Goho: The pitfalls of the ego

Midnight Introspection
Midnight Introspection

THE great catastrophes of humanity have predominantly been rooted in troubles surrounding the ego. This is an undeniable reality and an inarguable struggle that every individual soul faces. There is no escaping its dangers and it has actually led to many destructive and chaotic occurrences throughout the lives of mankind.

This is evident among all but more visibly highlighted among people bestowed with positions of authority that sometimes eventually lead to a rampant abuse of power. We hear of many instances of misplaced egos eventually leading to the downfall of influential figures.

However, this is prevalent among all of us in all aspects of collective life, families, businesses, institutions, etc.

In particular, when the ego gets inflated out of proportions, all else become irrelevant and we are mired in this endless disgusting, blind bubble of self-absorption, superiority and entitlement. It is unfortunate once we act out on these detrimental impulses that negatively affect and create unnecessary strains of no value on the relationships around us.

We could all hope that the world would be better off if we all weren't so consumed and engrossed within ourselves, and if we could actually go about resolving day to day problems in objective and rational ways rather than being enslaved by our predisposition to selfish erraticism and petty emotionality that could essentially alter our better judgment and compel us to make unsound and irrational decisions.

While as human beings we are limited due to much enslavement due to our fallen carnal nature and individualistic quirks, however, we are not blind to objective truth and the lives we live are dependent on the choices we make. Ultimately, we all have the potential to mature and become so much more.

I anticipate many would somehow argue that pride or ego is an absolute functional necessity that is responsible for one's sense of esteem and identity and that it is this drive that has led mankind to achieve remarkable feats. But I do not mean to confuse conviction and strength of character with blind arrogance and self-directed tyranny. There is a fine line between the two.

By no means am I suggesting the subduing of the ego would transform one into a spineless and inferior pushover character, on the contrary, just the opposite. A self mastery of one's ego is meant to put things under control and give us the real freedom from all sorts of bondages.

Real freedom is having the self-control and power to do what one ought to do. This is essential if we aim to grow further in maturity and wisdom.

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