Becoming Aware of Ego in Turbulent Times

Rene Descartes' 'I think, therefore I am' challenged as Eckhart Tolle's 'A New Earth' offers path to taming ego

Mar. 29, 2026 at 1:19pm

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This opinion piece explores the concept of ego as described by philosophers like Rene Descartes and Eckhart Tolle, and how identifying and managing one's own ego can help navigate challenging political and social times, using the current U.S. president as an example of ego run amok.

Why it matters

Understanding the role of ego and how to become more aware of it can help individuals find more peace and intelligent responses in the face of divisive political rhetoric and actions that may be driven by unchecked ego rather than reason and empathy.

The details

The article discusses how Descartes' famous declaration 'I think, therefore I am' supports the idea that thinking is the foundation of self, which Eckhart Tolle describes as the 'ego' residing in the left brain. Tolle warns that being completely identified with ego is 'pathological', thriving on suffering and an inability to see its own negative impacts. The current U.S. president is cited as an example of ego run amuck, taking credit for everything, avoiding responsibility, and making decisions without regard for consequences.

  • In June 2026, the president stated Iran's nuclear capacity was 'totally obliterated'.
  • Four weeks into the current crisis, oil costs $112/barrel, gasoline prices in Ukiah are above $6/gallon, and diesel is nearing $7/gallon.

The players

Rene Descartes

A 17th century philosopher who declared 'I think, therefore I am', supporting the idea that thinking is the foundation of self.

Eckhart Tolle

A contemporary spiritual teacher who describes the 'thinking self' as the 'ego', residing in the left brain and thriving on differences and suffering.

The U.S. President

The current president of the United States, cited as an example of ego run amok, taking credit for everything, avoiding responsibility, and making decisions without regard for consequences.

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What they’re saying

“the ego cannot distinguish between a situation and its interpretation of and reaction to that situation. A person in the grip of ego doesn't recognize suffering as suffering, but looks on it as the only appropriate response in any given situation.”

— Eckhart Tolle, Spiritual Teacher

What’s next

The longer the Straits of Hormuz remain blocked, the worse the economic and geopolitical fallout will become, potentially lasting for months and impacting global supply chains, energy prices, and the political landscape.

The takeaway

By becoming more aware of our own ego and learning to manage it, we can find more peace and intelligent responses in the face of divisive political rhetoric and actions driven by unchecked ego rather than reason and empathy.