Ego

Ego

what ego is, how it works, and how it affects life.

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1. What is Ego?

• Simple definition: Ego is the sense of “I”, “me”, or “mine.” It is the identity we create about ourselves.

• Psychological view (Freud):

  • Id → Desires, instincts.

  • Superego → Morality, social rules.

  • Ego → The “manager” that balances both and interacts with the real world.

• Spiritual view: Ego is not your true self but the false identity made up of thoughts, roles, achievements, and comparisons. It hides your deeper self (soul, consciousness, or pure awareness).

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2. Forms of Ego

Ego is not only arrogance. It can appear in many forms:

• Superiority ego → “I am better than others.”

• Inferiority ego → “I am worse than others.” (Yes, even self-pity is ego, because it’s still self-centered.)

• Possession ego → Identifying with wealth, property, relationships.

• Role ego → “I am a manager / teacher / parent” – forgetting these are just temporary roles.

• Knowledge ego → “I know more than you.”

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3. How Ego Affects Life

• Relationships: Ego causes conflict, arguments, inability to forgive.

• Career: Ego makes one resistant to feedback, unable to work as a team.

• Spiritual growth: Ego prevents surrender, humility, and love.

• Mental health: Ego creates stress because it constantly compares with others.

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4. Ego vs. Self-Respect

• Ego: Based on comparison, pride, and insecurity. “I am important because I’m better than you.”

• Self-Respect: Based on inner dignity. “I have value, and so do others.”

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5. How to Recognize Ego in Yourself

Ask:

• Do I feel offended quickly?

• Do I find it hard to admit mistakes?

• Do I secretly feel superior or inferior to others?

• Do I need validation to feel good?
  If yes → ego is active.

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6. Ways to Overcome Ego

• Awareness: Notice when ego arises (“I want to prove myself right”).

• Humility practice: Admit mistakes, appreciate others.

• Service: Helping without expecting credit reduces ego.

• Spiritual practice: Meditation, prayer, self-inquiry (“Who am I really?”).

• Detach from roles: Remember roles (parent, boss, student) are temporary.