“Creativity and ego cannot go together” (Jeong Kwan, Buddhist monk and chef, profiled on Chef’s Table, February 17, 2017). Kwan is an inspiring figure. Being in her presence instills peace and trust. To the extent that she sees ego as synonymous with competition, as trying to win or “be the best in the world,” I agree with her. Yet ego can also be a desire to improve without comparison to others. Ego is the self-satisfaction one gets from doing something well. My ego is tied to my creative writing. When I labor over a sentence until I find just the right word or phrase, I’m pleased with my accomplishment. I don’t linger or gloat; I move onto the next sentence. But I don’t negate that momentary charge to my self-esteem. I consider that healthy ego. Unlike Kwan, however, I’m not a Buddhist. I haven’t shed my unhealthy ego. Read more of my thoughts about writing in REFLECTIONS.
