This quote, "Self-esteem comes from the self, not from acquisitions and approval," is a powerful statement about the source of our confidence and self-worth. It suggests that true self-esteem is not derived from external factors such as material possessions, social status, or the approval of others. Instead, it comes from within ourselves.

The first part of the quote, "Self-esteem comes from the self," implies that our sense of self-worth should be based on our own self-perception, our values, and our inner strength. It’s about recognizing our own worth and capabilities, irrespective of external validation or materialistic achievements.

The second part of the quote, "not from acquisitions and approval," is a critique of our society’s tendency to measure self-worth based on material wealth or the validation from others. This perspective is inherently flawed as it makes our self-esteem vulnerable to external circumstances and opinions, which are often beyond our control.

Applying this idea in today’s world, especially in the realm of personal development, means focusing on cultivating a strong sense of self-worth that is independent of external factors. It’s about understanding that our value is not determined by what we own or how others perceive us, but by who we are and what we believe in.

In a practical sense, this could mean spending less time seeking validation from others and more time developing our skills, pursuing our passions, and nurturing our values. It could also mean practicing self-compassion and self-acceptance, acknowledging our strengths and weaknesses, and striving for personal growth.

In the age of social media where likes and followers often dictate a person’s worth, this quote serves as a timely reminder that true self-esteem comes from within. It encourages us to detach our worth from external validation and materialistic achievements and to find it within ourselves instead.