Member-only story
Two Paths: The Tale of Ego and Post-Ego
Imagine two Duluth residents — John Matthews, an ego-driven executive, and Daniel Hartley, a post-ego artist. Their contrasting approaches to life illuminate what happens when one person remains trapped in the ego’s illusions, while another has transcended them.
Meet John: Trapped in Ego
John Matthews is driven, ambitious, and perpetually stressed. As a senior executive at a bustling Duluth firm, his life revolves around climbing the ladder, impressing others, and maintaining his carefully crafted image. John constantly feels the need to prove himself, his happiness tethered to external validation — promotions, financial success, and recognition. Every day feels like a battle against uncertainty, criticism, and failure.
A Day in John’s Ego-Driven Life
From the moment he wakes, John checks emails, fretting over performance metrics and competitors’ successes. He’s perpetually worried about how he’s perceived by colleagues and friends. Even a casual remark from a coworker can derail his mood for hours. His relationships are strained by constant comparisons, envy, and suspicion. When faced with challenges, John reacts defensively, taking everything personally, escalating conflicts rather than resolving them.
