Ego in and of itself isn't the problem. As Jafo tried to point out,
ego is a requierement of sentience. It is self-awareness.
It is, as the dictionary puts it: "
the “I
” or self of any person; a person as thinking, feeling, and willing, and distinguishing itself from the selves of others and from objects of its thought." Thus necessary for sentience.
An ego only becomes a negative thing when it graduates to egotism, which simply put is selfishness. Where the ego (self) becomes more important than the others around it.
A true test of strength of character is in knowing when and how to exercise one's ego to the benefit of others, even if it's to the detriment of the self.
Just some thoughts...
It's not an ego that drives a fireman into a building to save a life. It's, at least in part, bravery.
It is indeed the ego,
fuelled by bravery and concern for another that drives the fireman. His thoughts may be something akin to "People are in danger! I must do something for those people because I have the experience and ability to do so." If it wasn't for his awareness of what he knows and is capable of... -had he no ego, he would not act accordingly.
The egotist fireman would take no action, lest his own life be put in danger.
It's not an ego that evokes introspection for the purpose of self-improvement. It's the desire to be more, try more.
One must be aware of what one knows before one can begin to be more. The ego says, "This is where I am, and there is where I want to be." It takes stock of the sum of it's knowledge and experience and says "I think I can, I know I can." or, "I cannot."
It's not an ego that helps us communicate. It's our empathy. It's our tenderness, our desire to understand more; be more.
If it wasn't for ego, one could not adequately communicate, or understand. It's the sum of the experiences of the ego that allows for understanding; and the point of reference from which one begins the journey to growth.
The egotist communicates only when it suits his purposes and will do so forcibly and to the detriment of others when he does so. He will not submit himself to learning unless he sees benefit to himself, and then will only do so in his own terms.
In my own experience and learning I've never come across a better example of a properly handled ego than that of Jesus Christ. When you disregard the "religion" ascribed to him and focus only on the pattern and teachings of his life, seeking in earnest, I'm sure one cannot but agree.
Quite a bit to chew on really.
I think my brain is fried.
