It functions according to the reality principle. Both the ego and the superego are present in the conscious, preconscious, and unconscious state of the person.Įgo is considered as the organized, rational, and reality-oriented part of the brain/model. These two concepts were presented by Sigmund Freud, a leading figure in psychology.īoth concepts are identified in the structural model of the psyche and are also influenced by a third component, Id. This results in a healthier, holistic personality and the true fulfilment of human yearnings.Both ego and superego are two fundamental concepts in psychology used to identify the structure of the mind or the psyche. As a result He gradually incorporates the human aspects of love previously governed by the Id and the Superego into a new reality transcended by Agape . As the human being is led deeper into a reality of unity with God, his human limitations become transcended by the divine nature that he has inherited through the paschal mystery, saving the person from becoming either destructive (too ‘passionate’ that one destroys the other) or without life (only governed by duty). God seamlessly unifies these different forms of love through Agape which is divine, unconditional love. The love of God (see Pope Benedict’s letter God is Love, Part 1, Par 10) incorporates both the possessive, burning love called Eros which corresponds to the Id, and the dutiful, virtuous love called Philia which we may see as corresponding to the Superego. It is also a portrait of a healthy, human psyche which has a strong enough Ego that the conflict between the Superego and the Id, though ever ongoing, is mediated. It is what Jesus is proposing as a model when He tells us to be perfect like the Father. This is a detailed portrait of God the Father by the Man who knows Him best. He is the perfect balance between tenderness and assertiveness. The mediator between the two brothers in the aforementioned parable is the Father. The Ego allows the creative, questing force of the Id to flow but channels it through good sense and reason so that the individual’s safety and the rights of society are respected.

The Ego is the third part of the human personality which mediates between the Id and the Superego and incorporates them in a healthy way. It is the Ego (not to be confused with the common use of the word with its negative connotations related to pride). These two brothers are both found within us.Īccording to Freud, there is then a third aspect of the human personality. In the Parable of the Prodigal Son these two forces within us are vividly represented by the prodigal, debauched son and his prim, judgemental, obnoxious brother. If there is an imbalance between them one aspect will become dominant and the person in question will either become a libertine or a bigot. The self gratifying part of us is called the Id and it is always in conflict with the Superego that is the rule respecting, rigid version of us. In Freud’s theory of the personality, these two opposing forces are found in every person. Id and Superego, the two brothers, found in every person These persons are still driven by what gives them satisfaction so they are also self-centered. These are the bigoted, perpetually resentful members of our society. On the extreme opposite pole there are those who are satisfied by obeying rules and being respectable citizens. These are the hedonistic libertines of our society. These people crave instant gratification and do not bother who they hurt in order to achieve it. Some find satisfaction in the pursuit of personal pleasure. The pleasure seeker and the respectable citizen I believe that even altruistic people are motivated by what gives them satisfaction and that is neither a bad thing nor a good thing. We are hard-wired to survive in a habitat that is not always friendly like all creatures in the animal kingdom so we are very focused on our own well-being. Surely the expectation is a little (or very) unrealistic? It is no secret that humans tend towards selfishness. “Be perfect therefore as your Father is perfect” (Mt 5 48) This verse has always confused me. This article gives an example of Freud’s Id, Ego and Superego, comparing them to the three main characters found in the gospel parable – the prodigal son.

Ego and superego