Self-esteem or confidence is not inherently a negative. A person who thinks he has no worth is not usually a good contributor to his family, community or society at large. The mistake is in how self esteem is gained. It should be earnned through hard work and learning self-discipline or it can be handed to one on a platter. The first kind is genuine and part of a strong character; the second is deceptive and more likely to be destructive.
My less-than-important take on Ms. Miers' writing is that she views personal investment by everyone in those around them and not expecting the government to do so. We'll see.