This document discusses several theories related to self-esteem and how it can impact decision-making. It examines the Theory of Cognitive Dissonance, which holds that people may rationalize their actions to maintain high self-esteem even if their actions go against their beliefs. It also looks at how self-esteem can be influenced by social comparison and experiences like struggling in school but later finding success through hard work. Overall, the document explores how self-esteem develops and how it can sometimes override logic and lead people to make choices that go against their true beliefs or abilities in order to preserve their self-image.