Ego
Ego is a concept that describes the sense of self and, in psychoanalysis, the part of the personality that mediates between impulses, norms and reality.
Definition
In everyday language, ego often means pride, resentful ambition, or self-absorption. In Freud's psychoanalysis, the ego has a different meaning: it is the part of the personality associated with contact with reality, planning, evaluation and mediation between drives and norms. Nowadays, it is worth using this concept carefully, because it has different meanings in psychology, philosophy, spirituality and everyday language.
Key ideas
- Sense of self
- Contact with reality
- Difference between scientific and colloquial term
Practice and life
When you feel offended, write down: what actually happened, what was violated in my self-image, and what response would be mature, not defensive.
Common misconceptions
It is a mistake to equate all self-care with selfishness. It is also a mistake to use the concept of "ego" as a universal explanation for all problems.
> A healthy ego can see reality before it speaks.
> — Guru Element
Questions for self-reflection
- Am I reacting to a fact or a threat to my self-image?
- How can I defend the border without defense?
- Which meaning of the word ego do I have in mind now?