This quote suggests that to be loved, we should not seek to be overly esteemed or superior. Instead, we should strive for modesty and humility. The idea is that superiority often leads to awe and aversion, rather than love and connection. This is because people tend to feel intimidated or envious of those they perceive as superior to them, which can create a barrier to genuine affection and closeness.

The first part of the quote, "To be loved, we should merit but little esteem," implies that love is not about being the best, the most successful, or the most admired. Rather, it’s about being relatable, approachable, and humble. It’s about being a person others can connect with on a deep and personal level.

The second part of the quote, "all superiority attracts awe and aversion," suggests that being superior can make us awe-inspiring, but it can also make us distant and unapproachable. People might respect or admire us, but they may also feel a sense of aversion because they feel inferior or intimidated. This can prevent the formation of close, loving relationships.

In today’s world, this idea is particularly relevant. In a society that often values achievement, status, and wealth above all else, it’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of superiority. However, this quote reminds us that these things do not necessarily bring us the love and connection we crave.

In terms of personal development, this quote might inspire us to focus more on cultivating qualities like humility, empathy, and authenticity, rather than striving for superiority. It might encourage us to value our relationships and our ability to connect with others more than our achievements and status. Ultimately, it suggests that being loved is not about being the best, but about being a person others can relate to and feel close to.