What is the difference between self-knowledge and self-obsession? One encourages a defeat of the ego, the other encourages a feeding of the ego. One, a deeper experience of connection to ourselves, which enables a more nourishing connection to others. The other, disdain for the deeper needs of the self, which leads to disdain for others. Kae Tempest, “On Connection” We’re seeing a lot of disdain for others these days. While opposition is always warranted in discourse, disdain is never helpful. So this point strikes me as particularly important in our age of solipsism, navel-gazing, echo chambers and the complete rule of the ego.