self is who you really are

Basically, the “ego” at any given time in life is simply a group of characteristics your inner “self” uses to solve various problems. It’s sort of like the relationship between the skin and what’s beneath the skin. Your ego is the skin that deals with the world. It’s who you think you are, how you would describe yourself to a stranger. It’s how you present yourself to the world. The ego is focused upon you surviving in physical reality. It is focused on getting you fed, and having other “needs” met. It generally resists changes in routine, fearing it’s annihilation.

But there is a deeper you, your “self.” It has access to, and organizes, all your memories – basically whatever comes in through the senses, perhaps from sources other than your senses (a point of dispute). Some say your true self is aware that it is much more than your ego. That it is, for example, connected to something much larger than itself. Like I said, there are many theories.

If you have to write about this or are interested in more detail, pick a psychologist and go with their system so as to avoid confusion. I suggest Carl Jung as I think his theories best stand the test of time. .

“ego” is one aspect of self. It is your sense of pride, your self-perception, your perceived self-worth.