trendal said:

Started in: this thread

I think it would be quite beneficial if we could all come to an agreement on what the "ego" is and how it is defined. As many have pointed out, a lot of misinterpretation goes on in this forum...let's at least clear a little up eh

Dictionary.com (which, I've been told, is bad for these kind of definitions) says that "ego" is:

e?go    ( P )  n. pl. e?gos

1. The self, especially as distinct from the world and other selves.
2. In psychoanalysis, the division of the psyche that is conscious, most immediately controls thought and behavior, and is most in touch with external reality.

3. a. An exaggerated sense of self-importance; conceit.
b. Appropriate pride in oneself; self-esteem.

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although it doesn't seem too far off from what I think of as "ego".

In fact, I think I will use that definition to describe what I think "ego" is. Numbers 1 and 2 are both right on: I think of ego as what separates me from others, in terms of personality and such. It is most likely not the only "part" of what makes up Me as a whole, though.

Number 3a would be my example of ego gone wrong, and 3b would be my example of a properly functioning ego.

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Quote:

I think of ego as what separates me from others, in terms of personality and such. It is most likely not the only "part" of what makes up Me as a whole, though.

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