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Patrick Muindi's avatar

An enlightening discussion, Harun. As Ryan Holiday will say, ego is indeed the enemy. It cannot be totally subdued; it's best managed.

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Harun Kewa's avatar

Spot on, Patrick!

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Ayesha Falak's avatar

This is a well-written article about the negative aspects of ego.

I particularly liked the point about how ego can hinder our ability to learn and grow. The quote about Emerson's Self Reliance is interesting - it's important to have confidence in your own ideas, but not to the point of arrogance.

It's a good reminder to keep our egos in check!

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Harun Kewa's avatar

Thanks, Ayesha. I’m glad you enjoyed it.

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Tinashe D. Ndhlovu's avatar

Ego is our sense of self-importance and superiority. [ It is really needed when we have to stand up for ourselves in situations, to be assertive, and confident on taking on challenging tasks ] . Like you mention it is about keeping it in check or rather managed, once inflated, it can be harmful. A good read to self reflect, thank you Harun.

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Harun Kewa's avatar

My pleasure, Tinashe.

I’m happy you found it useful.

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Elijah Schade's avatar

I have always found it useful to do a mental check-in with my ego where if I concluded that I “don’t have” an ego, I was deluding myself and I really did have one.

After a few times it became automatic to acknowledge that I had one, and now these check-ins involve where my ego is unhealthiest and where it is at a purposeful baseline, the sense of self.

Great piece! Always gotta keep this kind of thing in mind.

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Harun Kewa's avatar

Reflecting constantly about our ego is super important.

Glad the piece resonated with you!

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Irene's avatar

What a brilliant read. I find this particularly resonating with when I’m having disagreements with people I enjoy having around on a daily basis.

A lot of people I’ve interacted with haven’t done inner work/therapy (bc that’s where I understood this) and misunderstand disagreements for something personal, or something like an *attack* of sorts, or where someone is going *against* them. I wish more people understood (including myself, bc I know I’m guilty on occasional basis ) that it’s really okay and that communicating and giving feedback is a gift!! Bc the way I think of it, disagreements is basically feedback about something you’ve experienced but you didn’t feel like you resonated with.

Anywho! I think it’s always a great idea to revisit our “ego” and see if it’s something we’re entertaining to make ourselves feel superior, or to really, empower ourselves. Thank you for this! :)

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Harun Kewa's avatar

It’s tough to be truly honest with ourselves sometimes. Many struggle to admit when they are wrong or when they are being egotistical. Hopefully, we don’t find ourselves being one of those people too often. You being self-aware enough to recognise when you fall short is a good sign.

I’m glad you enjoyed this piece and appreciate your kind words.

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Irene's avatar

I agree. It hasn’t been an easy journey at all, but it’s one I’m most grateful for. :)

You’re very welcome!

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Alexandra Piedoux's avatar

Ah, the dilemma of being human. None of us are immune. Nicely written!

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Harun Kewa's avatar

Thanks, Alexandra! We’re all really just trying to figure it out as we go.

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Apr 30, 2024
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Harun Kewa's avatar

Thank you, Bethel! I'm pleased that you enjoyed it!

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