“Of course, each of these sources of low self-esteem merits an infinite number of posts. It is, however, most important to understand that experiencing any of these early circumstances doesn’t mean you must be bound by them as an adult. They will be woven into your fabric and absorbed into your sense of yourself in different ways over time, but there are many paths to feeling that you are better prepared, less fragmented, and more confident moving forward. As an adult, when you examine your history, you can begin to see that in some cases the derision or intense negative messages you encountered weren’t necessarily meant for you. Rather, they flowed from the circumstances of the people who delivered them. That perspective can help you to dilute the power of the negative messages about yourself you received and formed. Furthermore, understanding that you are not alone in your experience can help decrease the extent to which you feel isolated and shameful.”
“In a recent Ditch the Label study, we spoke to 7,347 people about bullying. We asked respondents to define bullying and then later asked if, based on their own definition, they had ever bullied anybody. 14% of our overall sample, so that’s 1,239 people, said yes. What we then did was something that had never been done on this scale before; we asked them intimate questions about their lives, exploring things like stress and trauma, home lives, relationships and how they feel about themselves.”
Low self-esteem is when someone lacks confidence about who they are and what they can do. They often feel incompetent, unloved, or inadequate. People who struggle with low self-esteem are consistently afraid about making mistakes or letting other people down.
Having self-esteem issues can be detrimental to your health and negatively affect your personal and professional relationships. There are many reasons why you may have low self-esteem — your genes, how and where you grew up, and other life circumstances all play a role.
“In a recent Ditch the Label study, we spoke to 7,347 people about bullying. We asked respondents to define bullying and then later asked if, based on their own definition, they had ever bullied anybody. 14% of our overall sample, so that’s 1,239 people, said yes. What we then did was something that had never been done on this scale before; we asked them intimate questions about their lives, exploring things like stress and trauma, home lives, relationships and how they feel about themselves.”
Hogen, a Chinese Zen teacher, lived alone in a small temple in the country. One day four traveling monks appeared and asked if they might make a fire in his yard to warm themselves.
While they were building the fire, Hogen heard them arguing about subjectivity and objectivity. He joined them and said: There is a big stone. Do you consider it to be inside or outside your mind?’
One of the monks replied: ‘From the Buddhist viewpoint everything is an objectification of mind, so I would say that the stone is inside my mind.’
‘Your head must feel very heavy’, observed Hogen. ‘if you are carrying around a stone like that in your mind.’
The United States has an all-volunteer military, meaning people choose to join the armed forces instead of being forced to serve. Here are the main reasons why:
1. End of the Draft (Conscription)
Until 1973, the U.S. used a draft system to fill the military, especially during major wars (like WWII and Vietnam).
The draft became increasingly unpopular, especially during the Vietnam War.
In 1973, the U.S. officially ended the draft and moved to an all-volunteer force.
2. Democratic Values
A volunteer military fits with American ideas of freedom, personal choice, and limited government control over individuals’ lives.
Citizens can choose whether or not to serve, rather than being forced by the state.
3. Professional Military
A volunteer force tends to be more skilled and motivated.
Enlisted personnel train longer and often choose the military as a career, leading to higher professionalism and efficiency.
4. Public Opinion and Politics
After Vietnam, public resistance to the draft was strong.
Politicians responded to this sentiment and designed the military to appeal to recruits through pay, benefits, and education incentives (like the GI Bill).
5. Technology and Modern Warfare
Modern warfare relies more on technology and specialized skills than large numbers of troops.
This makes a smaller, well-trained volunteer force more effective than a massive conscript army.
Optional Service, but Still Registered
While military service is voluntary, men must still register for Selective Service at age 18, just in case a draft is ever reinstated.
⚠️ If the U.S. government decides it’s necessary, it can bring back the draft (mandatory military service), and citizens could be legally required to go to war.
Here’s how that would work:
🔹 1. Selective Service System
All U.S. men aged 18–25 are required by law to register for the Selective Service.
This doesn’t mean they are being drafted — it’s just a system to prepare for a possible draft.
If Congress and the President agree, the draft can be reactivated in a national emergency.
🔹 2. Congress Must Approve
The draft cannot be used unless Congress passes a law to reinstate it.
The President signs the law, and the draft would then begin.
🔹 3. How It Would Work
If reinstated, the Selective Service System would hold a draft lottery based on birth dates.
Those selected would be called up in order, typically starting with 20-year-olds.
🔹 4. Conscientious Objectors
Some people may refuse to fight due to moral or religious beliefs.
They can apply for non-combat roles or alternative civilian service.
🔹 5. Penalties for Refusing
Not registering for the Selective Service is a federal crime (although rarely prosecuted).
If the draft is active and someone refuses to serve, they can face fines, imprisonment, or loss of federal benefits (like student aid).
✅ Today: No Draft, But the Power Exists
So yes — while service is voluntary right now, the U.S. government has the legal power to require citizens to go to war if the situation demands it.
