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Subject: The Ego
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I remember a few days ago trying to start a thread like this... but it was met with flame and stupidity...

To try to define Ego, to even use the word, is impossible.

To argue over words is futile, as these words are meaningless.

This is the reason I no longer care for philosophy. One cannot define experiences using words, nor can one explain experiences using words.

I experience several things that might be called Ego, if I could call them anything.

The best way I can address this topic is to suggest that everyone here go and live their lives, as authentically as possible. To be true to oneself, has nothing to do with Ego or lack thereof. To embrace oneself, and to control oneself, is to be oneself. To repress oneself is also to be oneself. To try to quantify any of this is to immediatly falsify it.

Best advice I can give, is whenever you experience anything, try to think about it, exactly what thoughts and processes led up to this experience. It is very hard to understand oneself, but it's pretty easy to know oneself. Follow your behavior, when you do something, figure out why you did it, what you get from it. It is by this method that you can truely know yourself, not by throwing around words like Ego. Then you are one step closer to understanding yourself, and after that, you should know what you need to do. Blaze your own path through the ocean of chaos in which you reside, learn everything, and then forget everything. That''s all I really can say.

[Edited on 8/19/2004 2:35:25 PM]

  • 08.19.2004 2:01 PM PDT
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Heh... sorry yall If I hijacked this thread, I've had 8 hours to do just about nothing, so I need to kill time. Work rules when it's not work.

  • 08.19.2004 2:41 PM PDT
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Posted by: Banshee Barron
Posted by: Shai Hulud
Ego being your Self doesn't make a lot of sense to me.... Even if you manage to separate completely from yourself, your separate Self would then become your Ego...

Sorry, that definition is hard for me to get ahold of.... Time to spend a night or so thinking on it! Woohoo! Food for thought!


Meh. I don't necessarily agree with Obbi's definition of an "ego". It has too many unexplained questions in my opinion- too many flaws. I gave my answer under the parameters he set with the definition- a definition that I do not agree with. I would be sure that that you, Obbi, could give me a much better explanation of the human ego.

And by the way, this is the most deep I have ever seen these forums get. I'm glad you could bring something new to the table, Obbi.


I got the definition directly from http://www.yourdictionary.com.

  • 08.19.2004 4:26 PM PDT

Posted by: ObbiQuiet
Posted by: Banshee Barron
Posted by: Shai Hulud
Ego being your Self doesn't make a lot of sense to me.... Even if you manage to separate completely from yourself, your separate Self would then become your Ego...

Sorry, that definition is hard for me to get ahold of.... Time to spend a night or so thinking on it! Woohoo! Food for thought!


Meh. I don't necessarily agree with Obbi's definition of an "ego". It has too many unexplained questions in my opinion- too many flaws. I gave my answer under the parameters he set with the definition- a definition that I do not agree with. I would be sure that that you, Obbi, could give me a much better explanation of the human ego.

And by the way, this is the most deep I have ever seen these forums get. I'm glad you could bring something new to the table, Obbi.


I got the definition directly from http://www.yourdictionary.com.


Nonetheless, I still don't agree with it. I really didn’t mean your definition in particular- I meant the definition in general.

  • 08.19.2004 4:33 PM PDT
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Posted by: Banshee Barron
Posted by: ObbiQuiet
Posted by: Banshee Barron
Posted by: Shai Hulud
Ego being your Self doesn't make a lot of sense to me.... Even if you manage to separate completely from yourself, your separate Self would then become your Ego...

Sorry, that definition is hard for me to get ahold of.... Time to spend a night or so thinking on it! Woohoo! Food for thought!


Meh. I don't necessarily agree with Obbi's definition of an "ego". It has too many unexplained questions in my opinion- too many flaws. I gave my answer under the parameters he set with the definition- a definition that I do not agree with. I would be sure that that you, Obbi, could give me a much better explanation of the human ego.

And by the way, this is the most deep I have ever seen these forums get. I'm glad you could bring something new to the table, Obbi.


I got the definition directly from http://www.yourdictionary.com.


Nonetheless, I still don't agree with it. I really didn’t mean your definition in particular- I meant the definition in general.



I had considered defining it myself and 'answering' those unanswerables - but I felt that that would restrict other views - especially those who feel the ego is something else. So, to take away my responsability I copied the definition from an online dictionary.

So, was it the word or the definition you didn't agree with?

As for this thread, I just finished reading all of the responses. I really enjoyed them. SevenSEVENseveN's were particularily interesting in the sense that I had not predicted his response. It took me by surprise.

  • 08.19.2004 4:45 PM PDT

I had considered defining it myself and 'answering' those unanswerables - but I felt that that would restrict other views - especially those who feel the ego is something else. So, to take away my responsability I copied the definition from an online dictionary.

Point taken.


So, was it the word or the definition you didn't agree with?


The definition.

[Edited on 8/19/2004 4:52:51 PM]

  • 08.19.2004 4:52 PM PDT
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Posted by: Banshee Barron

The definition.


The definition's correct.

If you'd like to re-define 'ego' for your post, it'd be interesting to see. Again, I didn't mean to be restrictive.

  • 08.19.2004 4:59 PM PDT

Posted by: ObbiQuiet
Posted by: Banshee Barron

The definition.


The definition's correct.



I know that. It doesn't mean that I have to agree with it.

I almost forgot to ask. Obbi- are your personality changes something that occur often? Because I could swear that you are not the guy that was here about a month ago. Something has changed in you- or were you the same all along?


[Edited on 8/19/2004 5:19:44 PM]

  • 08.19.2004 5:16 PM PDT
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Ego. We all have it, some less than others, and frankly it lures and turns us away. We like someone who has ego because of good deeds, but dislike them if the ego is too much. Same for bad things just even little ego about bad sucks. I mean look at Alexander the Great. His ego was enormous and he is thought to have been killed by some(of course he considered himslef a god and that was a mistake)

[Edited on 8/19/2004 5:25:22 PM]

  • 08.19.2004 5:25 PM PDT
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Posted by: GameJunkieJim
...Race, religion gender etc. won't have any bearing on your ego...

these things are not, in of themselves, ego. but i believe they are some of the bigger cornerstones of a person's self. to dismiss them by saying they won't have any bearing on a person's ego disrespects the impact that they can have on that person, or on a peoples.

Pruning parts of your self-being and awareness is an awful damaging thing to do -- you cannot hope to evolve yourself without knowing where you have been.
knowing where you are or have been, is only the first step in changing what you are. you have to go that extra step, to reap the benefits of change. "pruning" or "weeding" are only two methods people go about doing this. they happen to have worked for me.

  • 08.20.2004 7:56 AM PDT
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Posted by: Dave Ender
Ego. We all have it, some less than others, and frankly it lures and turns us away. We like someone who has ego because of good deeds, but dislike them if the ego is too much. Same for bad things just even little ego about bad sucks. I mean look at Alexander the Great. His ego was enormous and he is thought to have been killed by some(of course he considered himslef a god and that was a mistake)


Alexander the Great was killed by Malaria, or so they think. As for myego, well, that's the thing, I don't know. As much as I love deep threads and discussions like this, I feel I cannot go into this, because at the present I am not sure what I believe, or am, for that matter.

The definition of ego intrigues me. I, for one, always thought that your ego was what one thought of himself, how one person viewed himself. Therefore, it is not completely yourself, yet it does reflect quite a bit of your true personality. Of course, my knowledge of this language is limited, mostly because it is my second (I moved from Holland), and because I have spent way too much time with retards that "talk liek tis".

  • 08.20.2004 8:22 AM PDT
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w00t!

Anyone want to start a thread about awsome writers/books??

I've tried a few times, it seems I must be covered in idiot pheromones; I attract them like flies. ('cause you know, I attract flies normally)

Obbi, I look forward to some more of your stimulating topics!

  • 08.20.2004 11:07 AM PDT

With B.B. gone, the passion of Bungie.net has lessened.

Posted by: GameJunkieJim
Posted by: BadKarma
Posted by: GameJunkieJim
I think that we should embrace every part of our being - whatever helps to differentiate us from everything else... I think it's wrong to attempt to destroy any part of one's being.

i have destroyed my color, my race, my religion, and to some extent my gender. why? because i do not wish to be defined by any of those things. and because it allows me to see the world in a similar manner. without prejudice or stereotype or hatred. of course, that's not to say that anyone who doesn't share my view is a bigot. and it certainly doesn't mean i have no appreciation of culture. i just happen to believe that people breed culture.

EDIT:
think of it in terms of pruning. you remove the things that stifle growth. stagnation is not something that humankind should strive for. but at the same time, we should not be in such a rush to evolve that we forget our selves.


It has nothing to do with your ego, Karma... That's simply denying yourself some of your own points -- You should aways be proud (to a point) of anything you do or are. Race, religion gender etc. won't have any bearing on your ego, and shouldn't affect the way people view you either --

If you have to do this to cope with your own environment I pity you - because anyone who defines you in such a manner isn't worth knowing anyway - and you are going to be just as bad as they are..

Pruning parts of your self-being and awareness is an awful damaging thing to do -- you cannot hope to evolve yourself without knowing where you have been.


I think there is a difference between who you are and what you are... But they are both interlocked, like strips of a woven basket. Perhaps what BadKarma is trying to say is that he's destroyed part of what he is. I've done the same thing, to an extent. My reason for doing so (history involved with what I am... White, male, and by looks, "Aryan.") may differ from his, though. I've done it to an extent that I feel very uncomfortable filling out sheets of paper that has questions like, "What race are you." I even come close to anger when I don't see a box with "HUMAN" printed next to it (which I would check if that option was available). BadKarma, if I missed your point, please say so.

What you are can, no doubt, influence who you are (due to values associated with religion, particular life-styles of particular races/societies that can be "imprinted" upon one's self). I think that the Who, or Ego (in the definition that ObbiQuiet got) is created based on the way you look at things. This Ego can be what people usually associate Ego with; An unconcious, usually unnecessary, desire for things you don't imediately need, and a certain haughtiness or arrogancy that may accompany it.

But this Ego can also be something else, that most people don't see it as... A good, caring part of one's self. That Ego might give the person an unconcious, unnecessary desire to help others. Does he/she need to help others? Will he/she die if she decides not to help?

So is the question, "Should Ego be controlled or embraced?" answerable? I don't think it is (but I don't think it shouldn't be asked, since its still incredibly fascinating to think about), because since Ego is Who, and Who varies with each person.

---------------------

Whilst in the car yesterday, being driven home by my mother, I asked her, "What's your definition of Ego?"

Her definition, like everyone else's that I've encountered (including mine), was just a bunch of meaningful words that led the listener in a loop-di-loop to the spot where it all started:

[color="steelblue"]What is Ego?[/color] [color="crimson"]I don't know.[/color]

With that little "fact," please note that my definition is probably not the right one, and I'm probably missing some point that was said somewhere else.

[Edited on 8/20/2004 12:33:38 PM]

  • 08.20.2004 12:33 PM PDT
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Posted by: Shai Hulud
I think there is a difference between who you are and what you are... But they are both interlocked, like strips of a woven basket. Perhaps what BadKarma is trying to say is that he's destroyed part of what he is. I've done the same thing, to an extent. My reason for doing so (history involved with what I am... White, male, and by looks, "Aryan.") may differ from his, though. I've done it to an extent that I feel very uncomfortable filling out sheets of paper that has questions like, "What race are you." I even come close to anger when I don't see a box with "HUMAN" printed next to it (which I would check if that option was available). BadKarma, if I missed your point, please say so.

quite on point. i think it's safe to say we share a similar view.

  • 08.20.2004 12:48 PM PDT
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Posted by: Banshee Barron
Posted by: ObbiQuiet
Posted by: Banshee Barron

The definition.


The definition's correct.



I know that. It doesn't mean that I have to agree with it.

I almost forgot to ask. Obbi- are your personality changes something that occur often? Because I could swear that you are not the guy that was here about a month ago. Something has changed in you- or were you the same all along?


It's very possible that I'm not. Me recognizing when they happen is a tough part.

  • 08.20.2004 1:09 PM PDT
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Posted by: ObbiQuiet
Posted by: Banshee Barron
Posted by: ObbiQuiet
Posted by: Banshee Barron

The definition.


The definition's correct.



I know that. It doesn't mean that I have to agree with it.

I almost forgot to ask. Obbi- are your personality changes something that occur often? Because I could swear that you are not the guy that was here about a month ago. Something has changed in you- or were you the same all along?


It's very possible that I'm not. Me recognizing when they happen is a tough part.


Pffft. Started when GC went down. Not getting the durgs can really change a person.

  • 08.20.2004 1:11 PM PDT
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Being Human : )

BadKarma, name from the Navy Seal movie???

My Superego prevents me from continuing in this discussion, for I am bound to contradict myself. : P

  • 08.20.2004 1:11 PM PDT
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Pffft. Started when GC went down. Not getting the durgs can really change a person.

I think you're right.

Wow, the GC really messes me up. :P

  • 08.20.2004 1:12 PM PDT
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Nobody can escape the mob mentality.

  • 08.20.2004 1:13 PM PDT

With B.B. gone, the passion of Bungie.net has lessened.

Bumping a good thread.

  • 08.20.2004 6:39 PM PDT
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The Ego then... I have a little time, I'm game.

If the Ego is, by the definition you use, the "conscious" or "alert" portion of your brain, what would the ramifications entail of either embracing or controlling it? If by "embracing" you mean letting it lead your actions with minimal, if little obstruction, then I would have to lean towards the other side of your line in the sand. I'm convinced (if no one else is, then good for them) that people are not good by nature. We are running in a machine that we know should run a certain way, a "good" way that in general benefits others and ourselves. However, as many -I hope all- of us have painfully realized by this point in our lives, we do not follow this ideal creed of behavior. Whether we like it or not, and no matter how we may try, we can not follow our instincts, our impulses, our immediate desires, what Obbi calls our "ego," without tripping up, falling flat on our face, harming others or ourselves, or generally making a fool of ourselves. We are made of more than just our immediate consciousness for a reason. We have a deeper capacity than that, as we well should, for if we didn't, we'd all be stuck with following our "natural" first inclination to do anything. I'll let you play that scenario out for yourself, but I think I don't have to tell you it's not pretty.

Anyway, all this to say, I believe our ego, as Obbi defines it, should be controlled, kept in check, and regulated if we wish to live our normal lives.

  • 08.20.2004 7:21 PM PDT

With B.B. gone, the passion of Bungie.net has lessened.

Posted by: Dolorous
The Ego then... I have a little time, I'm game.

If the Ego is, by the definition you use, the "conscious" or "alert" portion of your brain, what would the ramifications entail of either embracing or controlling it? If by "embracing" you mean letting it lead your actions with minimal, if little obstruction, then I would have to lean towards the other side of your line in the sand. I'm convinced (if no one else is, then good for them) that people are not good by nature. We are running in a machine that we know should run a certain way, a "good" way that in general benefits others and ourselves. However, as many -I hope all- of us have painfully realized by this point in our lives, we do not follow this ideal creed of behavior. Whether we like it or not, and no matter how we may try, we can not follow our instincts, our impulses, our immediate desires, what Obbi calls our "ego," without tripping up, falling flat on our face, harming others or ourselves, or generally making a fool of ourselves. We are made of more than just our immediate consciousness for a reason. We have a deeper capacity than that, as we well should, for if we didn't, we'd all be stuck with following our "natural" first inclination to do anything. I'll let you play that scenario out for yourself, but I think I don't have to tell you it's not pretty.

Anyway, all this to say, I believe our ego, as Obbi defines it, should be controlled, kept in check, and regulated if we wish to live our normal lives.


Hmmmmmm.... Interesting point of view. But remember that a society of fools is blind to foolish actions. Thus, in a society of fools, giving into egotistical desires is not seen as foolish, but as "normal."

Something like this (but not really involving Ego) has happened in one of the libraries I work at. A bunch of weirdos work in that library (including myself)... My boss says you have to be "weird" to work there. My other boss --and there is negative energy between the two-- is the only "normal" person working in the library... Being normal makes her weird, in this case... Just like in the example I showed you above, being foolish among fools would be the "normal" thing to do.

Just what I think.

  • 08.20.2004 9:19 PM PDT

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