Certainly, self-esteem can be encouraged or discouraged by environmental factors, such as parenting, schooling, and culture. Nevertheless, the primary responsibility for developing self-esteem inevitably falls on the individual. Furthermore, the environment most favorable to self-esteem is precisely that which encourages the individual to accept that responsibility, instead of becoming dependent on high marks given by others, particularly on unearned praise. Reliance on the esteem of others does not constitute self-esteem. Indeed, Branden has shown how inappropriate praise may actually undermine healthy self-esteem.

Good parents will seek to establish an environment in which their children can develop self-esteem, not from phony praise, but from recognition and appreciation of their own capacity to think for themselves and to take increasing self-responsibility. Rational individuals will seek a society in which adults can develop and maintain self-esteem in the same manner.