Filmmaker Puri Jagannadh recently shared his insights on the role of ego in our lives during his Puri Musings series. He emphasized that while ego plays a protective role in maintaining one’s self-esteem, it can also lead to unnecessary conflicts and impulsive decisions. “Ego is like the CEO of your thoughts, guiding your actions and reactions. It controls how you respond to challenges and even affects minor situations like traffic or social interactions,” said Puri.
Puri further explained that ego can distort relationships by fueling unnecessary anger and holding onto past grievances. It often feeds individuals with life-coaching advice that can be damaging, such as discouraging apologies or encouraging an inflated sense of self-worth. “Ego can make you feel entitled, pushing you to demand respect or special treatment, which can strain relationships and create conflict,” he added.
Despite its drawbacks, Puri acknowledged that ego cannot be entirely removed from one’s life. He likened ego to a constant companion, protecting self-respect but also capable of causing harm if unchecked. “Ego is like a sibling sitting next to you, irritating at times, but ultimately safeguarding your dignity. Learning to manage it and conceal it can help avoid many conflicts,” he concluded, emphasizing the importance of keeping ego in check, especially in moments of success.