We cannot function in society or in the world without egos. It is our own ego that maintains our integrity in actions and goals. We could not feed ourselves or sustain a livelihood without ego. The only way that it is possible for you to stay alive without an ego, is for there to be a support system to take care of you, day and night. In some cultures, there is this support system. There are traditions of feeding mendicant monks and ecstatic beings that depend on the love of others for the necessities of life. In our culture, it is our egos that keep us from walking in front of a speeding car, or that can sustain a job to feed ourselves. There is nothing wrong with having an ego. In fact, it is very good to have an ego.

The issue is not even about whether you have a good ego or a bad ego. The issue is whether your ego works for you or against you, whether you have a useful, healthy and strong ego, or whether your ego wastes your time, energy and opportunities. A healthy ego helps you in the process of growing and maturing and making the choices necessary for a fulfilling and great life.

An unhealthy or weak ego undermines such efforts and puts you down. In a way, an ego is an image of yourself that you hold and that sustains you through each new moment. A healthy ego is a great thing, a great accomplishment. It creates a positive influence, a positive integration.

Most great beings did not become great without great egos . . .