http://www.oxfordlearning.com/letstalk/2009/02/20/the-ego-boom/ Talking about school, education, and parenting. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:57:29 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.3 http://www.oxfordlearning.com/letstalk/2009/02/20/the-ego-boom/comment-page-1/#comment-1371 A Bystander Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:44:42 +0000 http://www.oxfordlearning.com/letstalk/2010/03/23/the-ego-boom/#comment-1371 Alanna raises an interesting point. I’d like to offer a suggestion. The focus on self-esteem leads to narcissism, not necessarily happiness with self. What seems to be necessary is a focus on esteeming and respecting and helping others, and this will lead to satisfaction and happiness. We are not islands, but relational beings who need to be engaged with other people. It’s very much like leaders in industry and government - the most successful are those who respect and honour the work of their subordinates, and serve them by giving them the tools and space they need to do their jobs. We gain by giving things up for the good of others. Sounds altruistic, but it’s an enduring pattern of life. Alanna raises an interesting point. I’d like to offer a suggestion. The focus on self-esteem leads to narcissism, not necessarily happiness with self. What seems to be necessary is a focus on esteeming and respecting and helping others, and this will lead to satisfaction and happiness. We are not islands, but relational beings who need to be engaged with other people. It’s very much like leaders in industry and government – the most successful are those who respect and honour the work of their subordinates, and serve them by giving them the tools and space they need to do their jobs. We gain by giving things up for the good of others. Sounds altruistic, but it’s an enduring pattern of life.

]]> http://www.oxfordlearning.com/letstalk/2009/02/20/the-ego-boom/comment-page-1/#comment-1370 Alanna, Education Director Wed, 04 Mar 2009 11:34:41 +0000 http://www.oxfordlearning.com/letstalk/2010/03/23/the-ego-boom/#comment-1370 I think what is most interesting about this phenomenon is that in spite of the fact that "ego" is at an all time high, "self-confidence" and "self esteem" are so low in today’s youth. Perhaps we are experiencing the brunt of over-compensation? I think what is most interesting about this phenomenon is that in spite of the fact that “ego” is at an all time high, “self-confidence” and “self esteem” are so low in today’s youth. Perhaps we are experiencing the brunt of over-compensation?

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