Author Steven Pressfield on Ego Causing Procrastination; Being a Force of Nature

[@Nater9-9]

Me: I don’t want to work. Time to find things to distract me. Oh, here’s a video for me to watch about procrastinating while I procrastinate. This is productive procrastination. I shall continue.

[@rustyshackleford6637]

I'm watching while eating a bowl of chili. Double productive.

[@originalMrRunninz]

@@rustyshackleford6637 🤣👊🏽

[@Lektuerekurs]

I just put it in the "watch later" playlist ...

[@lean4real_11]

dont judge yourself

[@renejr2296]

😂😂😂 excellent comment 👌🏾

[@abulkosim]

"Most of us have two lives: the life we live, and the unlived life within us" - Steven Pressfield. He's such such an amazing author!

[@DursunX]

i hope my lived life outweighs my unlived life on the scale of decency

[@Auirtozz]

[@serpico1375]

Ohhh this is so true

[@factionstrainingmanual-the7113]

Gates of Fire was such an incredible book!

[@felipecervantes7881]

Yet he cant identify what the voices in our heads actually are.

[@sethp26]

I like that he occasionally throws in an "in my opinion", he's just telling you his thoughts and not acting like he knows for sure and that other people are wrong. Respect that

[@elmikatv]

that is very thoughtful indeed

[@Subs1338]

He kinda has to when he is talking a load of baloney

[@elmikatv]

@@Subs1338 what exactly was baloney in your opinion?

[@810Jafa]

Amen

[@roathripper]

i want conviction dammit!!

[@juandellp7425]

I just had this conversation with my kids. My theory is that the voice is trying to protect you. It's deeply fearful of any possible negative outcomes. So to keep you safe from being hurt( trying and failing, is painful) it tries to keep you from doing anything with a possible negative outcome. To prevent you from being hurt. The thing is though if you don't risk the hurt you will absolutely never reach joy.

[@janfaed6602]

100%

[@Angel-gp6tx]

You’re correct. To get myself out of having suicidal ideation I researched how the brain works. Do something different say longer than a week, it triggers our brain to send a distressed signal. Similar to a computer, We hardwire our routines and habits; like computer programming. Attempt to change, like working out, eating differently, etc…,our brain says it’s bad/ a virus thinking it’s protecting us. It doesn’t know positive nor negative change. Only recognizes it’s not part of our normal consistent behavior. The brain says to us WTF ARE YOU DOING! STOP NOW! Go back to your originally scheduled program. Lol

[@Wadepenn_]

This guy seems genuinely happy and excited about life. Enjoyed listening to him a lot

[@dajosee]

read his book "Gates Of Fire" it's a masterpiece

[@adamking747]

And do the work!

[@K4113B4113]

@@dajosee Cool I will. Thanks for the tip

[@biocykle]

All his books 👍🏻

[@zipcodesmatter1569]

@@dajosee how so? he is not making any sense at all, with statements "I feel like" lol. sure makes a valid point.

[@keeshonocain4832]

This is a wise man…he his speaking of the battle between the flesh and the spirit 💯💯💯 great stuff!!

[@559wonder]

A bro where you from .. I'm 3rd generation American from Cork county Ireland and my g ma always told me Keeshond was a Irish name and your last name is for sure that

[@nagging1683]

You said what I was thinking word for word 💯

[@keeshonocain4832]

@@559wonder I’m from California and I’ve always wondered if my name had any roots or ties to Ireland

[@sciencoking]

Love that he announces how long an explanation is gonna take. That's a man who gets interrupted a lot, and I can relate

[@markdarling440]

I've listened to Steven Pressfields War Of Art many times. My ego keeps trying to make me forget these lessons.. refreshing to hear your voice sir.

[@nephilimritual-band]

is there anything you would directly recommend about it that i should read? i love buying new books and such i haven’t read so i am probably going to anyway but i would love your input!

[@rgaud8]

@@nephilimritual-band Not OP but here’s my input. It’s essentially a self help book, but a pretty good one. The book boils down to this; if you want to do something, do it. Force yourself to get through the levels of resistance until you are doing the thing, and then that resistance will go away and you’ll enjoy what you’re doing. Breaking through the first layers of ego resistance is key to actually getting things done consistently.

[@melloyellogsxr]

There is a video here on KZbin I don't have the link but I could probably find it again. It's a armed service Navy if I remember correctly. But he's receiving an award and gives this amazing motivational speech. It's about making your bed in the morning. It's not a book but I don't think you'll be disappointed if you look it up. And it's free

[@MictheEagle]

This guy is the only person I'd pause to go back to work. His book, The War of Art, helped me restart working on my book.

[@jordankit1648]

This episode came out when I really needed it in my life. The universe speaks to us

[@GOOCH909]

Nah, your just in an algorithm bro. Lol

[@jordankit1648]

@@GOOCH909 hopefully the best kinda algo homie hahah

[@jaredhonusankrom]

@@GOOCH909 algorithms are math and math is universal

[@princessbella3592]

@@jaredhonusankrom Mathematics is the language of the universe.

[@michaelsmirnov1469]

Exactly what I was just thinking

[@roman9509]

If I wasn’t procrastinating, I wouldn’t have found this podcast to help me with my procrastination… a vicious circle

[@natureisallpowerful]

Healthy procrastination

[@MrBUGS713]

Inception

[@Carlos-sr8km]

If you didn't deal with procrastination you wouldn't have found this video because you wouldn't have needed it lol

[@andrewlast1535]

The circle ⭕️ of life? Lol

[@stormevans6897]

Fuck me man how do you stop it

[@georgehk2935]

His ability to explain his ideas is outstanding

[@NoBrakes23]

If you overlook the broad strokes and massive assumptions

[@LPH-11]

Oh my, this is exactly what happened to me during my 6g shroom trip. It was all about letting go of my ego and how my whole life has been ego driven. I was a slave to my ego self. I knew if I let go there was only love. I kept saying and thinking over and over in my trip was "What are you afraid of? Love? What are you afraid of? Love?" I was so scared to fully let go even though I knew the other side of that curtain was pure love. 48 years of chains are hard to break in a few hours.

[@TheSarahg555]

I'm scared to even try psychedelics knowing how hard my ego works to keep me from love.

[@Daoist369]

@@TheSarahg555 your ego scared you mean?)

[@Idkijustlike2useYoutube]

Break*

[@LPH-11]

@@Idkijustlike2useKZbin LOL yes, thank you, my friend!

[@LPH-11]

@@Daoist369 Scared to fully give up my ego.

[@julierozo]

The War of Art saved me! Pulled me out of a depression and got me back to creating art again! So grateful!

[@Xxxsniperxx1]

Almost can't believe this man is 79 years old. Great wisdom.

[@maxjohnson8659]

that's why he's wise!

[@kanicman]

@@maxjohnson8659 lol exactly

[@mrhat9439]

He's Bidens age hmmm

[@roddydykes7053]

When he said he experienced psychedelics but back in the 60s I was blown away. Guy barely looks 60

[@HansenFT]

He was a Late Bloomer, so he deserves it I think! This way he gets a good number of good years. He was miserable for a long time

[@KarthikSoun]

Very sensible interview about knowing ourselves instead of talking about the world all the time. 🙏

[@osmosisjones4912]

Here is the full clip : kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioqtgnV6oNiXnck

[@desertrobin3]

Jesus knew /knows how to rise up above and sit with God and see from God’s perspective . We all have the ability to see from God’s view. Eagles perspective.

[@elmikatv]

@@desertrobin3 yes it is here and now, presence.

[@lievenyperman9363]

Great unintentional advertising. I was going to skip this JRE episode but after reading your comment I'm going to check it out. 🙏

[@samitabbakh8409]

@@desertrobin3 yes, he sits there along with God while billions of animals either get eaten alive or die from starvation. What a beautiful creation!

[@TheSarahg555]

So interesting that this lovely man is completely being him Self and speaking brilliant truths and the Ego keep poking him with fear: "this is going to be too long for Joe's show, this is going to be too deep, this is only your opinion" and so he adds a bunch of disclaimers as he speaks. I love it... so authentic.

[@brookejackson9145]

But is be saying the ego is actually self doubt

[@jadepaulsen8456]

@@brookejackson9145 interesting. Doubt.... or pesky stubbornness?

[@Akash11898]

Where can i find full pocast?

[@kaibe5241]

The disclaimers should be there, as it’s just an opinion.

[@TheSarahg555]

@@kaibe5241 Once is enough I think.

[@RaymondNotario]

Pressfield is my guy! He possibly saved my life a few years back.

[@gmc753]

When we say "ignorance is bliss" this is exactly what he's speaking of. Its not being ignorant but rather ignoring or not listening to the ego that holds someone back from blissful experience

[@corysgood881]

I think Alan Watts does the best job of describing this. The ego is spotlight consciousness and the self is floodlight consciousness. The spotlight is narrowly focused on a small amount of space but is really good at focusing on that spot (1-3 variables), where as the floodlight has the ability to see with a wider net (infinitely many variables) but not able to focus intently on any single variable.

[@jonathanburt3671]

Thanks man, great comment - which work of Alan Watts did this come from?

[@mattthomson3134]

Thanks, glad I decided to read the comment section

[@markbicaise6494]

Love me some Alal Watts !

[@Jsauss]

Fantastic analogy. The rhetoric that the ego is bad or a lesser form of consciousness is redundant. The ego keeps you eating and participating in the material plain. The higher self has no motivation or purpose without the ego. They are harmonic aspects and balanced integration of both as self is the key.

[@mattthomson3134]

@@Jsauss great input.

[@pab702]

Mike Tyson talks about his ego and how it made him the violent person he was. And it was all because of his fear (of being bullied as a kid). But thanks to tripping on the toad (5-MeO-DMT) he was able to break free from his ego for the first time. He said instead of feeling fear, he felt love. It didn’t “cure” him of feeling that fear, but it did open a different perspective (a new way of looking at things) in his mind.

[@pwr2al4]

Teddy Atlas said that Mike was so afraid of being beaten up as a kid that he would physically wedge himself between buildings in order to be able to hide from people while growing up in Brownsville.

[@slavesdetach]

I like the way he saw the goodness in Holyfield years later & helped him out when Holyfield was selling his sauce. Maybe he liked him before that, but that impressed me about Mike.

[@increase9896]

@@slavesdetach when you say "holyfield was selling his sauce" what exactly do you mean by that?

[@slavesdetach]

@@increase9896 Holyfield was selling his sauce, or at least somekind of condiment when Mike happened upon followed by a camera crew. Cool moment.

[@potlakomonageng103]

His ego is the reason why he became world champion, he never concientised its power during those moments, that made it destroy him, the ego is not bad its a tool, if you dont use it, it will use you

[@davidzhorvath]

War of Art saved me on its release day in ‘02 100%., still giving it as a gift every holiday season. Steven is brilliant.

[@maricelavelazquez4871]

He's so clearly talking about the flesh and the spirit 🥰🙏

[@0neangrypanda]

What he said about being creative, the ego and the higher Intelligenz is absolutly true. Listen to this man and take Notes

[@freeman7079]

This man is amazingly articulate!

[@pastorjer6877]

That’s right! Our carnal nature lives and breathes from fear but our spiritual nature lives out of love. And more importantly the love that Christ gave us.

[@rayang9929]

and our love for xi jinping and the chinese communist party

[@versag3776]

Joe: you want some? Stephen: No I'm too old Joe: Thats resistance

[@angeloong6693]

Lol

[@keanugardiner7738]

This tells me that having balance is important. It's important to see and feel love in this world and how connected we are but it's also important to have the ego incase you or the people you love are in danger and you need to be prepared for battle/survival

[@jurlohle]

From all those hours of JRE, this is the clip I revisit everyone so often, just to cut through all the bullshit I sell myself. Great idee and super well articulated. Love this! Respect to mr. Pressfield

[@cloud9eddie454]

The ego is your compass It is supposed to protect you in danger by fear, A lot of us have been led astray with our fears by other people who benefit from creating fears that shouldn't be there

[@hermit146]

👍

[@thinkingagain5966]

That would be your pre frontal cortex. NOT the ego

[@minibuns5397]

This objectively describes the US Republican Party. “Grand Old Party” followers mainly operate from a fear narrative.

[@gitgenKE]

Yes

[@nrspinelli]

letting go of the ego is letting go of desire. to find satisfaction in life itself, in whatever form it may come. to not hold on to it, but to ride it as it shifts and moves.

[@jamm_affinity]

Right! The idea of procrastination itself arises from the ego. Being in a state of fear is for our own good in many cases, and the more we fight it the worse it gets.

[@nrspinelli]

@@jamm_affinity now this may sound extreme, but sometimes i think that if there is fear, that is the path to take

[@jamm_affinity]

@@nrspinelli I agree. There's positive and negative fears though. Fearing getting an STD and fearing you won't live up to your potential aren't the same haha. One can lead you to get a disease and the other can lead your own flourishing.

[@dbuck1964]

No, that’s not true. Nothing wrong with desire per se, it’s a problem of becoming attached to desire, having a need to make it come true.

[@nrspinelli]

@@dbuck1964 isnt the need to make it come true kind of what makes it be desire? to desire something. to want it.

[@trog853]

Insightful, passionate and very refreshing common sense guest. Thanks Joe

[@SirJaymesDAudelée]

I’ve been an ardent Buddhist practitioner for over a decade, now, and one thing that I’ve come to understand regarding the ego, through that Buddhist practice & dharma study, is that the ego is an illusion. But because it is an illusion, it can only survive when we constantly reinforce its tenets. The minute we stop ‘feeding the fire’, if I may speak figuratively, the ego then sits face to face with truth of reality, which is ever present, and begins to degrade and dissolve. The ego cannot remain intact standing next to the light of truth, because that light shows clearly that the ego is not real. In order to create & maintain the illusion that it exists at all, the ego requires constant feeding, just like a bonfire.

[@vfpfootball]

Killing the ego is so hard in today's society. Ego is at the heart of every issue in our World today.

[@angierox6964]

Dude, you are rockin it! Just let it go! Your ego is feeling threatened and attacked and therefore it’s fighting back and holding on for dear life. Be aware of that, and don’t let it mess with you! I wonder if there’s anything we can do to soothe the ego?? Give it a little bit of love so it’s not on the defense. It’ll never completely go away. Ego doesn’t want us to control it…

[@Lavadx]

I really like this man Mr. Pressfield, I like the way he explains his beliefs so that is common folk can comprehend… 5 stars from me!!! Happy Thanksgiving people… ❤

[@DrSpaceman42]

Shut up bot

[@larnelleground9159]

I struggled with procrastination /resistance on the daily but Steven's book was a huge help in combating it. I would recommend to anyone struggling with the same problem. Thoroughly enjoyed this conversation on ego, I think Joe should invite Eckhart Tolle to talk about it as his books go in detail about it with such great depth.

[@ahrens07]

Eckhart would be the PERFECT guest

[@alexandrea2417]

Which book is that ?

[@larnelleground9159]

@@alexandrea2417 A new earth: Awakening to your life’s purpose

[@alexandrea2417]

@@larnelleground9159 Thanks!

[@Miss_Annlaug]

Steven is a gift. His book helped me stop drinking, stop waiting and take my life by the balls❤❤❤

[@eatonkuntz]

It makes so much sense when you picture ego being a dot in the center of a circle of self. As your self grows, your ego can grow too. That's a healthy ego, as opposed to a overextended ego with no self to safely reside in. That's a fragile ego. If your ego is too small but your self is too big, you get lost because you don't have a solid center. When both ego and self are too small you feel like you barely even exist.

[@versag3776]

Yeah... Maybe that's why right wing mostly fear based family raising political ideology is against Transgender people so much... Because the trans individual appear to have a concept of self outside the republicans own egos capability so their immediate reaction is fear based to be against them and attack the individual or group through disapproval shunned tactics, who really did nothing to them personally but instead damaged their ego which has a strictly narrow view of how things are supposed to be and is confident it knows better than anyone else what's right.

[@eatonkuntz]

@@versag3776 you make no sense. What's wrong with a person having a self that's separate from another person's ego? That's healthy. Your self should not be tied to someone else's ego. Trans people have a very odd sense of self that causes strong indications of mental issues, like body dysmorphia, aggression and defensiveness, etc. It sure makes them look mentally ill. On top of that they're rebellious and so people naturally treat them with some fear and suspicion. They don't deserve hate tho.

[@versag3776]

@@eatonkuntz one could argue that people who practice religion. Ie: worship God, talking to an invisible man in the sky could be a sign of mental illness and I'm sure you would be agressive and defensive if the world were against who you are and what you believe. You are not separated from another person's ego because you both live in the same world. So whatever box you put yourself in you can guarantee that you didn't create it, society did. Does that make any sense? I can break it down further if you'd like.

[@versag3776]

@@eatonkuntz the republican family political ideology is probably a fair determination. Why married women tend to vote more republican and single women tend to vote more democratic. Men tend to vote more conservative than liberal, and student bodies as a whole tend to vote more liberal. These are demographics and could be biased as far as I know, but stereotypes could be made from the statistics like The rebelliousness of a married woman to vote democrat, or a college woman to vote Republican but that would be my own ego making that presumption so I just recognize that as a thought of how I recognize trends to be and how I believe things should be, which is fundamentally the essence of ego itself and things which don't fall in line with those beliefs are rebellion. This is why in Buddhism letting go of all beliefs and concepts is the only way to end suffering. But are you to say that a brave person who knows what criticism awaits but chooses to face that opposition in hopes of requisite change and having an opinion which differs or a voice to bring awareness of their cause or individuality/ personality which is seen atypical to some in hopes of equality of gender, love, peace, freedom etc. and that others may see their humanity beyond this boxed in layer that we all put on daily, completely fake brainwashed image of self imagined only skin deep for the purposes of finding a partnership or social niche, I'm sure reasons are different for everyone empathy bridges the gap from fear based ego, if you're unsure what it's like to be discriminated against, feared because you stand out, or unsure how trans people may indeed be brave, wear or imagine going out wearing women's clothing just for a week to put yourself in the mind of a transgender woman being yourself because you were always told that you will never be happy untill you just be yourself, and observe the world around you and not hear anything positive about being yourself it would become more than a bit maddening to me and the stress to leave the house alone would drive me crazy.

[@eatonkuntz]

@@versag3776 I agree that religiousness also often appears like a mental illness and and it might actually be. I think developing a healthy ego and sense of self is probably hard if the person is always being attacked for being trans. That's probably why trauma (or even genetic differences) is behind a lot of odd outcomes like crime, sexual deviation, unhealthy physique etc. Once the ego/self is disturbed, and then people attack it instead of nurturing it, it just gets worse until it's destroyed. Societies need to understand how to help broken people without pushing them further away.

[@mangokane11]

Starting at 9:12 til "wow" Exactly what I felt when I honestly self reflected and put my ego in check. The walls disappeared and I see much more than I have previously. It's uncomfortable but becomes an invaluable gift for your self! Unquestionably an eye opening and freeing experience.

[@BrianDeCosta]

Joe and Steven are so great because they are genuinely curious in exploring ideas and are the first to admit they know nothing for certain. This honesty is what builds trust and respect with people. As opposed to religious, dogmatic preachers who "know things for certain". An authority figure speaking on the spiritual with absolute certainty sets off my bullshit detector like no other. A refreshing conversation to say the least

[@louisetteist]

It makes no difference,it in just to HAPPENED, d to like will re main ,not to to explain to others

[@harry-cee]

What a balanced conversation about the Greater Consciousness and also the necessary role of Ego! I am here for these type of discussions.

[@johannesburgreal441]

Pressfield nailed it here. 1000s and 1000s of years of wisdom condensed succinctly and clearly in just a few minutes.

[@jarrettjb]

Ah man Pressfield’s books are so good! Steven is a great storyteller!

[@josephrohland5604]

It’s not about fear. It’s about getting beyond the ego which loves fear as a means of self identification.~Barry J. DuPont

[@texasnewt]

It has been famously said: "Fear is failure, and the forerunner of failure." 🤔: There is much, continuous strife here in the Material World (Olam Assiah), at the dense Plane of Malkuth (bottom of the Tree of Life), because of Ego, which creates a feeling of separation and individualization. But, as we move up The Tree to the Astral Plane in the Yetzirah World (or, Olam Yetzirah), at Yesod, there is more unity; in Olam Briah, again, more unity exists than in Olam Yetzirah. So, as one ascends further and further up the Tree, there is less separation, less Ego, and greater and greater Unity ... at the Divine Monad, at Kether, (Olam Atziluth), all things are one thing, perfect Unity. Those, who fail to control the Ego, and will not forgive, therefore, cannot move up the Tree of Life to greater Unity, and remain separated ... damned.

[@clintluis1094]

When Joe said "want some?" about the psychedelics I literally laughed out loud by myself and then rewound it to laugh again. Good stuff.

[@stepthakid]

same

[@malikwright1519]

Same 9:49

[@planetdustbowl4825]

isnt that a felony?

[@wastedShaman]

That wasn't the cringe part, the cringe part is you writing a post about it. That was a private moment for you to keep private.

[@smerdopsis6092]

Why are guys acting like he has something to hide, he literally posted it to the internet himself, as well as psychedelics are legal in some places, certain psychedelics are even used in some medical procedures and psychotherapy and even religious ceremonies and in tribes all across the world

[@jamalmeiuploadsomething1250]

That bit about the amygdala helps with Steven's perspective. The reason the ego isn't as helpful as Joe proposes it should be is because the Amygdala is fast and dumb because it has evolved to protect the body (fight/flight/freeze). The cortex is smart but slow. This is why having a healthy mind is about reconciling those two priorities. This is why fear and love are such dynamic counterparts. The cortex has time for love. The amygdala does not.

[@TheSarahg555]

Yessssssss brilliant comment. The Amygdala takes up so much energy looking for predators. I mean, I appreciate it lol but when you have traumatic experiences (childhood or otherwise) you never get a mfing break.

[@bphifer]

The ego is thinking of survival, not abundance.

[@nithin32166]

Amygdala is not Dumb it's super advanced, because of that we get in flight or flight mode and helped us in thousands of years of evolution and more Correct me if am wrong

[@alexb4287]

@@nithin32166 op is not saying its dumb, but our lives are safer now, and rely more on long thought more than quick response like that. However it is still vv important cause life ain't perfect

[@nithin32166]

@@alexb4287 Everything has its own importance, value in respective places

[@carterok1554]

Waiiiiittt… sometimes the ego is telling you , you deserve more than you actually do. This discussion speaks to ego as resistance. Procrastinating for me was a hindrance that kept me not focused then scheduled procrastinating helped me break through and complete goals. Once those goals were met and other future goals held less value because I’ve exceeded what my ego initially wanted. Now procrastinating for me is a a subconsciously controlled way to stop starting and start finishing.

[@davidmckayii752]

Steven Press Field is a smart guy, very intuitive, and his ideas about the mind, are spot on.

[@razorsharpbt124]

I like this guy and what he says really makes sense to me.

[@rebelliouslogic2705]

I have always thought this was common knowledge until now. Here is another one.. the ego will look for common egos in other people. It will set lures to gain alliance with them, while setting up a defense against egos that will challenge it. Creating a world of ego driven zombies.

[@vuksha_yo]

Well all of that does make sense If you think about how the people want to fit in the crowd all the time. In ancicent times It was beneficial to be a part of the tribe, but now many people still think they *need* others for survival, or approval or whatever. Thus they never change themselves or try to interact with different kinds of people and just end up repeating the same old cycles all the time.

[@alexcoyg3281]

Its the closest thing to the devil concept, it does not want you to be great and it will lead you down paths that will destroy your life, it is a the biggest cliche but its a fight between love and fear. What a great guest!!

[@Trekz86]

Fear is something you feel with the devil, love is something you feel with God almighty. Stay on God's path 🙏

[@whatsthewhat99]

Man talk about divine timing. Needed this !

[@nicolaseknicolasek4452]

Joe, Im a big fan for years. I would just like to hear you talk about Bob Marley some day. He was a special human being.

[@aidendrake11]

Very nice to see Jung and Campbell being discussed on JRE.

[@37kilocharlie]

I read Stephen’s book a few years ago. Thanks for having him on.

[@anthonymason8034]

Joe, the last week or so has been awesome. Keep up these kind of guests that make us think and learn. You got away from this as the money got Big. $$ millions and millions. You’re a billionaire almost, close enough. We love learning from your show

[@philosopher0076]

Joe's not almost a billionaire. He's worth about 140 million dollars.

[@outlander234]

@@philosopher0076 No way only that. Nobody really knows but his Spotify deal alone netted 100 million, he has earned few times that before it.

[@philosopher0076]

@@outlander234 Wrong. He was worth 35 million before the Spotify deal. The End.

[@outlander234]

@@philosopher0076 Says who? Even his Spotify deal no one really knows the actual number I just read the deal was 200 million. To someone to give 200 mill upfront means he must have been pulling massive money before.

[@americanmambi]

Steven Pressfield is an absolute gem of this country!!! His books are for Men and his books are amazing

[@NickTheSlav]

This is such a profound conversation. I believe fully of what he’s saying.

[@Wizardry1982]

the easiest way to get out of this is to pretend. it satisfies the ego because we are just pretending, not really doing the thing that will make us stronger.

[@RayRestored]

The Shadow of our personality is truly a formidable adversary. We cannot destroy it as much as any other part of ourselves. Better to face it and transmute it by bringing it into conscious awareness.

[@greatmcluhansghost7134]

*adversary... lol yes, let the shadow run free to scare the ego. haha

[@RayRestored]

@@greatmcluhansghost7134 you are absolutely right on that. Both spelling corrections and calling out the Ego.

[@greatmcluhansghost7134]

@@RayRestored haha. thanks. the ego is like the engine of a powerful car. you can't contain it but you can steer it.

[@RayRestored]

@@greatmcluhansghost7134 it is unfortunate that this Ego controls the default mode of internal dialog too, it holds us back ememnsely if not recognized.

[@viralbuthow000]

Very well explained. Hard to get much done when your view is limited to how u feel.

[@Subs1338]

Im 5 minutes in and he hasnt said a single thing

[@viralbuthow000]

@@Subs1338 Pretty explanatory to me.

[@bjs001001]

Wise words. Makes me realize something about myself I didn't want to realize!

[@DadHacksCentral]

Love pressfield glad I stumbled upon this. Gates of fire baby

[@albert.robles7]

I've heard so many good things about psych's like the psilocybin mushrooms and their health benefits, I also heard it helps one get through addiction and depression. I'm just wondering where or how I can get my hands on them cause I'll love to give it a try, I'm passing through a state of terrible depression lately and it's killing me

[@trevornelson61]

Plant medicines like the mushrooms have been proven to bring many positive effects on overall mood and serotonin production after just one use. Additionally, micro-dosing is very beneficial to productivity and overall feelings of happiness.

[@katlinkate]

Wanna try, but keep being told I can’t do it alone for the first time but I’d literally be so much more comfortable alone

[@userconspiracynut]

[Adamsflakes] Ships Psychedelics

[@albert.robles7]

@@userconspiracynut where to search?? Is it IG?

[@lopeztwinjason]

I just finished a trip (haven't had one for about 2-3 months) and it was a mess, it wasn't bad or good, it was weird, haven't ever had such a meh trip kept going outside for a walk, like searching for something, but never found it, I just got back from working months abroad and wanted to trip but it felt off, everything felt unorganized and I was on edge most of the time, kinda felt lonely aswell, but oh well

[@BlakersReacts]

I know some don’t believe in God & Satan, but for those who do, the Ego sounds a lot like satan. The king of deception and lies 😅 Even if you’re not associated with religion, the whole idea of the ego weighing us down vs our self guiding us, is intriguing. What a wise guy and interesting episode.

[@RichardWilliamDamien]

Yes God and Satan are literally the Self and the Ego. The Bible are poems about that battle we are all living. It’s all metaphores to express the inexpressible

[@gjenkins1660]

I was literally thinking the ego sounds a lot like the Devil. It reminds me of the cartoons with the miniature devil on your shoulder telling you to do bad things.

[@sologemeni]

Jungian psychology and spiritualism/religion are the same. The Self is the center of consciousness (the spark of divinity; the soul) and the Ego is the imperfect illusion of our consciousness (that is therefore tied to the physical world.) As such, God is the Self (you are a part of THE ALL) and Satan (the adversary) is the Ego (as the purpose is to attain unity with higher consciousness, not the world, making the Ego an unwitting opposite of pure divinity). This is *the big old secret* that all religions have in plain view but that people nonetheless miss out on.

[@Terminator550]

@@RichardWilliamDamien That is incorrect.

[@show_me_your_kitties]

Yes, we are both. At least you're an aware Christian, most are terrified of individual thought.

[@bisket2003]

This might be the single most amazing bit of Rogan podcast I’ve ever heard. I needed this. I might listen tj this every damn day.

[@lucassnappys5068]

I think the ego can do a lot of amazing functions for the body. I think it can be fed to forget it's position beneath the higher self. And overfeeding the ego can cause you to lose your spiritual ears for the higher self's guidance.

[@bluedouchemark4685]

I highly recommend his book Gates of Fire. Changed my life.

[@isaaccardin]

I think in some cases the goal itself could actually be a product of the ego and the resistance comes from the fact you were never meant to do that thing in the first place.

[@hamnchee]

I think this could be true, in that our deeper self always knows what feels wrong, or more precisely, what would feel right, and that we're not in that right place that we know we want.

[@StephenWillcock]

One of the best JRE conversations - Pressfield illustrates beautifully his world view and Joe beams in neatly to the narrative.

[@Ldybg377]

Joe I love your podcast….. but this interview had to be one of my favs. I will have to read this book. Steven Pressfield…. Wow!!

[@renaissanceperiodt-cultura825]

Ahhh yes, the ego vs the higher self. Both are needed because both exist; they actually work simultaneously. The trick is to know how to use them both and to understand which one is communicating with you and for what purpose. It's a very profound concept to grasp so most people will chuck their responsibility to understand aside. Tip: quiet yourself, pause, listen, process, then manifest your thoughts.

[@mr.melontoyou]

Dealing with others is hard enough. Then there’s my own mind.

[@clodieclod]

@@mr.melontoyou You might have an easier time if you prioritize the latter and just go from there =)

[@MIMDMD]

The psychedelic conversation really stood out! The idea that the ego is the necessary fear filter that helps us stay safe and not put fire embers in our mouth lol, but through psychedelics we are just amplifying the unconscious mind and experiencing the brains processes at a higher percentage. Though this is beautiful and expansive, living in that state could get us killed. Like they Said driving a car while tripping balls is nearly impossible, the ego filter is necessary stimulation filtering so we can function and survive. Another good example they mentioned was looking at a wall and saying WOW seeing its beauty. With out the ego, we could look at that big scary alligator and think 'oh my gosh I want to hug this majestic creature' and then we would wind up like that pig... cut in two. Another curious thought that plays into the conversation Joe had with Louis CK when speaking about how fortunate we are that people live in such poor environments compared to us interested west where we have so much money that we now champion giving large sums away for no real reason (Mr.Beast and other give away channels) and that we are board as the original meaning of life was once only to not die and spread your seeds. All that to say, now we live in a world we're death isn't around every corner and we have simplified it so much so that maybe this is the age of psychedelic exploration, seeing the world with out the filter of the ego, experience our brains additional sensory operating inputs, now possible because we've made life so safe, and slowly the ego will start to relinquish control (over many generations) because like a muscle it will no longer require its large strength when not in use. All very interesting when seeing it from a macro level as nornaly a lot of dogma seeps in when speaking about ego and psychedelic on the individual level. Just my thoughts 😅

[@iwannatake6270]

100%

[@VenturaHighwayman]

You don’t need psychedelics to breakaway your consciousness from your ego, it’s just the psychedelics that restructure your perspective. Psychedelics cannot change your philosophical precepts, but they can show you where they already are.

[@Parabol76]

I like this perspective. I also really like Alan Watts' interpretation of the ego and I do see some similarities here. Alan Watts' perspective is that the ego also influences arrogance and conceit. So just as procrastination or low self esteem can be barriers, overconfidence, arrogance and conceit can also become barriers. I largely believe that our individual perceptions of societal norms and peoples opinions have a massive influence on the ego.

[@ladycasha]

Best explanation in an uncomplicated way I have come across by someone on the internet so far, just how I understand the ego too. Wonderful. Thank you.

[@futurunnerxiii6618]

This Is why i ♥️ his podcast....

[@gabrielaradu2970]

Fear and anger activate the amygdala, which is why we have a flight or fight response to those emotions. An introvert who has had trauma, many bad experiences, will be more receptive because the amygdala is very sensitive. Maybe that's why there's some resistance to whatever it is. I'm working on it and trying to change it. In "Quiet. The power of introverts in a world that can't stop talking,” said Susan Cain that there are studies on the sensitivity of introverts, it's a physiological thing. I see a big ego in those who think they are superior and try to abuse, dominate and control others.

[@jasonclark6708]

I’m 19 years old struggling with substance abuse procrastination and depression and this just changed my perspective on a lot of things.

[@nb-eq6rw]

I was in your exact position at 19. Good luck

[@jasonclark6708]

@@nb-eq6rw thanks brother

[@jennyadee913]

The psychedelics are a crutch. Expand yourself through the challenges of being present . Courage is earned.

[@jasonclark6708]

@@jennyadee913 my problems aren’t ones that can be fixed only overcome so I appreciate your words.

[@mattthomson3134]

I was such an egotistical piece of shit teenager. One of those knobs who'd accelerate quickly so everyone could hear my turbo on my car spool up, and then I'd look around to see if anyone heard it 😂 😂 I was such a fkn loser.

[@Btn1136]

Wow. Great that Pressfield is back.

[@osmosisjones4912]

Here is the full clip : kzbin.info/www/bejne/imHch3mffpdpgKs

[@eileenworth7862]

"We can only see in front of us." I dreamed once that I was in a beautiful setting and could view it in 360°. Perspective is one of life's limitations.

[@angierox6964]

6:07 great point Joe. The ego is crazy. And Steven, the amygdala and ego are besties!

[@davidg1594]

even if you manage to silence your ego you will still have other egos to deal with

[@chickennuggets1837]

true

[@georgesonm1774]

that's why you have (are, in part?) the ego - to be able to deal with other egos.... and wild animals and taxes, too.

[@gs.d5089]

Interesting guest, can't wait to listen to the full podcast

[@curtisedie4280]

This is 100% I could never describe it before but this is it. I am having a hard time loving myself because of the changes I have made in my life for good. It was very hard to make these changes and as I do I feel a piece of my ego telling me "that's not who I am stop" but then there is my logical side that says this is what I need so like it! Both parties seem to be loosing but at least I'm making some progress haha. The ego is what gets in the way of change. Always.

[@osmosisjones4912]

Here is the full clip : kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioqtgnV6oNiXnck

[@Captin_balliztic]

I wish you the best of luck friend ! You will persever

[@TRUEBOOST9]

Feel that second sentence - thank you

[@dajosee]

"Gates Of Fire" - my all time favorite read

[@Gloriouspig210]

Wow never thought I’d see the legend Steven Pressfield on here.

[@mindoverme88]

Makes a lot of sense. His book war of art is pretty good as well.

[@EzeICE]

That's my Bible right there!

[@NataliaDiazJackson]

He is describing the I and Thou moments in life. Some people do have more of those moment without drugs than others. Industrialized people always assume everyone is the same. Thank goodness this is not the case.

[@georgesonm1774]

I would guess that many 'industrialized people' have a free mind and think deeply about life - it's just that they also need to work somewhere

[@PROTAGONIST_48]

I used to have procrastination, but I no longer have it. The only thing that slows me down is when I get tired (which is completely normal).

[@zaczane]

You “which is completely normal” Me “NO ITS NOT!!!! Although it really should be, but society teaches us different” Jk this is more commentary on society problems, not your comment. That’s awesome to hear for you by the way.

[@mindfulmomentswithColm]

OMG it explains so much about when i feel close to enlightenment love and freedom the ego activates an often disruptive response. this fear of death can actually cause near death experience because of law of attraction. this is when duality reaches its peak and then reforms as the nondual. Real D-eath is just the door to the ether. fear itself causes our suffering. i trust that the ego shall one day merge with the self and form what you call consciousness

[@SumikLokk]

This is guy has breakfast at my job almost every morning. I had to watch this

[@thepope4970]

We need more people like this in positions of of power

[@blurbslam]

You need to be in a position of your own power.

[@No1reallydies]

They called Neville Goddard the leader of the New Age movement a kook. If you don’t follow the status quo you will not be accepted today. It is only when the status quo changes which could or never happen

[@jopo7996]

Thousands of people watching this and procrastinating for about 13 minutes right now

[@anitab.1176]

Ya, me.

[@GeekExtremist]

"Who do you think you are to come up with this idea, it's been done a million times better than you'll ever do it; you're just going to fall flat on your face." Holy hell, that made my heart skip a beat when I heard that. I'm medically disabled and been trying to find something that let's me possibly make money that I can do around my health. I've always had an interest in writing even when I was a kid, so trying to be an author is something I've been wanting to do; but every time I try to get started that exact statement is what I hear in my head. I know part of it is the depression that I'm getting help for; but part of it is just feeling like I'm not good enough, so why waste my time. I just need to bear down and do it.

[@mwells409]

I can't remember who said it, but "you don't even have to believe in yourself, you just have to do the work", don't worry about whether you think what you are creating is absolutely perfect and whether it will be popular or any of that stuff, just focus on creating, write as if no one is ever going to read it anyway, most of the most popular artists and authors, etc on earth started out producing art from emotion or some other drive (not for popularity or ego) and in so doing they created something that took on a life of its own. sometimes the greatest insights and works of creativity come from abandoning any expectations of the outcome and just creating for its own sake, because you have an energy or emotion or ideal that needs expression.

[@DePalma.]

I like this guest, he’s humble.

[@The_Voice_Of_Osiris]

These are the guests Joe needs on the show more frequently. Some others would be Eckert Tolle. Joan Harrigan. Egor Kufayev. People NEED to dive into the Self and surrender. The world WILL NOT benefit until we dive deep and surrender into Bliss ❤️‍🔥 Ego has brought us to THIS POINT and it cannot go any further, only death and destruction are ahead. The way of the heart. Be courageous fellow travelers. Be a warrior of the heart and burn within the fires of love, THAT is true courage!!!!

[@SkitzoJo]

I had an actual vision I was on Rogan and it felt so real. Now everytime I'm thinking of some deep thought his new podcast synchronizes with my ideas. Me and Joe are connected in some way.

[@Carlos-sr8km]

lol

[@Suckmyjagon]

Yerp you connected to his nutz

[@SalThomas]

😮 I feel the same way. For years now.

[@Earstolisten]

He’s like my dad

[@SkitzoJo]

@@SalThomas Gods plan

[@ania5038]

The problem is taking the leap is the opposite of relaxing lol procrastination is usually relaxing while a tiny corner of your brain is yelling at the rest of your body to get your shit together... taking the leap involves discipline, work and the faith that all of that effort will actually result in what you want. That's why I am in fear of even trying.

[@RichardWilliamDamien]

The only way is through

[@brookejackson9145]

Don't be afraid of your full potential! Ever! Our brains and bodies will always try and choose the way of least resistance. Always!!! It's part of flight or fight. Growth cannot happen in the safe zone.

[@RichardWilliamDamien]

@@patrickbutler334 Meditation is the key to know yourself. Meditate on everything you are doing. You will get aware and get free.

[@jizim8947]

@@RichardWilliamDamien you need to meditate on how you're speaking for other's when in fact their experience was completely different than yours. Meditation doesn't work for everyone.

[@jamm_affinity]

That problem is not actually a problem unless you believe it is. It's your ego telling you it's a problem.

[@TheVioletWolf]

You can't only wax euphorically, and you can't live totally in the ego. I believe our existence here is to achieve harmony between these two, to find and maintain balance as often as possible and to EXPERIENCE ourselves as a physical expression of the universe... which is experiencing itself through us. The survival mechanisms we develop should serve to aid us in appreciation of the more euphoric and deeper emotional/spiritual experiences we have here. Once we accept the balance and harmony of duality (and do our best to maintain it- easier said than done, holy shit), and accept that they're two sides of the same coin, we are opening up a world of magic in the most concrete and unique form.