Unraveling the complexities of the human psyche, we delve into the concept of 'Ego'. A term often misunderstood, it's time to explore its true essence, its impact on our behavior, and the ways it shapes our perception of the world.
What Is an Ego?
Ego is Latin and refers to one’s sense of identity
- Also known as the self-concept, the ego is a collection of beliefs that come up when one asks the question “Who am I?”
- Things that one believes constitutes one’s identity such as sex, nationality, religion, etc.
What is having an ego?
Having an ego in common parlance refers to having a healthy level of self-regard and self-respect.
- Ego is not the same as pride, but it can be related to how the conscious mind forms its idea of your identity
- What is the ego of a person?
- An example of ego
- How do I know I have ego?
- What are the types of ego and how can they be controlled?
Origin of the word ego
The word ego comes from the Latin word meaning “I”
- Freud believed that the mind was comprised of three distinct but interrelated parts: Superego, Ego, and Id
- Ego is the part of the mind responsible for ensuring one’s desires and impulses conform to external reality
- Another purpose of the ego is to focus unacceptable and repressed desires and feelings of the id into various protective mechanisms
Psychological Definition of Ego
In psychology, ego is a neutral concept that simply describes an aspect of yourself
- The Self In Contrast To Others And The World
- Your own ego is the center of your own thoughts, behaviors, and experiences, and interacts with the egos of others you meet in the outside world
- Ego in psychology can also refer to your identity, personality, and self-concept
- Self-concept refers to your view of yourself, self-image is a complex set of ideas about what kind of person you are
- Identity can be defined as your physical characteristics, your social status and abilities, and your mental quirks
- Personality: personality is that unique set of qualities that make you who you are
Arrogance: Overbearing and demanding
Big Headedness: An exaggerated sense of your own worth, abilities, qualities, and importance
- Demean others, stay intensely focused on your own over-the-top sense of self-worth
- Narcissism is not a trait unique to narcissists
Healthy Ego
Think well of yourself without exaggerating your own achievements or abilities
- See yourself as basically good, acceptable, and at least as important as others
- Often, ego damage can happen in childhood or in traumatic situations
- A therapist can help you process your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
Self-Satisfaction
Self-satisfaction means that you’re smug. You’re so pleased with yourself that you irritate and annoy other people.
- Superiority
- You see yourself as better than others, even when there is no objective evidence that you are.
Pomposity
You behave in an inflated, grand way, exaggerate your social status or job position, and are likely to be overly serious and self-promoting.
