The ego, static and unmoved, relate to the world in terms of having objects, while the self is related to the world in the process of participation.*
Erich Fromm

Our life’s purpose isn’t just a destination but a journey marked by growth, discovery, and the continuous realignment of our actions with our deepest values.**
Alexander McManus

We grow an ego to know who we are –
I am not you and you are not me –
But neither you nor I are meant to dwell here,
We are moving from dependance to independence to
interdependence;
Without this movement, the ego ossifies –
Forever the caterpillar and never
the butterfly, we might say –
Wanting the world to come to it, to
have it, yet,
When we are at our best,
We are moving towards the world, the
other, wanting to connect and experience,
Participating through contribution.

*Erich Fromm’s The Revolution of Hope;
**Alexander McManus’ FutureU.