Ego vs Superego
While ego and superego are often considered similar, there are key differences between them. Ego and superego are two distinct terms used in psychology, both of which are important for researchers in the field. In Sigmund Freud’s works of psychoanalysis, he refers to three types of the human psyche: Id, Ego, and Superego. Ego is the part of the personality that is aware of reality, while superego operates on the morality principle.
Key Takeaways
- Ego operates on the reality principle, while Superego operates on the morality principle.
- Ego focuses on reality, while Superego focuses on selflessness and human behavior.
- Personality is shaped by Ego, while character is shaped by Superego.
Understanding Ego
Ego can be described as the part of the personality that operates on the reality principle. Often referred to as common sense, it takes what is real or extracts what is real. The main function of the ego is to strike a balance between human desires and the reality of those desires. It focuses on reality, not fantasies, and filters out the unreal. Ego does not concern itself with selflessness but instead concentrates on the reality of life. As a result, ego does not polish human behavior but makes one more acquainted with their identity.
Understanding Superego
Superego, on the other hand, is the conscience part of the mind. It works to remind us of the goodness within ourselves, operating on the morality principle. Superego makes humans feel small before their actions and performances if they are wrong by moral standards, evoking feelings of shame for inflicting pain or sorrow in the lives of others. Simply put, superego is the conscience of a human being.
An additional interpretation of the differences between ego and superego is that personality is shaped by ego, while character is shaped by superego. This is because the sense of morality is engraved into the human mind through the superego. One could argue that the superego makes a person perfect, polishing human behavior and making individuals socially acceptable while promoting selflessness. Superego encourages people to be more social and selfless in their attitudes.
Differences Between Ego and Superego
Ego and superego have distinct differences in their operations and effects on human behavior:
- Ego operates on the reality principle, while Superego operates on the morality principle.
- Ego causes individuals to focus on reality, leading to selfishness, while Superego fosters selflessness in individuals.
- Personality is shaped by Ego, while character is shaped by Superego.
- Ego does not polish human behavior, but Superego does.
