Acharya Prashant explains that a person can never be ego-free because the very definition of a person is a mind occupied and dominated by the influences of others. He clarifies that personality flows from this state of being influenced by external concepts, theories, ideologies, and society. The ego is essentially the concept of oneself that has been supplied by others. Therefore, to be a person is to be egoistic. He contrasts this with the state of being an individual, which is a mind that receives information but retains its independence and intelligence without allowing external factors to dominate or identify with it. This individual mind is self-sufficient, self-contained, and not a slave to external influences. Acharya Prashant emphasizes that freedom from the ego is found in attention and watchfulness. In a state of watchfulness, one is present, still, and not wandering, which allows intelligence to shine and prevents the ego from taking hold. He asserts that one is ego-free in the moments of being truly attentive and present, but becomes a victim of the ego the moment this watchfulness is dropped and the mind is allowed to be dominated by others.