• Essence is that which persists unchanged despite other modifications or variations occurring in a being, system, or thing.
• Self-esteem is modified and varies over time; therefore, self-esteem cannot be the essence of the self.
• Customs, habits, and personalities are modified and vary over time; therefore, they are not the essence of a person.
• Generalizations and labels can persist over time; however, generalizations and labels are thoughts making them not human beings.
• Concepts and images can persist over time; however, concepts and images are products of thinking making them not human beings.