The first step, mastering the ego, is considered the hardest and the most difficult to master. Humanity as a whole tends to deny its negative side. We don t want to admit to ourselves that we are less than perfect. It is this deep but unconscious desire to be perfect that pushes us toward self mastery. The challenge is to be conscious about this process and to not judge ourselves for being less than perfect, after all, judgment of ourselves or anyone else is also from the egos.
Societal programming makes it difficult for humanity to master their egos.
The mass media tells us how to think, feel and act. Ego, and its excesses, are not only encouraged, but honored by mass media. In this society, large egos rise to the top like demi Gods and have the awe of the masses. So the path of discovering oneself, mastering the false egos to becoming a humble servant of the creator, can be quite a task. Ego worship is a major difference between our culture and the ancient traditions.