Hermit Philosopher
Selflessly here for you
.../is there a link / connection between ego / pride and anger, and how can one tell the difference between prideful, or egotistical anger, and righteous or justified anger?
Dear @nPeace
There is certainly good reason to think of Man’s ego as very intimately related to his pride, anger and many other (if not all) of his weaknesses and downfalls.
Self-awareness, self-knowledge, self-empathy and self-patience are all good and actually helpful in moving towards becoming more humble towards the shortcomings of others, but living by the Will of ego and acting from it in general, is truly not.
Whenever we are occupied by thoughts about what’s in this or that for me...
Whenever we ask how this or that and so or so serves me...
Whenever we are keeping track of what we’re putting in and getting out of something...
Whenever we act from such ideas, we are choosing to live by Will of Ego and making ourselves very susceptible to being offended by the world.
And whenever we react from that offended, wounded sense of self, we ought to know that’s what we are doing.
Then, as you say, there are times when we act and react quite harshly perhaps, but not from ego (though if you feel righteous, your ego is rearing its head somewhat, I’d say).
How do we know what’s what...? Well, when we oppose the oppression of another or stand up for another’s rights; that may well be a non-ego based action, I’d say.
In general - and too simplified, really - just ask yourself: this here thing that I want, is it for me and mine, or is it on behalf of another?
Humbly
Hermit