Self-esteem

The way in which an individual views his own abilities and worth will have a significant effect both on the goals he or she chooses and on the probability of achieving those goals. It also determines the front which the individual adopts to deceive both himself and the rest of the world into believing him different from what he actually is. This persona is then used to rationalize behaviour or attitudes which the individual feels he needs to justify. The result of exposing this pretence for what it is is said to "shatter a person's ego", and is the prime cause of being "put to shame".