The positive aspects of having a healthy sense of self-esteem have been explained and proven in depth by the French psychiatrist Christophe André in two of his books.

According to my good friend Christophe, self-esteem “when all is said and done, is what can enable us to make the best of what we are in the present moment, depending on our environment.” Positive self-esteem facilitates resilience and enables us to maintain our inner strength and serenity in the face of adverse life situations. It also allows us to acknowledge and be patient with our own imperfections and limitations without feeling diminished. In 1892, William James, the founder of modern psychology, wrote: “Strangely enough, our heart is extremely light once we have in all good faith accepted our own failings in a particular area.”

On the other hand, self-esteem based on an overinflated ego can only produce a false and fragile self-confidence. When the discrepancy with reality becomes too apparent, the ego becomes irritated, tenses up, and wavers. Self-confidence crumbles, and frustration, depression, and anger are all that remain.

True self-confidence t is naturally free from self-infatuation and does not depend on the promotion of an artificial self-image. Authentic self-esteem stems from a feeling of being in harmony with oneself based on a peaceful inner strength that external circumstances and inner fears cannot threaten. It is based on freedom that goes beyond fascination for one’s image and the fear of losing it.

Christophe André concludes that, “there is nothing further from positive self-esteem than pride. […] However, humility is not just a favorable condition for healthy self-esteem: it is the latter’s full essence.”