Johnathan Bi Self-Esteem Requires External-Validation | Fred Neuhouser on Rousseau
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Jul 6, 2024 
Fred Neuhouser, an expert on Rousseau's concept of amour-propre, discusses the importance of external validation in self-esteem, exploring Rousseau's philosophy on self-love versus recognition from others. Topics include the desire for acknowledgment, navigating hierarchies and self-esteem amid failure, exploring wealth as a measure of self-worth, and the competitive nature of romantic love in seeking validation.
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Rousseau's Ribbon
- As an adolescent, Rousseau worked as a servant and felt wronged by his employers.
- To get revenge, he stole a ribbon and blamed another servant, highlighting the importance of recognition for him.
Two Types of Self-Love
- Amour propre and amour de soi are distinct types of self-love.
- Amour propre is relative, seeking external esteem, while amour de soi focuses on personal well-being, like food and sleep.
Relativity of Esteem
- Seeking comparative standing isn't always about excelling; sometimes it's about belonging.
- Even wanting to be "good" at something implies comparison, as we don't esteem common abilities.