Acharya Prashant explains that being concerned with how others judge you is itself a primary indicator of the ego. He defines the ego as a state where an individual lacks self-knowledge and instead derives their sense of self and self-image from the opinions, beliefs, and identities provided by others. This dependence on external validation and the internalization of others' views means that one's self-concept fluctuates based on whether others offer praise or criticism. He emphasizes that this perpetual obsession with the 'other' prevents a person from understanding their true nature. He suggests that instead of worrying about external judgments, one should focus on the more valuable question of how they truly are. Acharya Prashant advises observing one's own life and mind on a day-to-day basis to discover the quality of one's existence. He points out that signs of boredom, confusion, frustration, or the need for external motivation and entertainment are indicators of one's actual state. By observing daily actions and thoughts—such as where one chooses to sit in a classroom or how one reacts when external pressure is removed—an individual can understand themselves without needing any external agency or book.
