It would have been nice if I didn't have to go to school during my whole childhood, then I could have been away from the 'a**holes.' who helped contibute to my depression and low self esteem. Currently I do not feel I am surrounded by a**holes though there are some in my family and my moms boyfriend is a bit of one but he's ok sometimes.

However, damage has been done by being surrounded by a**holes, thing is I didn't have much choice I could have just ditched class most of the time but I don't think that would have worked out too well. But yes it is important to try and get away from people that bring you down, unfortunatly its not always an option in every situation. Then sometimes there are the a**holes who act like your friend and then stab you in the back thing is usually at least in my case I don't know about their a**hole nature until the back stabbing.

Also, I would argue even if one is surrounded by a**holes that does not necessarily indicate a lack of depression or low self esteem. So I am not so sure I really understand that quote too well.