High self esteem people can surely be knocked down by an excess of troubles, but they are quickerto pick themselves up again.

In any culture, subculture, or family in which belief is valued above thought, and self-surrender is valued above self-expression, and conformity is valued above integrity, those who preserve their self-esteem are likely to be heroic exceptions.

A commitment to lifelong learning is a natural expression of the practice of living consciously.

It would be hard to name a more certain sign of poor self-esteem than the need to perceive some other group as inferior.

Self-esteem is not a luxury; it is a profound spiritual need.

Living consciously is seeking to be aware of everything that bears on our interests, actions, values, purposes, and goals. It is the willingness to confront facts, pleasant or unpleasant. It is the desire to discover our mistakes and correct them . . . it is the quest to keep expanding our awareness and understanding, both of the world external to self and the world within.

To trust one's mind and to know that one is worthy of happiness is the essence of self-esteem.