Why is Society So Ego-Driven?

Proudly written by Callan Hansen

March 3rd, 2025

Why are so many people obsessed with the idea of projecting an image that seems "perfect" or "successful"? It’s all because of the ego.

When I talk about the ego, I'm not just talking about the self-centered attitude of a few individuals. We’re talking about something much bigger, an entire societal pattern. An ego-driven society thrives on external validation, competition, and the fear of not being enough. So what’s fueling this ego obsession?

One major factor in the rise of ego-driven behavior is political manipulation. Whether we like it or not, politicians have mastered the art of appealing to our fears and insecurities. They play on people’s need for security and status, convincing us that we must compete with others to secure our place in the world. By creating divisions, labeling groups, and playing on emotions, they keep us in a constant state of comparison, leading us to focus on outward success rather than inner peace. It’s a way of distracting us from deeper issues, pushing us to look outside ourselves for validation instead of within.

The Social Media Trap

But it's not just politics. Social media has turned this whole dynamic into something more intense. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are built around showcasing the best parts of people's lives, usually the parts that are curated and edited for maximum appeal. The constant need to post, share, and compare creates a cycle of seeking approval, constantly measuring our self-worth against others. In this world, likes, shares, and comments are the currency of validation, and the more we chase it, the more disconnected we become from who we really are.

Consumer culture is another huge contributor. Society tells us that we need the newest gadgets, the trendiest clothes, the biggest house to be happy or "successful." But all this does is inflate our ego and pull us further away from genuine fulfillment. We’re led to believe that happiness is something that can be bought or earned through status. But what happens when we achieve those things? We’re left feeling just as hollow as before, because what we truly need (connection, meaning, and authenticity) isn’t something you can purchase.

Then there’s the role of self-image. We live in a world that’s obsessed with appearances, whether it’s physical, social, or professional. We’ve been trained to put the ego first, often valuing superficial traits over the depth of who we are as human beings. It's easy to fall into this trap because everyone around us is doing it too. It’s a system that’s built to keep us feeling like we’re not enough, making us chase after perfection, which is a never-ending and ultimately soul-draining pursuit.

And here's where it gets even more interesting: the criminalization of psychedelics. In a society so fixated on ego, the powers that be have worked hard to suppress any tools that could help us break free of that grip. Psychedelics like Salvia divinorum, for example, can have profound effects on breaking down the ego, but they’ve been criminalized, demonized, and stigmatized. Why? Because they show us that we don’t need external validation to feel whole; they remind us that the ego is just a construct, and that we’re all part of something much bigger. If everyone had access to this kind of insight, it might just disrupt the entire ego-driven system that keeps people focused on competition and comparison. It’s no wonder psychedelics have been so heavily controlled.

Why This Matters

Because it keeps us disconnected. Ego-driven behavior is ultimately a barrier to authentic connection, personal growth, and inner peace. It keeps us stuck in cycles of comparison, fear, and anxiety. And the more we identify with the ego, the further we drift away from the truth of who we are—a consciousness experiencing itself through this body and mind.

I’m not above any of this. I’m just as caught up in it as anyone else. I still find myself trapped in the cycle of comparing myself to others, seeking validation, and looking for approval. I haven’t figured it all out, and I’m not here to pretend I have. I’m simply someone who’s been reflecting on these ideas, and I invite you to do the same.​

One path that some people turn to for breaking the grip of the ego is psychedelics. Substances like Salvia divinorum have shown countless individuals how much of their identity is tied to external validation. When experienced in a safe, controlled setting, psychedelics can peel away the layers of ego that society constantly reinforces, giving us a chance to reconnect with the present moment and see ourselves as part of something much larger than the self.

Psychedelics have a way of shifting our perception in profound ways. For many, they offer a glimpse into a reality where the constant need for validation fades, and what’s left is a deeper sense of interconnectedness and inner peace. They remind us that the ego is just a construct, a layer we can shed to experience life as it is, without the pressure of status or competition.

It’s all about returning to our true selves. To find peace and authenticity, we have to let go of the need to constantly measure ourselves against others, and instead focus on living in a way that aligns with our true values and purpose. Let’s reclaim our lives from the ego and come back to what truly matters: love, connection, and living in the present moment.