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Why are Americans so hungry
for the approval of others?
The adjusted American lacks
self-approval; that is to say,
he has not developed a self-image
that he can believe is both
accurate and acceptable.
To do so he would require successful
techniques for creating an accurate
and acceptable self-image through
honest introspection, candid association,
and meaningful action.
The patterns to which he has adjusted
do not includes such techniques…
Half certain of his own inadequacy,
he attempts to present himself to
others in an appealing way.
When (or if) he has won their approval
he hopes that they will be able to
convince him that he is a better man
than he thinks he is.
~ Snell & Gail Putney,
The Adjusted American (1964)
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