Attempting to become perfect enough to be lovable was clearly a useless endeavor. Besides, if my self-esteem depended on accomplishment or performance, then I would only be "as good as my last meal," always have to keep surpassing myself in order to earn my own and other people's love. My self-esteem would be inherently fragile.
— Edward Espe Brown, Tomato Blessings and Radish Teachings