Lady Liberty Defended: Self-esteem or Self-Respect

Monday, September 18, 2006

Self-esteem or Self-Respect

We hear overmuch about "self-esteem" as a goal in elementary education. The older term "self-respect" seems more to the point. The difference is that self-respect must be earned by conscientious endeavor, but self-esteem seems to be offered simply to any child who is alive and breathing. Teaching a young person that he is excellent simply because he is there is not the route to producing good citizens.

COL Jeff Cooper (USMC, Ret), 20 July, 1998

Much to ponder in these few words.

¶ posted by The Editor 3:52 PM

Links to this post:

Create a Link

<< Home

For us, the American ideal is personified in the concept of self-reliance, work ethic, honesty/forthrightness, decency, personal property rights, family, religion, an ability to defend oneself from criminals and crooked politicians, and personal responsibility.