Inherent Worth - Frequently Asked Questions

​What does Inherent Worth mean?
Inherent Worth is the idea that everyone has the same worth – infinite worth -  by virtue of just being, regardless of race, religion, gender, health, status, wealth, peerage, class, ability, or any other external factor.
Where does the idea of Inherent Worth come from?
Inherent worth is based on the spiritual concept that we are 

all created in God’s Image (Genesis 1:27). As such it’s impossible for anyone to be worth more than anyone else. No matter race, gender, ability or status, everyone can claim equal status spiritually – God doesn’t make mistakes.  However, you don’t have to be religious or spiritual to know that we all come into the world equally naked and to believe that we all have the same unlimited potential, despite our differing circumstances and abilities. Using the term “Inherent Worth” is a secular way of describing a spiritual idea.
What’s the difference between Inherent Worth and self-esteem?
Inherent Worth doesn’t depend on what we accomplish or don’t accomplish it is always there no matter what our external circumstances. We don’t have to earn it and there’s nothing we can do to taint it. It is a constant throughout our lives though our awareness of it may vary.
Self-esteem is the measure of our worth by our own estimation based on external evidence such as the approval of others or skills we’ve mastered. As such, it is variable, and can be lost if we fail to measure up to the standards we have set for ourselves or which others have set for us.
How does an awareness of our Inherent Worth help us?
Someone who is aware of his or her Inherent Worth will be:

• Non-judgmental
• Non-blaming
• Loving
• Caring
• At peace with himself and others
• Resilient
• Creative
• Confident
• Passionate
• Grateful
• Positive

It is only when we lose sight of who we truly are that we are tempted to judge others and ourselves, blame others and ourselves, and live stressful, impoverished lives. Remembering the truth of our Inherent Worth, and owning it, is the way to a rich and happy life.