Self-esteem is based on your view of yourself. How you see yourself can be positive or negative depending on how you assess your self-image, feelings and your experiences. Self-esteem isn't supposed to depend on what other people think. It grows or shrinks based on your pride and level of self-respect. Esteem is sort of like confidence. Whether or not you trust or believe in yourself is often based on proving to yourself you can do things.
As a child, I read a series of "value tale books." These were stories written about lessons learned by people who lived meaningful lives helping others. Each inspirational person in these books and in my life has taught me the value in learning to be myself and love myself. Self- esteem is grounded in loving myself regardless of how other people judge. I learn to rise above it.
Your example of "a prisoner with no relatives, no friends, only enemies, a lot of humiliation and offense" assumes the person committed a crime and feels guilty. This person's level of self-esteem would still begin inside. We each have a choice to allow our esteem to be highly-influenced by people outside ourselves or not.
Think of an individual like Anthony Robbins. Back in the 1980s, he was an obese janitor with little money, low self-worth and low self-esteem. At one point, he decided in his own mind that he didn't like his life so he acted to change it. He took the first step. Then, he reached out to find people who encouraged him. As he proved he could lose weight and get healthier, this helped him build confidence. He develoepd a business based on his attitude it was possible, his desire to learn and share knowledge with others. You might check out some of his books.
