Acharya Prashant explains that the ego thrives on both appreciation and criticism because it is essentially a sense of self derived from others. He points out that if one allows someone else's praise to make them feel good, they simultaneously grant that person the power to make them feel bad through criticism. These two emotional responses are interlinked; the sadness felt during criticism is a direct result of the happiness previously derived from appreciation. He illustrates this through the fear of public speaking, noting that people are often afraid to speak because they fear being judged as stupid, which would damage the self-image they have built based on others' opinions. Acharya Prashant emphasizes that one must develop their own eyes to look at themselves rather than depending on external validation. He advises that while one can listen to what others say and treat it as information or feedback, one should never let it become their self-esteem or self-image. By not being bothered by whether others are appreciating or criticizing, an individual avoids the trap of the ego. The only way to remain stable is to ensure that your sense of who you are does not come from the words or claps of those around you.