Acharya Prashant explains that one cannot overcome the ego without first understanding it. He points out that many people seek to get rid of the ego simply because they have been told it is harmful, without actually knowing what it is. This tendency to accept beliefs and ideas from others without personal investigation is, in itself, a manifestation of the ego. He defines the ego as a secondhand identity or an image of oneself that is derived from external sources rather than self-knowledge. Since childhood, individuals are given ready-made identities regarding religion, nationality, and self-worth, which they internalize without understanding. Because the ego is built on the opinions of others, it leads to a life of fear and dependency. If someone calls you brilliant and you believe them, you are equally vulnerable to believing them when they call you stupid. Acharya Prashant emphasizes that the ego is a secondhand life where one's self-concept is constantly at the mercy of others' appreciation or criticism. To be free of the ego, one must realize that these identities are supplied from the outside and instead use their own intelligence to look at themselves directly. To practically overcome the ego, Acharya Prashant advises remaining alert during moments of praise and criticism. He suggests that one should not immediately feel good when complimented or offended when insulted, as both reactions imply an acceptance of someone else's opinion as one's own identity. He also warns against working solely for the appreciation of others or seeking validation through results. By being cautious in these moments and refusing to build a self-image based on external feedback, one becomes their own master rather than a slave to the opinions of others.
