Self-esteem: Without it, there’s nothing

“I began to understand that self-esteem isn’t everything; it’s just that there’s nothing without it.”
— Gloria Steinem

Self-esteem has been on my mind a bit lately, for a variety of reasons. One thing that has become clear is that the sense we have of ourselves is quite malleable — and it can be hurt, often dramatically, by what others say and do. Another thing: self-esteem can be remade, and the accent there should be on the self.

Gloria Steinem wrote the above words in her 1992 book Revolution from Within, whose subtitle — A Book of Self-Esteem — sets the table for what she would explore.

While focusing on self-esteem may feel like centering the individual experience (and moving into self-help areas), Steinem was also interested in political change. It makes sense: for women or other groups on the margins to gain power, it starts with recognizing and celebrating self-esteem.