“Self-esteem comes from being able to define the world in your own terms and refusing to abide by the judgments of others.”

“I’ve learned from these events that self-esteem plays as much a part in the destiny of nations as it does in the lives of individuals; that self-hatred leads to the need either to dominate or to be dominated; that citizens who refuse to obey anything but their own conscience can transform their countries; in short, that self-esteem is the basis of any real democracy.”

“In life, nothing will increase your self-esteem as much as make it on your own.”

“I'd define it as self-awareness: an ability to trust your own judgment. An ability to see through veils of bullshit or spins on stories or propaganda. Maybe an ability to think for yourself.”

“How to value my own self-esteem more than the praise of others.”

““What more could you need?”
I smiled in self-mockery. “Reassurance, I suppose.”
“That must come from your own judgment, from your own testing of your conscience. It is the only kind of reassurance worth having, as I’m sure you would agree.””

“Coming to terms with the suffering of others has never meant looking away from our own.”

“When the end comes, you will be esteemed by the world and rewarded by God, not because you have won the love and respect of the princes of the earth, however powerful, but rather for having loved, defended and cherished one such as I … what you receive from others is a testimony to their virtue; but all that you do for others is the sign and clear indication of your own.”

“Only make decisions that support your self-image, self-esteem, and self-worth.”

“Your self esteem is like a notch below Kafka's.”