does self-esteem rule the world?

Question

a long time ago, i came across this idea, that actually, the world runs due to self-esteem, or the lack of it. When one is lacking, one actively seeks out an activity, an event, a material item(s) to fulfill this longing, and so, go outside to achieve things. And so, people with lack of esteem by far had made the world it is today, be it economy, philosophy whatever it may be. Anyone care to share?

Answer 1

what is self-esteem? Like a lack of knowing who you truly are?

Answer 2

Self-esteem or lack thereof is a learned trait of the ego identity. Everything wrong in the world is a result of these illusions and our attempt to defend ourselves from other egos.

Returning to authentic being and Self respect is the only way out of the holographic reality (delusion) people inhabit. Waking up, however, is not easy. People become attached to little forms of self-esteem - even the 'victim' side of the coin.

Answer 3

People that have self-esteem (certainty that their mind is competent to think and that they are worthy of happiness) are the ones that have the confidence to go out into the world and DO great things. They take chances on new businesses, new inventions. They rely on the judgement of their own mind.

Someone with no self-esteem is never sure if he is right or wrong. He wants other people to make decisions for him. In a job interview, he's scared. His life is full of self-doubt and confusion.

Answer 4

the world is ruled by power & money...though usually those with the power have the $$. silly rabbit havent you ventured out of the carrot patch...lol. I dont know about the self esteem ideal seems to me a lack of it can cause more problems for people as they are struggling to find a place to fit in so i suppose they could try different outlets...somehow i imagine them as more reserved...keeping to themselves...as not to draw much attention. We all have basic needs...security...social and sexual (i suppose the order of importance of this changes depending on the individual) that we strive to meet...naturally the problem with this is that God also gave us self will and this is what we need to exercise some control over as we will be held accountable for our actions. The need to seek out an activity, event or material item is a social need~we need to interact & be a part of our world. We need to feel safe & secure in doing so...as for the sexual need...well...you r on ur own there...lol. (but the decline of morals & values and what is permitted, accepted & allowed is an example of our self will running wild)

Answer 5

I wouldn't equate low self-esteem with desire and passion (which certainly seems to drive the world). From my limited reading of biography those who have had the most obvious impact had high self-esteem and a high sense of self-effectiveness. They were driven by a vision.(Winston Churchill comes to mind).

My understanding is that it works like this: you have an experience that creates a strong desire (whether for your boss's car or to feed children in Africa). In the experience of that desire there is a sense of lack of completeness and that you will only be complete when you have the object of your desire.
Those with high self esteem and high sense of self-efficacy work towards the fulfillment of that desire - i.e. the focus on the goal, the vision - and believe they can attain it.
Therefore I would say that powerful desire combined with high self-efficacy rules the world.

Answer 6

I know this is more than a little simplistic but----
The deep need for attention and power, combined with a fair amount of charisma.
That is what popped into my head when I read your question.
I was thinking of people like Saddam,Hitler etc. They are negative examples of self esteem,combined with greed and a true lack of altruism.
There motives would seem to be pure need of self-esteem.
Yes I think if people have pride and a work ethic, they will work and spend---the spending it would seem to me helps the economy.

Answer 7

Self esteem is one of several psychological needs that we all need to fill to a greater or lesser extent. How much depends on all the earlier factors, environment and genetics as well. Fortunately, self actualization is in there as well, and I think it is as much a factor - people enjoy doing as well as they can, and improving as much as their environment will allow. To borrow from the armed services - be all that you can be! For many, the psychological need for spiritual fulfillment drives people to do well for others - this may or may not be cloaked in religion, but certainly relates to altruism and helping others. These needs are as important as self esteem, certainly.

Answer 8

Interesting concept, but according to Maslow, self-esteem is quite high up on the pyramid. I think you have to look for more essential needs, too.

Answer 9

Do corrupt Governments have self-esteem ?

Answer 10

Heck no, far from it.
Self esteem is the "functional" state of being.
What drives the world ?
More than that.