Defining – Ego Our Self Image

What is the ego?

As a man, I expect and I am expected:

• to have a job to provide for my family
• to have authority and influence in work and in personal life
• to be clever and intelligent
• to look and act manly
• to defend my country
• to want to make a difference in the world
• etc.

There is a long list of things that culture and people demand in a man. This list influence our thoughts, behavior, and actions. Together it creates an image of how we will eventually see ourselves. We become this self image. We see the world and act through this self image. This self is our possession or property. We will defend this property against anyone who dares to damage or steal it. Our ego encompasses a large part of who we are, and what we do.

Some things to think about:

• Why is it important to understand the ego?
• In order to see who we are, we must understand this fog of self image that surround us. If we can fan away each part of the list and allow the fog to slowly clear, what do we have left that makes up our self?
• Can our ego exist without this list?
• Should we maintain an ego?
• Have you defended your thoughts or ideas before? Did it cause tension and anger? Why must you defend it? Did you want to be right? When did your ego come in?
• Does the ego separate men and women’s role such as job, house chores, caring for children, and cooking? How does this affect the man and the woman?
• Does this separation apply to skin color, culture, wealth, age, etc.? What does this separation do to humanity? How much killing and destruction has it caused?