[Noachian]

But imagine if a heightened sense of self-worth prompted some people to demand preferential treatment or to exploit their fellows.

This is exactly the kind of thinking that gives rise to monarchies, tyrants, and liberalism.

[brushcop]

Right on. I've never bought into the self-esteem bunk--ever, we've raised three kids. I've been a Scoutmaster for many years. The thing that I tell the kids is to "DO good and you'll feel good" (there's a VERB in that quote). I can't think of any other way to say it.

Scriptures tell us that Jesus said to "put everyone before us". HUH?? Gee, THAT ought to confound them--good stuff! But then again, hardly anyone believes the Bible anyway so I'm just wasting breath there.