13 min listen
Ego: The Stoic Perspective (Part 2)
ratings:
Length:
20 minutes
Released:
Dec 20, 2023
Format:
Podcast episode
Description
In this episode, I continue the discussion on ego, incorporating insights from my listeners and sharing my own reflections. After welcoming new patron Richard Herring, I note the podcast's expansion onto YouTube and the distinct approach I'm taking there.
I dive into various listener perspectives on ego, ranging from its necessity in self-identity and decision-making to its potential dangers when overinflated. These comments highlight the complexity of ego, suggesting it's neither wholly good nor bad but rather a tool that needs careful management.
From a Stoic perspective, I agree that ego is essential, especially in the context of recognizing our autonomy and ability to make choices. However, the challenge lies in balancing this self-awareness without letting ego distort our perception of reality or our capabilities.
Drawing on psychoanalytic theory, I discuss the ego as the part of our personality that interacts with the external world, highlighting its role in our perception and decision-making processes. This understanding underscores the Stoic view that ego, while necessary, should not be allowed to dominate or misguide us.
I then explore the balance between having enough ego to believe in our abilities and avoiding the delusion of overestimating our capabilities. Utilitarian considerations, while not strictly Stoic, play a role in our decision-making, especially in situations where our actions can have significant consequences.
Finally, I offer three pieces of advice for keeping the ego in check:
1 - Regularly adopting the cosmic viewpoint to gain perspective on our insignificance in the universe.
2 - Habitually engaging with others to shift focus away from oneself.
3 - Volunteering regularly to maintain a healthy balance between self-concern and service to others.
The episode concludes with a reminder to participate in the Spotify question for the upcoming episode, where we'll delve deeper into the concept of ego with a subject matter expert.
--
Become a patron of this podcast : https://stoicismpod.com/members
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I dive into various listener perspectives on ego, ranging from its necessity in self-identity and decision-making to its potential dangers when overinflated. These comments highlight the complexity of ego, suggesting it's neither wholly good nor bad but rather a tool that needs careful management.
From a Stoic perspective, I agree that ego is essential, especially in the context of recognizing our autonomy and ability to make choices. However, the challenge lies in balancing this self-awareness without letting ego distort our perception of reality or our capabilities.
Drawing on psychoanalytic theory, I discuss the ego as the part of our personality that interacts with the external world, highlighting its role in our perception and decision-making processes. This understanding underscores the Stoic view that ego, while necessary, should not be allowed to dominate or misguide us.
I then explore the balance between having enough ego to believe in our abilities and avoiding the delusion of overestimating our capabilities. Utilitarian considerations, while not strictly Stoic, play a role in our decision-making, especially in situations where our actions can have significant consequences.
Finally, I offer three pieces of advice for keeping the ego in check:
1 - Regularly adopting the cosmic viewpoint to gain perspective on our insignificance in the universe.
2 - Habitually engaging with others to shift focus away from oneself.
3 - Volunteering regularly to maintain a healthy balance between self-concern and service to others.
The episode concludes with a reminder to participate in the Spotify question for the upcoming episode, where we'll delve deeper into the concept of ego with a subject matter expert.
--
Become a patron of this podcast : https://stoicismpod.com/members
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Released:
Dec 20, 2023
Format:
Podcast episode
Titles in the series (100)
Don't Make Room For Anything Else: In this week's episode we'll be reading and going over the sixth meditation from Book Three of The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius.Link to the article mentioned: https://tannerhelps.substack.com/p/id-like-to-expose-the-math-behind --Purchase and Review my book "Practical Stoicism" on Amazon : https://link.stoicismpod.com/bookVistit the website and read the blog : https://stoicismpod.comReview this podcast on Apple Podcasts : https://link.stoicismpod.com/appleReview this podcast on Spotify Podcasts : https://link.stoicismpod.com/spotifyReview this Podcast on Podchaser : https://link.stoicismpod.com/podchaser--The book I read these meditations from : https://amzn.to/3OoDSfHReach out to me with questions or thoughts : tanner@tannerhelps.com-- by Practical Stoicism