Achieve Quote by Sam Keen
“The root of humanly caused evil is not man's animal nature, not territorial aggression, or innate selfishness, but our need to gain self-esteem, deny our mortality, and achieve a heroic self-image. Our desire for the best is the cause of the worst.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The New Psychology of Self-Esteem, 2004
Evil stems from the drive for self-esteem and heroic self-image, not innate animal instincts.
In simple terms: Evil arises from seeking self-esteem and heroism.
Key Takeaway
Reflect on motivations behind harmful actions.
Themes
psychology
ethics
self-esteem
human nature
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- personal counseling
- education curricula
- media analysis
- leadership training
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
identity
mortality denial
heroic idealism
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives your desire for heroism?
- Can self-esteem be redirected positively?
A Different Perspective
Self-esteem can be constructive if balanced with humility.
![“Now they [the Powers] have started the aggression, and the extinction of our nation is imminent. If we just fold our arms and yield to them, I would have no face to see our ancestors after death. If we must perish, why not fight to the death?” quote by Empress Dowager Cixi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/947/empress-dowager-cixi-68177_after-death_now-they-the-powers-have-started-the-agg_53275.jpg)
