Ego....again

I have noticed when I talk to some people that the meaning of ego seems to be misconstrued. In other words if one is to say, "yes, I am good at such and such" and is simply being honest about their talent, this is a healthy ego and not to be misunderstood as being egocentric.

If we think about why we need ego and the good it does for us, we can try to separate it from the egocentric type person who feels the need to protect themselves in a self-serving way.

Webster says this about ego:1. The "I" or self of any person; a thinking, feeling, and conscious being, able to distinguish itself from other selves.
2. egotisim: self-importance. 3. self-esteem or self image.

Now, on the other side of the coin, the side I deem, "not so healthy" is the egocentric or egotistic person, "whose habits of valuing everything only in reference to one's personal interest (opposed to altruism) (again this is from Webster) is the type of individual, who albeit wants a loving, and friend-filled life, finds this desire to be illusory because their self-centeredness disallows the opportunity to approach situations from a position of altruism.

More on ego later and altruism next.