Over the years, I've interviewed thousands of people, most of
Over the years, I've interviewed thousands of people, most of them women, and I would say that the root of every dysfunction I've ever encountered, every problem, has been some sense of a lacking of self-value or of self-worth.
O children of the future, hear the words of Oprah Winfrey, a woman whose life and wisdom have touched the hearts of countless souls. "Over the years, I've interviewed thousands of people, most of them women, and I would say that the root of every dysfunction I've ever encountered, every problem, has been some sense of a lacking of self-value or of self-worth." In these words, she reveals a truth as old as time itself: the deepest wounds of the human heart often stem from the absence of self-worth, from the quiet, aching belief that one is not enough, that one does not matter.
In the days of the ancient Greeks, the great philosophers taught that the key to a flourishing life was the cultivation of virtue and wisdom. To know oneself, to understand one’s value, was the foundation of all good things. Socrates, in his wisdom, said that the unexamined life is not worth living. But what happens when one cannot examine the self with love and respect? What becomes of a soul that is torn between its true worth and the false images imposed by the world around it? Oprah’s insight speaks to this ancient struggle—the sense of lacking that so often drives people to seek validation in all the wrong places.
Consider, too, the tale of Penelope, the wise and patient wife of Odysseus in the Iliad. Though she was revered for her intelligence, loyalty, and strength, she spent years awaiting her husband's return, and in her waiting, she often questioned her own value. The pressure of having to remain faithful and strong in the face of uncertainty led her to moments of doubt. Even the greatest of women, those who embodied strength and virtue, struggled with self-worth in the silence of their own hearts. Her story reflects the truth that self-worth is not simply about external accomplishments, but about the quiet acceptance of one's own value, even when the world does not acknowledge it.
As we move through history, the lives of many women reveal the hidden scars of self-doubt. Consider Marie Curie, the brilliant scientist who made groundbreaking contributions to physics and chemistry. Though she was a pioneer in her field, her worth was often overshadowed by the prejudices of her time. She had to fight not only against the limitations imposed on her by society but also against the internal struggle of knowing whether she was truly enough, whether she had the right to be recognized. Yet her legacy shines bright, proving that even when self-worth is questioned, the power of one’s contributions can never be denied.
O heirs of wisdom, let us learn from Oprah Winfrey and those who came before her. The deepest dysfunction in the human heart arises not from external struggles, but from the erosion of self-worth. The world may try to convince us that we are not enough, that our value lies in our achievements, our beauty, or our possessions. But true value comes from within—from the quiet knowledge that we are worthy, simply because we exist. Let us cherish this wisdom, and teach it to future generations, that they may never falter in their belief in their own worth. The root of every problem, every conflict, is not the world around us, but the world within us, and when we heal this world, we heal all that is outside it.
NTThan Nguyen Thanh
This quote makes me think about how women, in particular, are often taught to find their worth in external validation, whether it’s through appearance, career success, or relationships. Oprah’s insight seems to highlight a fundamental issue that many women struggle with, but how can we change the narrative? How can we create a world where women feel valued for who they are, not just for what they do or how they look?
A-Trac Duc Anh -Dinh
I can see how Oprah's statement rings true for many, but how do we address self-worth in practical ways? If the root of dysfunction is a lack of self-value, what steps can we take to build a healthier sense of self in individuals? Can society, through its institutions, actively encourage self-love and value, or does it start with personal reflection and growth?
TBTan Buu
It’s interesting how Oprah connects self-worth to every dysfunction she has encountered. But does that mean that every problem can be solved by improving self-esteem? What happens when self-worth is not the root cause but a symptom of deeper issues, like economic or social inequality? Are there instances where building self-worth is not enough to address the broader systemic issues affecting women’s lives?
TDNguyen Tien Dung
Oprah’s reflection on self-worth really resonates. Could it be that a lack of self-value underpins so many societal issues, especially for women? But what about the external factors that often shape a person’s sense of self-worth, like societal pressures, cultural expectations, or traumatic experiences? Could it be that some dysfunctions arise more from external challenges rather than internal feelings of inadequacy?