The Big Ego Trip: Finding True Significance in a Culture of Self-esteem

by Glynn Harrison

This provocative book argues that self-esteem ideology has led us down a psychological cul-de-sac that causes more harm than good. Healthy development and real fulfilment come from seeing the self as part of something bigger. The Christian gospel calls us beyond the goal of self-esteem to take part in God's big story and the pursuit of his glory.

Genres: Christianity, Christian, Theology, Christian Living, Psychology

224 pages, Paperback

First published February 15, 2013

Reviews

[Artūras Vaičekauskas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Labai daug krikščioniškų filosofiškų pavyzdžių apie savivertę.
Įsiminti pavyzdžiai:
a) Ugdyti savivertę savo sugebėjimais, o ne savimi kaip asmeniu.
b) Jeigu esi geras futbolininkas, tai nereiškia, kad esi geresnis ir už gerą buhalterį.
c) Kaip mes kiekvienas skirtingai suprantame žodį savivertę.
d) Jeigu žmogus greitai įsižeidžia, tai trapi jo savivertė.
e) Aš karta.

[AJourneyWithoutMap · Rating 5 out of 5]

Self-esteem is a slippery subject that means so many things to so many different people that it’s impossible even to begin to meet expectations. Ego Trip: Rediscovering Grace in a Culture of Self-Esteem by Glynn Harrison is an important and timely book on the issue. It is fascinating and insightful for any Christian who would want to be “transformed by the renewal of your mind.”

In Ego Trip: Rediscovering Grace in a Culture of Self-Esteem, Glynn Harrison takes the reader through the maze in twelve pointed chapters, tearing apart established beliefs which offer quick-fix solution while implanting new ones in the reader’s mind. If you are struggling through the labyrinthine quest for self-esteem, this book is a must-read.

[Algirdas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Regis, kad autoriaus koneveikiamas savivertės judėjimas supainiojo du Individualiosios (Adlerinės) psichologijos terminus. Sakydamas, kad reikia visiems kelti savivertę (Adleris lyg ir nesakė, kad visiems), omenyje turi pranašumo siekį. Tarp šių terminų tikrai yra gana slidi riba.

[Melanie Mead · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first half of this book is a very insightful look at the history of the self-esteem movement and an analysis of whether we are better off as a culture having embraced this ideology. The second half looks at the concept of self-esteem from a biblical perspective - it's gospel centred and practical too. I highly recommend it, especially to Christians who struggle with negativity towards themselves and want to look at this issue through the lens of the gospel. There is hope in this book.

[Lina Kerbelyte · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unexpected insight into today's culture of self-esteem. The author looks into scientific studies and the impact of this philosophy, also he offers another, more wholesome approach. The issue is considered from a secular and christian viewpoints. Well worth reading!

[Shane Goodyear · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good book about something I have never give thought to.Self esteem
* The first half of the book explains the origins of the self esteem
* Movement and the complexities of what it is
* People can even define it.
* Then he shows the biblical approach to who we are as persons
* Glorious ruins
* Having compassion on yourself. Not begging yourself up but not defining yourself by one negative aspect
* We are many strands of an individual and it is folly to judge us by one strand
* God loves us because he loves us
* We are a whole person made in the image of God totally corrupted by sin but God still loves us because he loves us
* Debating our own thoughts and speaking biblical truth to them.
* No an instance change but a life habit
* Thoughts turn into words, words into actions, actions in to character and character is of eternal worth
* Overall a good book

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best psychology books I've ever read. Thank you Glynn Harrison! It is a much needed, and well argued case against the construct of self esteem and its subsequent adoption into every aspect of our cultural worldview, as well as our culture's obsession with 'the self' generally. Its a sophisticated analysis of current research, with insightful cultural analysis that is satisfactorily robust for those of us in the Psychological field, and yet still accessible to a wide audience. I recommend everyone read this book. Especially if you've ever blamed 'self esteem' for anything, or feel trapped by the task of building 'self esteem'. Harrison proposes an strong alternative to our self focused search for worth, value and purpose that I believe deserves greater attention.

[DT · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fascinating book - I finished it in a day.

The author presents a lot of scientific and psychological evidence to support his views. The majority of the book is an overview of various studies and theories. Only the last four or so chapters deal with Christian beliefs and doctrine. This is where the book falls flat, as I expected a Christian to offer more biblical insight.

If you enjoyed Timothy Keller’s “The Freedom of Self Forgetfulness,” you would enjoy this. I just wish the author provided more practical applications that we could use in our everyday life with Scripture as his source.

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harrison does a great job of looking at decades worth of research on efforts to boost children's self-esteem. After making the point that such efforts are based on unclear definitions, and are actually harmful, he looks at what the Bible has to say about who we are. He challenges the reader to recognize that the Christian's identity and worth are set, and we can change how we perceive ourselves. He offers practical steps to take for ourselves, and for those we may have the opportunity to counsel/disciple/raise. I found this book to be helpful.

[Yuliya Stepnova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr Harrison provided a good, though a bit long review of the self-esteem movement on the West which boosted a generation of both christians/non-christians adoring their self. But when invaded by the glory and grace of God our response is perplexity, awe and worship, not 'we're so special' kind of thing. The idea is uncovered beautifully there, I can't squeeze it into a few sentences. First I thought this is another black and white radical book, but it's not. Loved it. It was a great one for me to read being in psychotherapy at the moment.

[Simonas Nugaris · Rating 4 out of 5]

As told in the beginning, the book is divided into 2 parts. First introduces the history of self esteem, reasons for its formation and a bit of psychology to back it all up. All of this was easy to digest and really quite interesting. Later the author uses many names and many studies to show the results of this movement which i found a bit tedious to read. Nevertheless, the last part might be necessary for the fanatics of the self esteem movement. Last part of the book is where this book shines imo. The author explains how to build healthy self worth and self love through byblical examples.

[Stephany Efflina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Self-esteem indeed a tricky topic especially (in my opinion) related to the Christianity belief. It is because we are longing for the fulfilment of 'who we are', about we are God's children, we are created for specific purposes; on the other hand, Jesus is the center.... it's a paradox. However, the author writes it in clear and thoughtful opinion, so I can grasp the teaching points that the author is presented in this book. Thank you for a deep contemplation that is made by reading your book, Mr. Harrison!

[Andrew Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read. Crystal clear, practical, and very relevant. Glyn's careful research and compelling arguments tear our current culture to shreds. Our culture emphasises self-esteem, self-love, and being true to your desires. Glyn shows that this approach is not helpful (at best) and there is some evidence it is actually destructive.
As a psychologist and a Christian, Glyn shows how to build a more healthful approach to your own identity.
A really refreshing read.

[Siti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't overpraise, accepting failures and wanting to make mistakes are key to learning

[migle_m · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iš pradžių labai nuobodus pasakojimas apie savivertės kultūrą netrukus tapo labai įdomi ir apie save priverčiančia susimąstyti knyga. Knygos pirmasis skyrius prasideda Donaldo Trumpo žodžiais ,,Parodykite man žmogų be savimeilės ir aš parodysiu jums nevykėlį", kurie kaip ir kiti visuomenėje nusistovėję teiginiai, netrukus paneigiami įvairiausiais tyrimais ir pastebėjimais. Knyga ir skirta griauti. Griauti įsisenėjusius įsitikinimus, visuomenės primestas tiesas ir tas nesąmoningai besireiškiančias savivertės apraiškas. Knygoje labai daug faktų, tyrimų, istorinių pavyzdžių, todėl knyga labai vertingas žinių šaltinis. Taip pat be savivertės aptariama ir daug kitų aktualių temų, tokių kaip narcisizmas, tėvų ir vaikų santykiai, jaunimo švietimo sistemos ir kt. Šioje knygoje daug dėmesio skiriama krikščionybei. Apžvelgiama savivertės kultūros įtaka religijai, lyginamos krikščioniškos ir pasaulietiškos vertybės. Nemažai dėmesio skiriama ir pagalbai žmogui, kuri reiškiasi per religiją. Kalbama apie tai kaip krikščionybė gali padėti įveikti nuolatinę savikritiką ir savęs teisimą, gyventi lengviau. Pabrėžiamas žmogaus žemiškumas, šių laikų kontekste.

[Jimmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an excellent evaluation of today’s social understanding of ego and self-esteem. It is a popular assumption in our society that the root of many problems is the lack of confidence people have. According to this line of thinking what people need to solve their problems then is a boost of their self-esteem; thus, to increase and maintain people’s self-esteem have become the social gospel of the hour, or as the author put it, it is the “social vaccine” with many promises (76). But how does this square with reality? This book argues that although it seems counter-intuitive the effect of the self-esteem movement has been more hurtful rather than helpful.
In the beginning the book gives a good survey of the historical origin and development of the self-esteem movement. The author traces much of the incipient form of this self-esteem boosterism back to Freud although the first to coin the term “self-esteem” was the American philosopher William James. The book also discussed how the gospel of self-esteem became popular during the “Cambrian era of self-esteem” of the 1960s (44). The book also have a chapter describing the self-esteem movement’s agenda of passing their ideology to children when they are young and another chapter on how these ideas have even entered into the church and how detrimental it is spiritually.
After surveying the origin of the movement the book then cover the issue of whether or not “boosterism” works in chapter five. I love the many statistics and studies that the author presents in proving his point that boosterism hasn’t delivered as promised. The author argues that there are no hard evidences that boosting people’s self-esteem solves the major social and psychological problems that it was suppose to solve; but the author goes further to marshal data showing how the promotion of self-esteem has caused more harm than good. Phony boost will lead to more disappointment and more problems. I would say the author working through the data and various studies in research journals is worth buying the book.
Some of the survey of the relevant studies reveal the following:
• There is not strong positive correlation between one’s self-esteem and educational attainment and that those with low and high self-esteem try just as hard in education (98).
• According to another study risky teenage sexual behavior had very weak link with self-esteem per se; instead the link appears to be connected with factors such as background of a broken home or a lower IQ (74).
• In one study, there are two groups of students, one who were praised for their effort and the other praised for being intrinsically gifted; and the group that was praised for effort when required to anonymously report their final scored were more prone to lie (101).
• One example of how that is no correlation with one’s view of oneself and actual performance is a study that demonstrate how the lowest scoring group of people completing a task had the highest “better than average” biased rating of their performance compared to others (127).
The second half of the book was more theological in its content. I admit that I was surprised at how biblical the second half of the book was. Here the author offered a biblical antidote to the contemporary self-esteem movement. The author also tells us a story in which he counseled someone where he noted the irony that he was more concerned about repentance and confession than the counselee’s pastor who was more concern with psychobabble. I was also glad to find the author’s familiarity of good biblical resources as evident from the footnote. I definitely recommend this book.
NOTE: This book was provided to me free by Zondervan Academic and Net Galley without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

[Michael Philliber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where in the world did the positive mental attitude program come from? How wide spread is it? What are its fallacies and potential pitfalls? Does it work? Is there a better way to see yourself that is more solid and sound minded? Glynn Harrison, MD, Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Bristol, UK, where he was a practicing consultant psychiatrist and Chair of the Department of Psychiatry, answers these questions and more in his new 208 page paperback "Ego Trip: Rediscovering Grace in a Culture of Self-Esteem." Harrison's style is easy to grasp, non-technical, and conversational. Most anyone can pick up and benefit from this book.

In the first nine chapters of "Ego Trip," the author walks the reader through the history, cultural backdrop, and “science” of the positive self-esteem agenda, which he calls “Boosterism.” Harrison masterfully describes the process by which we “came to believe that the riddle of human worth and significance, feelings of guilt and shame, inferiority and low confidence, could be solved by the “science” of psychology and the merits of self-esteem” (19-20). He also brings this portion of the discussion around to explain how it has affected, not only the educational establishment, parenting, and child-rearing, but also the Christian Church as evidenced in books, preaching and newer praise and worship music. I found that to have a trained psychiatrist readably unpack all of this, was quite convincing and helpful.

In the last three chapters of the book, along with the postscript, Harrison brings out a healthier way for Christians to deal with self-worth. The author picks up the Bible and brings the Scriptures to bear on answering several defining questions. First, what we are since the Fall. Harrison explains, again, in non-technical language, the concept of original sin, and that we are gloriously ruined. Next, where our worth come from. The author kindly, and clearly points out our worth is not intrinsic, but bestowed on us by virtue of God’s redemptive work in and through Christ; “God doesn’t love us because we are worthy; he loves us and so we are counted as worthy” (143). Finally, how to squarely think of ourselves, even when we fumble the ball and fall into sin.

It is in this final section of “Ego Trip” that Harrison treats the Christian reader to some valuable insights into their own psychological make-up and the Gospel’s remedies. The author explains our cognitive biases and how they work (126-128). He explains the important distinctions between guilt and shame (130-131). How to distinguish our own sin from the sin done to us, and the role of our own pride plays in making matters worse (133-135). The author carefully works through the importance of not judging ourselves, as well as what this properly means and doesn’t mean (147-152). Harrison tackles attitude, heart issues, and the importance of disputing with yourself (159-163). In fact, this whole final section is primarily focused on change, and the process this will take. As I worked through these last three chapters and the postscript, it forced me to stop, at several crucial places, and take personal account of myself.

“Ego Trip” is something of a critical and historical analysis of the whole self-esteem programme. But Harrison is not satisfied with stripping away, he also is highly concerned to replace and rebuild. This would be a valuable addition to any pastor’s library, for his own personal growth as well as professional use. I also think that Christian parents should consider obtaining a copy and reading it – maybe with other parents. It is with pleasure I recommend this book.

Thanks to Net Galley and Zondervan Academic for the free e-copy used for this review.

[Peter Holford · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was given to me by a friend last Christmas and I have finally read it. At first I was a little uncertain - were they suggesting that I had a 'big ego' or perhaps a problem with pride? Having read it, I can see that the subtitle is far more relevant than the title: 'Finding true significance in a culture of self-esteem. The book is accessible, yet written and well-referenced by a well-qualified scholar - an Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry, University of Bristol. His areas of expertise include faith and psychology, neuroscience and psychiatry, so he's not just making this stuff up. The book is basically about the failure of the 'self-esteem' movement. He reveals it as being pervasive in our society yet having virtually no basis in science of any kind. In fact, the research (such as there is) seems quite damning. The longitudinal findings show that people today are 'more confident, assertive and entitled - and more miserable than ever before' (p.61). The psychology, psychiatry and counselling professions have not even been able to reach consensus on what 'self-esteem' actually means. How do we measure our sense of worth?
Interestingly, the church has been affected too, and not very positively. Is self-esteem the same as self-worth, even self-worship? Is the fact that Christ died for us proof that we're pretty fantastic and should be pleased with ourselves? Harrison writes, 'In the biblical concept of grace, the essence of God's movement towards us is that it happens despite, and not because of, what we are. The grounds for his saving work are lodged firmly, decisively, in the mystery of his sovereign will and purpose.' (p.153). 'God doesn't love us because we are worthy; he loves us and so we are counted as worthy' (p.154). Harrison helpfully challenges us to avoid what he calls 'globalizing' - that is, thinking that one habit or behaviour of ours can define our character. For example, thinking that a particular sin (e.g. an inclination to gossip) makes us a 'bad person' or a particular attribute (e.g. being good-looking, wealthy, clever or funny) makes us a 'good person'. Harrison also helpfully examines de Botton's concept of 'status anxiety' from a biblical perspective.
He goes on to use the example of three characters in the Bible. Mary: 'her confidence was rooted in the grace of God who had been 'mindful' of her' (p.157). Paul, who considered himself the worst of sinners, yet always seemed to have something to 'boast' about. John the Baptist who said of Jesus and himself, 'He must become greater, I must become less' yet of whom Jesus said, 'among those born of women there is none greater'.
A worthwhile read and one which I will keep on the shelf for future reference. I can recommend it. Three stars for 'I liked it' - not quite four starts for 'I really like it'.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trying to Build Up Self-Esteem is Wrong-Headed

I tend to be wary of Christian books that discuss psychology. I've encountered too many that dismiss, explicitly and otherwise, the science of psychology as unbiblical and something Christians ought not pay much or any heed. When I began reading Ego Trip, I was braced for encountering the typical drivel. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised. I guess I shouldn't have been too surprised if I had first researched the author, Dr. Glynn Harrison. He points out problems with some aspects of secular psychology, but he does not dismiss them on the whole. He engages current research and discoveries and shows where truth can be found in "secular" psychology.

In regards the problems with trying to boost self-esteem and why it generally fails, another book (secular psychology) I read recently, Confidence: Overcoming Low Self-Esteem, Insecurity, and Self-Doubt by Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic contains many areas in common with Ego Trip. This further validated, in my mind, the authority of Dr. Harrison to discuss this topic. He provides much good, research-based evidence to support his thesis that trying to build up self-esteem simply does not work. (For even more proof, I suggest Chamorro-Premuzic's book mentioned above.)

The first two-thirds of Ego Trip is a critique of popular self-esteem psychology. The remainder of the book is a discussion of what the Bible contains in regards to the origins of value and worth of a person.

One of the most important points he makes (toward the end of the book), with which my own studies have also arrived at, is to stop referring to Christians as "sinners." Christians are children of God. Yes, Christians still struggle with habits of sin, but the core identity has changed from "sinner" to "saint." The status of a Christian is no longer "sinner." God does not see Christians as "sinners." So Christians ought to stop calling themselves and others "sinners." This may seem like a minor matter, but language has power, and changing how one sees her or his identity has tremendous subconscious effects.

I recommend this book for anyone struggling with the self-esteem trap, or trying to cause happiness for one's self.

(This review is based on an Advance Review Copy provided by the publisher through NetGalley.)

[Orville Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent review of the history of the Self-Esteem movement in recent modern social history. Harrison writes from a British perspective with many examples of social and educational events and trends in the UK and the US over several decades. He is very aware of the US academic and counseling scene and social trends related to this.

He evaluates the progress of the ideas involved and profiles many evaluations and controlled experiments and tests that show that focus on building self-esteem have actually backfired and created a greater problem than they were trying to address.

One great insight is the logical error of the early movement and early programs and evaluations of those programs for schools confused the correlation of low self-esteem with poor social skills or criminal and antisocial behavior and casusation, naming lack of self-esteem as the cause, rather than a result. The early movement and its ideology that developed assumed and declared the source of the problem to be low self-esteem. They thus proposed to focus on building self-esteem.

This resulted in a whole generation and then subsequent generations and a whole cultural ethos of self-indulgence and psychic egotism that has produced even greater ripples of disappointment sue to an entitlement mentality. He suggests that self-esteem is a result of rather than a cause of negative forces and antisocial behavior.

Harrison explores the psychological schools and trends in psychoanalysis involved in the Self-Esteem movement and correctives proposed over several decades moving to a climax in the recent overwhelming negative evaluation of the validity and effectiveness of the movement to build self-esteem. Practical approaches to discipline and education are proposed.

[G. Jorge Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found the treatment very balanced and incredibly informative. The author did his homework on the subject of Self-esteem ideologies and practices. Since Self-esteem has not only permeated society but many counseling-focused churches, it was time someone called it for what it is. Just like the old tale about the emperor's new clothes, Self-esteem is examined and found naked (or in Prophet Daniel speak, "Mene, Mene, Tekel, Uparsin").

[James Shrimpton · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent and sobering assessment of the effectiveness (or lack thereof) of the 'self esteem movement' and the dangers of building a society of people who are obsessed with self and think they're destined to be brilliant and special. Dr Harrison provides a compelling assessment of the movement, accepting the positives while highlighting the problems, and gives a clear and attractive Christian alternative. Well worth reading.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously one of the best books I have picked up in a long time. This book would have helped along my journey years ago. It's a glorious reminder how much we are loved. Please pass this along to anyone struggling with self esteem and self worth issues. A must read for everyone in the church.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on the self-esteem dead-end.