This collection of excerpts from Nathaniel Branden's book, "The Power Of Self-Esteem," introduces the concept of self-esteem, defining it as confidence in one's ability to cope with life and belief in one's right to happiness. The text explores the importance of self-esteem for psychological well-being, achievement, and navigating the complexities of the modern world, particularly in the workplace. Branden contrasts his definition with others, emphasizing that authentic self-esteem is reality-based and internally generated, not dependent on external validation like popularity or material success. He discusses the volitional choices regarding consciousness, responsibility, and integrity that contribute to healthy self-esteem, and also highlights the significant impact of childhood experiences and parental behavior on its development. The provided excerpts also list Branden's other works and offer a bibliography for further study on the subject.