Ego and self are both aspects of an individual's personality, but they differ in their nature and function. Ego is often associated with the conscious mind and is driven by desires, fears, and insecurities. It is concerned with maintaining a sense of identity and protecting the individual from threats to their self-esteem. On the other hand, self refers to a deeper, more authentic sense of identity that is rooted in one's values, beliefs, and innermost thoughts. Self is often associated with a sense of wholeness, authenticity, and inner peace. While ego can be fragile and easily influenced by external factors, self is more resilient and stable, providing a sense of purpose and direction in life.
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
When the Ego Dies, the Soul Awakes
When the ego exhausts all the avenues,
that's when the soul reins in,
for the ego is blind without its rider,
always wanting more and more
acknowledgement, praise and recognition,
never satisfied, never loved enough,
searching constantly for the next reward,
the next prize to affirm its brilliance and power,
the next group of worshipers and admirers,
and if it can't be loved, it will choose to be feared,
for the ego is just as good at being a bully and a tyrant
with its lust for money and power--
it can be as charming as an eloquent poet
or a talented artist, disarming you
with its elegant imagery and art,
or a ruthless thug, ready to destroy you
and take everything you own.
Some have compared the ego
to the fallen angel, the father of lies,
the Satan incarnate, seducing you
into believing that this world
is all there is, so you might as well
go for it, be all you can be--
a thief, a liar and a scoundrel
of the highest caliber,
you might as well live
in that mansion or a palace,
enjoying your caviar, expensive wines
and numerous sex partners,
for science has "proved" that the soul
is a sham and a tired cliché
used by amateur poets.
But when the money, alcohol and drugs run out,
drunks and addicts turn to a higher power,
and the beggars start worshiping Jesus,
forgetting the adage of long ago:
For what does it profit a man to gain
the whole world and to lose his soul?
I agree with your initial premise and with your poem that follows suit.
I have watched a number of people rocket to fame only to burn out long before their time should be up. On the other hand, I've watched less selfish and less greedy individuals weather the long haul in quiet relaxation with family and friends gathered 'round often.
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I have watched a number of people rocket to fame only to burn out long before their time should be up. On the other hand, I've watched less selfish and less greedy individuals weather the long haul in quiet relaxation with family and friends gathered 'round often.
Ron