I disagree with the notion that we are not born with self-esteem. Most babies seem to arrive (after the crying and helpless part) with boundless curiosity and trust. It is the environment that teaches us not to trust, to be fearful, and what all our faults and defects are. If it weren't for the social conditioning of our environments (that is, our families, teachers, etc.), I wonder if we might all be pretty well-balanced.