“Zeno would also say that nothing is more hostile to a firm grasp on knowledge than self-deception.”
—DIOGENES LAERTIUS, LIVES OF THE EMINENT PHILOSOPHERS, 7.23
Ego and self-deception can be detrimental to personal growth and improvement. To learn, grow, and earn respect, one must recognize their imperfections rather than delude themselves into thinking they are perfect. We should keep in mind the importance of hostility and contempt towards ego to keep it away.