There are several definitions of self-elevation the human mind can latch onto; however, this article will look at it from two (2) perspectives: self-elevation that only promotes oneself and self-elevation that promotes oneself through the elevation of others. After studying several meanings, I believe the following definitions open up the discussion for a better understanding of the term.

Self-Elevation Discussed

“Self-elevation refers to the elevation of oneself in one’s own mind. It is a term used to describe the act of elevating oneself to a higher status or position, often without merit or justification.” This definition follows the perspective of a person seeking only to promote himself.

Self-elevation is also “a self-transcendent positive emotion that encourages individuals to transcend daily routines, limits, and perceived boundaries,” thereby achieving “a higher selfhood–“a selfhood of “humility and care for others.” Research did not reveal a clear, concise definition of this “higher selfhood” relative to self-elevation. Thus, it became necessary to draw conclusions from several explanations relating to self-elevation as a higher level of thought. Such conclusions will be discussed in paragraphs that follow.

Self- Elevation Without Merit

Self-elevation or promotion without merit, is a claim made without foundation or facts to support it. An example could be lawyers presenting cases without legal status or information to support the case. The year 2024 saw many courts strike down lawsuits without sufficient evidence to make a claim or present defensive information of claims made against them.

Arrogance or bragging is a form of self-elevation. Many politicians make lofty speeches claiming successes they did not achieve. Others simply lie. They use the podium to belittle solutions made by others, illuminate their own contributions, and elevate themselves as smart, knowledgeable and “the person to go” to get things done. When in reality, fact-checkers do not find creditable information to support those claims or if found, it’s immeasurably reduced. Another person puts it this way: “Self-elevation means presenting oneself as the greatest thing since popcorn.”

Recently, a newscaster listed ten (10) untruths made in the 2025 State of the Union Address. Self-elevation and demotion of others were sprinkled throughout the speech. The question becomes, what makes a person say such things when he knows it can be easily checked for validation? That remains a mystery.

Achieving a Higher Selfhood

Achieving a Higher Selfhood by Improving the Lives of Others

Giving unselfishly is achieved when one has a greater understanding of self. This writer believes the truest Self, is God. Therefore, doing for others because it is pleasing to God, becomes the true motive.

Do you know people who give because they are expecting something in return? The consensus is “I gave you that… now, what do I get for doing that?” Getting acquainted with a higher self helps to understand oneself. So, if God is the Oneself or Only Self, who or what is he?

Qualities of a Higher Selfhood

Attributes of God are intelligence, faith, harmony, eternality, truth, justice and love. Let’s look at each one. God’s intelligence is divine, not “stuff” you read in books. It’s divine knowledge–that still, small voice that urges us “stop” when we are about to do something wrong. We can listen to it or ignore it.

Faith is hope–a strong sense of “in spite of what my eyes see, I know there is something better. So, I’m going to continue working for that which I am hoping for!” Such work leads to positive self-elevation.

Harmony is a deep sense of peace, sometimes, a peace beyond the scope of human understanding. Chaos may be swirling around you, but you are unmoved by it, because of that good feeling… inside.

Eternality defines self-elevation. It is easy to think of eternality as something after human life. But it isn’t. It the “here and now”–that higher level of thought at the present. Example: A close friend secretly sought ways to destroy your reputation and get your job. Hurt, anger and revenge fill your thought, and self-justification approves those emotions. But eternality says, ” Wait a minute! Claim your true selfhood, replace those thoughts with purer ones like forgiveness and kindness, right now!”

Truth is freeing your consciousness with the opposite of what the five (5) physical senses are telling you. If the ears hear hate, replace it with love. If your eyes see injustice, replace it with divine justice. Instead of yelling at the TV because someone is saying something you don’t like, mentally yell at the thought that’s telling you to yell!

Justice impels us to seek a higher law than human law. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. knew the laws of America were designed to mistreat, deny and humiliate, but he reached out to a higher sense of law–divine law. Thus, he was able to rise above the abuses inflicted on him and demonstrate non-violence. His humility and care for others, paved the way for us to practice self-elevation in America and worldwide.

Love is unconditional. What does that mean? It means the only relationship you can have, is love. It does not mean you have to love hate, ridicule, bigotry or discrimination, but when these occur, filling your heart with love, opens up new ways of destroying or dealing with them.

Embracing and living the attributes above, directs us how to serve God by serving man–the divine image of God. That image needs no self-elevation, it is the expression of all that is good. Let me be the first to tell you, this is hard stuff to do, but it can be done–step by step. In so doing, you will not only improve someone else’s life, you will improve yours also.

Act of Positive Self-Elevation

A woman was moved by an act of self-elevation by promoting others. She lives in a state that has many snowy days during winter months. Often, when she went out to clear her driveway, she found it free of snow. For a while, she believed her brother was traveling across town and doing the good deed. Mentioning it to him one day, she discovered he had arrived to do so, but also found the snow removed. Finally, looking out of her window after a snowstorm one day, she discovered a neighbor who lived a couple of houses down the street, clearing her driveway. When she tried to pay him for services rendered, he declined payment and said he and his sons only wanted to help out. She was touched by his generosity.

Self-Elevation by Promoting Others Video

Self-Elevation: Tapping into the Winds of Life

Wind is a metaphor for uplifting thoughts that cause us to soar above human frailties. Each of us was created by God to possess “winds” that lift us above lies, deceit, greed, racism. sexism, bigotry and fear; we have only to search within ourselves and discover them. The world is our world. We can “make it” or “break it!” Everyone has a responsibility to make a contribution or retribution. It is our choice. Choosing to touch the hearts and souls of others with gifts of love, will not only promote others . . . it will elevate us also. Let’s begin the journey with the thought expressed by a woman named Mary Baker Eddy in her book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures.

“The rich in spirit help the poor in one grand brotherhood, all having the same Principle, or Father; and blessed is that man who seeth his brother’s need and supplieth it, seeking his own in another’s good (518:15-19).”