Accomplish Quote by Martin Seligman
“Once a depressed person becomes active and hopeful, self-esteem always improves. Bolstering self-esteem without changing hopelessness, without changing passivity, accomplishes nothing.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Learned Optimism by Martin Seligman, 1990
Active hope and engagement boost self‑esteem, but without reducing hopelessness or passivity the gain is fleeting.
In simple terms: Hopeful action lifts self‑esteem, but not if hopelessness stays.
Key Takeaway
Address both hope and passivity together.
Themes
psychology
self‑esteem
hope
activity
behavioral change
Mood
reflective
motivational
Type
advice
psychological
self‑help
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- personal coaching
- rehab programs
- education settings
Key Concepts
Cognitive behavioral therapy
self‑determination theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you reduce passivity while building hope?
- What steps increase both hope and action?
A Different Perspective
If hopelessness remains, self‑esteem gains may be temporary.
![“[The Community's] crosses and trials give me confidence. But I derive my hope above all, and most especially, from our utter incapacity, for it is always upon nothingness that God is pleased to rear His works. If at any day we accomplish some good here, the glory will certainly be His alone, since…” quote by Theodore Guerin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2b8/theodore-guerin-54729_accomplish_the-community-s-crosses-and-trials-give_7176.jpg)
