Our ego is what the mind thinks we are. It is an image of ourselves that grows out of our life experiences - our body, sex, race, religion, culture, education, socialization, fears, and desires. There is a great pressure on us to develop an integrated and assertive ego. We are supposed to know exactly who we are and what we believe and are supposed to be able to defend that identity. The more strongly we identify with something, the more strongly we must reject its opposite. Thus, the strongest, most obsessive egos belong to the least complete beings. For these types there is the additional problem that to exalt any principle will eventually attract its opposite. Those who exalt strength will be drawn into a position of weakness. Those who strive for good will become embroiled in evil.

Developing an ego is like building a castle against reality. It provides some defense and a sense of purpose, but the larger it is, the more it invites attack, and, ultimately, it must crumble. There is a further problem. All fortresses are also prisons. Because our beliefs imply a rejection of their opposites they severely restrict our freedom.