Quite. It's worth remembering that the 'ego' (in the sense of terms expressed above) can be restraining behaviours that are at best socially unacceptable or destructive and at worst could be self destructive and/or dangerous to others. The idea that a person's mish-mash of social conditioning and sense of self is inhibiting access to some kind of 'higher being' is simplistic and misguided.
Unfortunately if you are brought up in a difficult environment you can develop this as a defence mechanism- deferring to others and not asking for anything for yourself keeps the peaceCouldn't agree more.
I have known a couple of too agreeable individuals. Very "nice" people and popular but wholly ineffective in any work environment and solving life problems. One has become so submissive to others he's almost robotic. I no longer spend any time with him for fear of upsetting his "wiring". It is actually quite sad to see.
Yes - I came to that conclusion myself with regard to the individual concerned. I find it incredibly sad that this type of behaviour habit can't be broken, but on the face of it this person is quite happy so best not interfere.
I don't think it is misguided, but it is usually simplistic, in the sense that just making the statement doesn't tell you what to do next. It is something we see very often in these forums, witnesses to unusual experiences first going into denial then even into a self induced amnesia -- "it never happened, so I don't need to worry about it any more." Misguided only in the sense that people may be led to pursue all kinds of weird things -- drugs, cults, New Age "pick'n mix" methods, etc., that won't achieve what is required.
...violence towards others, to oneself. Misguided.
