In the quote from David Sedaris’ book "Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls," the author reflects on the notion of self-esteem and how societal perceptions have evolved over time. He implies that prior to the widespread emphasis on self-esteem, people often experienced harsh treatment that today could be seen as cruel or abusive. Sedaris seems to suggest that the absence of a focus on self-regard allowed behaviors that we now criticize to occur without much consideration.

Furthermore, Sedaris expresses a critical viewpoint on the contemporary obsession with self-esteem, labeling it as "a little overrated." This hints at his belief that the elevation of self-worth might not necessarily lead to healthier relationships or behaviors. Instead, he appears to advocate for a more realistic approach to self-perception and interpersonal interactions, proposing that a lack of focus on self-esteem can sometimes lead to more straightforward, albeit challenging, experiences.