Only toward the end of Merrick's life do Merrick's rescuers come to recognize that he is of normal or even superior intelligence after overhearing him reciting the 23rd Psalm. Prior to that, Merrick had not revealed that he could understand complex thought or even speak. It is likely that his utter lack of self-esteem held him back from trying to communicate with others because he assumed that nobody cared what he had to say anyway. Merrick's rescuers eventually do come to recognize that he is intelligent and articulate and they begin to treat him in a manner that is more appropriate and conducive to the development of self-esteem. In fact, Merrick becomes something of a celebrity in London society and comes to enjoy the company and appreciation of others.

After having experienced the dignity that he (and all human beings) deserved, Merrick is once again returned to his former life as a circus freak when he is kidnapped by Bytes, his former oppressor. He manages to escape and before...

Whereas Merrick had previously never fought back against abuse, this time, he responds by screaming, "I am not an animal? I am a human being!" This reflects Merrick's changed self-perception that he deserves better treatment from others.
Unfortunately, by the time Merrick is finally returned to the safe environment of the hospital, Merrick's condition has been diagnosed as being incurable. However, by then, he has managed to change his self-perception so completely that shortly before his death, he refers to his mother and says, "If only I could find her, so she could see me with such lovely friends here now; perhaps she could love me as I am. I've tried so hard to be good." Referring to his life he demonstrates the most fundamental element of self-esteem, the belief that one is loved by others and that he deserves that love: he remarks, "My life is full because I know I am loved."