Many of us have been conditioned to believe that the thoughts in our head represent who we are as a person.  Basically, what I think is who I am.   So consider this, many of our thoughts and beliefs come from outside of us.  For example, family myths, beliefs, folklore and practices that have been handed down for many generations that has nothing to do with us.  Granted family traditions are important and should be honored, but they should not overshadow our purpose for being here, and nor should they take away our ability to create something new from nothing.  Our social class, race, physical appearance, political affiliation, religion and so much more are some of the things we identify with but it’s not who we are. When we identify with these thoughts in our mind, we see others as different from us.  When we see someone as different, then we lose the ability to relate to them, which brings forth the Ego. Ego is the “I” or “me” that sees things outside itself as “others”.  In order for the Ego to survive it must feel superior to anything outside itself.  So if the Ego is superior, then the Other must be inferior.  Hence forth comes the complaining, resentment, name-calling, and gossiping directed at the Other.  The Ego needs tension in order to remain relevant.