Nathaniel Branden
Self-esteem is not a vague feeling or an unearned reward, but the psychological immune system of consciousness built through daily practices of awareness and action.
Choosing to live consciously means actively engaging with reality and remaining aware of your thoughts and environment rather than evading uncomfortable truths.
Self-acceptance requires a compassionate refusal to enter an adversarial relationship with yourself, acknowledging all aspects of your identity without harsh judgment.
True self-responsibility emerges from the realization that no one is coming to save you, making you responsible for your choices and for improving the conditions you can influence.