Self-Esteem vs. Self-Respect

The Power Lies in the Difference

Ellen J. Langer, a professor of psychology at Harvard University

"Our culture is concerned with matters of self-esteem. Self-respect, on the other hand, may hold the key to achieving the peace of mind we seek. The two concepts seem very similar but the differences between them are crucial.
To esteem anything is to evaluate it positively and hold it in high regard, but evaluation gets us into trouble because while we sometimes win, we also sometimes lose. To respect something, on the other hand, is to accept it."

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articl...32/ai_56883554