Self-Esteem, 1969
Self‑abnegation pretends to be virtue but actually erodes self‑esteem by suppressing personal values and needs.
In simple terms: Denial of self hurts confidence.
Key Takeaway
Honour your values.
Themes
self‑esteem
assertiveness
virtue
psychology
Mood
thoughtful
encouraging
Type
philosophical
psychological
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- career decisions
- relationship boundaries
Key Concepts
self‑negation
personal integrity
Questions to Reflect On
- What values are you suppressing?
- How can you assert without feeling selfish?
A Different Perspective
May ignore legitimate self‑care.
![“[After her 18-day disappearance in 1974:] I love my husband very, very much, but he didn't ask me when he ran for mayor and he didn't consult me about running for governor. It would be nice to be asked. ... You know, I've been my mother's daughter, my father's daughter, the wife of my husband, the…” quote by Angela Alioto](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a5a/angela-alioto-29373_ask-me_after-her-18-day-disappearance-in-1974-i_125354.jpg)
