Id, Ego, Superego - Understanding An Old School Psychology Concept

Summary

In this insightful video, Leo from Actualised.org explores Freud's concepts of the ego, id, and super-ego, offering modern interpretations for personal development. He uses the analogy of a horse carriage to explain these psychological functions and suggests that while the id represents our base desires, the ego mediates between the id and the moralizing super-ego. Leo argues for a reevaluation of these concepts, emphasizing the importance of developing a higher consciousness to guide one's actions towards self-actualization, rather than being torn between the lower and higher selves.

Takeaways

• 📚 The video discusses the concepts of the id, ego, and super-ego from Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory and their relevance to modern personal development.
• 🐎 The id is likened to horses pulling a carriage, representing our base, instinctual desires seeking instant gratification and pleasure.
• 🤵 The ego is the rider on the carriage, symbolizing the rational, conscious part of our psyche that plans, strategizes, and mediates between the id and super-ego.
• 👴 The super-ego is compared to an old man in the carriage, representing our conscience, societal influence, and the moralizing aspect of our psyche.
• 🔄 Freud's model suggests a dynamic interplay between the id, ego, and super-ego, with the ego mediating between our base desires and our moral ideals.
• 🛑 The video critiques Freud's model, suggesting that the super-ego's critical aspect is more aligned with the id, not the higher self.
• 🧘 The higher self is distinguished from the super-ego, representing a state of full consciousness, self-awareness, and making decisions that are good for us without self-judgment.
• 💡 Personal development involves recognizing the tug-of-war within our minds between the lower self (id) and the higher self, and discerning which aspects are truly part of our higher self.
• 🌱 The journey of self-actualization is about clarifying the distinction between the lower and higher self, leading to a natural and effortless inclination towards healthy behaviors.
• 🤝 The video encourages introspection and personal development to understand and align with our higher self, resulting in a disciplined and conscious approach to life.
• 🌟 The ultimate goal is to live a life where we are at peace with ourselves, motivated, and not bogged down by negative emotions, achieving a state of self-actualization.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video by Leo from Actualised.org?

The main topic of the video is the explanation of the concepts of the id, ego, and super-ego, and how they can be applied to personal development in modern times.

What does Leo suggest is the best way to modernize and apply Freud's concepts to personal development?

Leo suggests that while Freud's concepts are somewhat outdated, we can still take lessons from them and adapt them to help with self-control, happiness, and success in today's world.

What is the analogy used by Jonathan Haidt to describe the id, ego, and super-ego?

The analogy compares the id to horses pulling a carriage, the ego to the rider controlling the horses, and the super-ego to an old father figure inside the carriage giving moral instructions to the rider.

According to the video, what does the id represent in the human psyche?

The id represents the base, instinctual desires and unconscious forces within the psyche that seek instant gratification and pleasure.

What role does the ego play in Freud's model of the human psyche?

In Freud's model, the ego is the rational part of the psyche that is conscious and in control, mediating between the desires of the id and the moral instructions of the super-ego.

What is the super-ego in Freud's theory, and what issues does Leo identify with it?

The super-ego represents the moralizing part of the psyche, including conscience and societal influence. Leo identifies issues with it being overly critical and judgmental, which he suggests is not healthy.

How does Leo redefine the concept of the super-ego in a more modern context?

Leo redefines the super-ego as the higher self, which is not about moralizing but about being fully conscious, making the best decisions, and living a life with a healthy emotional foundation.

What are the potential dangers of giving in to the id, as described in the video?

The dangers of giving in to the id include forming bad habits that can destroy one's life, such as drug addiction, excessive partying, or indulging in unhealthy behaviors that can harm health, relationships, and career.

What is the difference between Leo's view of the higher self and Freud's super-ego?

Freud's super-ego is seen as moralistic and critical, while Leo's higher self is about being fully conscious, accepting imperfections, and living a life at peace without the need for self-criticism or judgment.

How does Leo suggest personal development can help in distinguishing between the lower and higher self?

Leo suggests that through introspection and personal development work, one can become more aware of which elements are part of the lower self and which are part of the higher self, leading to a more natural and effortless path towards healthy and conscious living.

What is the outcome Leo hopes for when individuals apply the concepts of the id, ego, and super-ego to their personal development?

Leo hopes that by understanding and applying these concepts, individuals will achieve self-actualization, where they naturally and effortlessly guide themselves towards what is good for them without the need for self-criticism or judgment.