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James E. Faust’s address Self-Esteem: A Great Human Need is a masterful example of how gospel doctrine can be applied to real and often deeply personal human struggles. Though delivered decades ago, the talk feels remarkably modern because it addresses questions that never fade with time: how we see ourselves, where our worth truly comes from, and how we can live with confidence without falling into pride. From a Latter-day Saint perspective, this talk stands as a doctrinally rich and deeply compassionate guide for students, parents, leaders, and anyone seeking peace with themselves. The speech is preserved in the BYU library archives found here, and continues to bless readers and listeners today.
Elder Faust possessed a rare ability to combine apostolic authority with genuine human understanding. He did not minimize insecurity, weakness, or failure, nor did he offer shallow reassurance or worldly motivation. Instead, he taught eternal truths with clarity, warmth, and balance, always anchoring self-esteem in discipleship, service, and our relationship with God. This address reflects not only inspired teaching, but the character of a man who deeply understood people and loved them.
Redefining Self-Esteem Through Gospel Truth
One of the most important contributions of this talk is Elder Faust’s careful and deliberate definition of self-esteem. He immediately separates the gospel view of self-worth from the world’s obsession with self-love and praise. In doing so, he protects listeners from confusing confidence with arrogance or pride.
“The self-esteem that I speak of today is something different. It is not blind, arrogant, vain self-love, but self-respecting, unconceited, honest self-esteem. It is born of inner peace and strength.”
This definition aligns perfectly with the teachings of Jesus Christ, who never promoted pride yet consistently affirmed the infinite worth of individuals. Doctrine and Covenants 18:10 teaches that “the worth of souls is great in the sight of God,” and Elder Faust builds upon this truth by showing that self-esteem grows when we live in harmony with our divine identity. True self-respect is not self-centered, but Christ-centered.
Appearance, Conduct, and Inner Worth
Elder Faust also explores how self-esteem influences outward behavior, including how individuals present themselves in public. Through a simple experience at a driver’s license office, he observes that a lack of self-respect often appears in careless dress, speech, and conduct. His tone is not condemning, but concerned, emphasizing how people unknowingly diminish themselves.
“In their manner of speech and their dress they had greatly shortchanged themselves.”
He follows this observation with a timeless reminder about the connection between words and character:
“Speech, it has been said, is a mirror of the soul: as a man speaks so is he.”
From an LDS perspective, this reflects the principle that outward actions often mirror inward understanding. When individuals recognize their divine worth, dignity naturally follows. Elder Faust’s counsel gently reminds both youth and adults that self-respect is not about impressing others, but about honoring ourselves as sons and daughters of God.
Worth Over Status in the Eyes of God
One of the most powerful sections of the talk centers on the difference between worth and status. Elder Faust teaches that the world often praises recognition, wealth, and influence, while God honors faithfulness, humility, and quiet service. His story of the humble cemetery worker is a moving illustration of how heaven measures value.
“He had no problems with ego, or with faith… He was a man of little status, but of great worth.”
This principle echoes the Savior’s own ministry. Jesus chose fishermen, laborers, and ordinary people, not because of their status, but because of their potential and devotion. Elder Faust reminds us that after the apostles were beaten, they did not complain or seek validation, but instead:
“They went rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.”
For anyone who feels unnoticed or undervalued, this message brings deep comfort. God sees worth where the world often does not.
Self-Esteem Built on Agency and Self-Mastery
Elder Faust teaches that healthy self-esteem is closely tied to how individuals use their agency. When people surrender self-control to addiction or destructive habits, they lose not only freedom, but confidence and peace. His warning is direct, but filled with compassion for those who suffer long-term consequences.
“To keep your free agency, you must not surrender self-control, nor yield to habits that bind, to addiction that enslaves, and to conduct that destroys.”
He reinforces this truth with scripture, emphasizing the spiritual danger of losing mastery over oneself:
“He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.”
This counsel is especially relevant in modern society. From a gospel perspective, obedience is not about restriction, but protection. When individuals live in harmony with God’s laws, they experience peace, strength, and a deeper sense of self-worth.
Humility, Teachability, and Quiet Strength
Elder Faust’s teachings on humility are among the most compassionate and realistic in the address. He makes it clear that humility is not self-hatred or public display, but quiet strength and inner peace. True humility allows individuals to acknowledge imperfections without being defined by them.
“It is the humility that can accept and live with one’s own warts without cosmetics to hide them.”
His story of the successful businessman with physical disabilities beautifully illustrates this principle. The man’s warmth, honesty, and faith overshadowed any physical limitation, demonstrating that humility combined with goodness creates dignity. This teaching reflects Ether 12:27, where the Lord promises that weakness can become strength through humility and faith in Christ.
Honesty as the Foundation of Confidence
One of the most striking moments in the talk is Elder Faust’s account of the custody court case. The mother involved faced a question that could have destroyed her case, yet she chose complete honesty rather than self-protection. Elder Faust carefully describes how her truthfulness changed the entire atmosphere of the courtroom.
“Yes, my house certainly was a mess that day.”
Her explanation, given calmly and without shame, revealed integrity and confidence. Elder Faust concludes with a powerful insight:
“Being true to one’s own self is the essence of honesty and a keystone of self-esteem.”
This story vividly illustrates Proverbs 11:3, which teaches that integrity guides the upright. Honesty removes fear and allows individuals to stand with quiet confidence before both God and others.
Work, Service, and the Growth of Worth
Elder Faust also teaches that meaningful effort is essential to healthy self-esteem. Natural talent alone, he warns, is not enough to build character or lasting confidence. Without discipline, work, and perseverance, even great ability can be wasted.
“An ordinary, garden-variety talent can be nurtured and nourished into a great gift through hard work.”
He reminds listeners that no honest labor is insignificant. Every task that needs doing has value, especially when performed in service to others. This principle aligns with Mosiah 2:17 and reinforces the truth that work done with faith becomes a source of purpose and self-respect.
Loving God and Knowing Who We Truly Are
The doctrinal heart of the talk is Elder Faust’s testimony of God’s love and our eternal identity. He teaches that true self-esteem cannot exist without knowing God and understanding our relationship to Him. When individuals forget God, they often forget who they truly are.
“It is important to remember and never forget that all of us, male and female, were created in the image of God and created by God.”
He further testifies:
“Nobody is nobody. The seeds of divinity are in all of us.”
This eternal perspective is reinforced by Psalms 8 and Jeremiah 1:5, which testify of divine purpose and foreordination. From an LDS standpoint, understanding this truth transforms how we see ourselves and others.
Honoring the Legacy of James E. Faust
James E. Faust was a remarkable apostle whose teachings continue to bless the Church and the world. His words were steady, wise, and deeply rooted in love for God and His children. This talk reflects a lifetime of observation, discipleship, and faithful service.
Self-Esteem: A Great Human Need is far more than a lecture on confidence. It is a doctrinal testimony that worth is eternal, repentance is real, and God’s love is personal. Elder Faust’s voice continues to remind us who we are and who we can become through Jesus Christ.
