The Self-Esteem Myth
WORLDmag.com- “A new book, NurtureShock, by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman, takes a look at a variety of recent findings about child development. Among them is evidence that teaching self-esteem doesn’t do children any good whatsoever.”
It isn’t that self-esteem isn’t relevant, it’s that folks were trying to impart it by slathering it on like tanning lotion. True confidence comes from accomplishment, from overcoming hardship and facing challenges head-on. For the Christian it is knowing that we can do all things through Christ, and that our sufficiency is in Him. We get the warm fuzzies when we help someone else, make a sacrifice to benefit another person, and bear a burden we though was unbearable.
Why is it ‘news’ that good grades don’t come from happiness, but from hard work and perseverance? Oy vey.
Why is it ‘news’ that good grades don’t come from happiness, but from hard work and perseverance? Oy vey.
Several times a week I hear a news item on the radio or see one on the web of this sort… it’s a special genre: the “Years of expensive research results in a great discovery… that anybody reflecting on sensibly could figure out in a few minutes (maybe seconds).”
One of my favorites was a National Institutes of Health public service announcement on a local station… exciting new research had uncovered the fact that recovering drug addicts’ cravings are triggered by people, places and events that have been associated w/their past drug use (in addition to direct exposure to opportunity).
Does it really take a team of experts and studies to figure that out?
On the other hand, there’s enough “scientist” in me to understand that the work of science is often to take “what everybody knows” and come up with objective measurements to see if “everybody” is right or not. (Because often enough they are not)
Still… surely some things are really not worth the bother (or just very low priority).
One of my favorites was a National Institutes of Health public service announcement on a local station… exciting new research had uncovered the fact that recovering drug addicts’ cravings are triggered by people, places and events that have been associated w/their past drug use (in addition to direct exposure to opportunity).
Does it really take a team of experts and studies to figure that out?
On the other hand, there’s enough “scientist” in me to understand that the work of science is often to take “what everybody knows” and come up with objective measurements to see if “everybody” is right or not. (Because often enough they are not)
Still… surely some things are really not worth the bother (or just very low priority).
Views expressed are always my own and not my employer's, my church's, my family's, my neighbors', or my pets'. The house plants have authorized me to speak for them, however, and they always agree with me.
Many things seem obvious to people already “in the know.” But I know just from talking to people (not to mention pastoral counseling scenarios) that many of today’s problems continue to be seen by those who have them through the distortion of the self-esteem/self-image lens. One only has to attend athletic or other competitions for young children to see how pervasive this mindset continues to be (even, sadly, among professing Christians).
Personally, no, I’m not needing the research. But as someone who ministers to those who demonstrate aspects of this mindset- hey, I’m not thinking it hurts my case, you know? :-)
Personally, no, I’m not needing the research. But as someone who ministers to those who demonstrate aspects of this mindset- hey, I’m not thinking it hurts my case, you know? :-)
Greg Linscott
Marshall, MN
Yes, I do appreciate whatever helps the truth get out. The “amazing new research” angle makes me laugh but I’m always glad for what helps some folks escape the groupthink.
Views expressed are always my own and not my employer's, my church's, my family's, my neighbors', or my pets'. The house plants have authorized me to speak for them, however, and they always agree with me.
“I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and doggone it, people like me.”
http://www.sushibandit.com/uploaded_images/alfranken1-782057.jpg
We are proud to have Al Franken as our Senator :(
http://www.sushibandit.com/uploaded_images/alfranken1-782057.jpg
We are proud to have Al Franken as our Senator :(
[Aaron Blumer] Yes, I do appreciate whatever helps the truth get out. The “amazing new research” angle makes me laugh but I’m always glad for what helps some folks escape the groupthink.I just finished this book. It is a great book. Really. Get it and read it.
It is really well researched.
We, having borrowed wisdom from Solomon and other inspired writers, will often say, “Duh, we’ve been saying that for years - no, centuries!” But the truth is discoverable and good science will often find it.
Discussion