All practical judgments like that of self-estimation are based on some feeling which is developed before it; and, again, the feeling itself is based on some instinctive action which, in like manner, is earlier than the feeling.

Thus, for example, an Englishman's judgment that his native country is of paramount value springs out of a long-existent sentiment of patriotism, which sentiment again may be regarded as having slowly grown up about the half-blindly followed habit of defending and furthering the interests of one's nation or tribe.

In a similar way, one suspects, the feeling of personal worth, with its accompanying judgment, is a product of a long process of instinctive action.
What this action is it is scarcely necessary to remind the reader.

Every living organism strives, or acts as if it consciously strove, to maintain its life and promote its well-being.

The actions of plants are clearly related to the needs of a prosperous existence, individual first and serial afterwards.