#poem, #prose, «The Ego, The Superego and Selfishness»

(Original Spanish version commenced on 09 MAR 2024 while listening to the Barigozzi Group)

George Harrison (former member of The Beatles) wrote a song in 1970 called «I Me Mine«. The song clearly dealt with what was happening with the band, which at the time was falling apart. It was the worst of times for The Beatles. The lads, who had been close comrades for so many years now could not stand each other. They argued and fought over just about everything. And things became especially heated when it came to, as you can imagine, money.

«I Me Mine,» whose lyrics speak of selfishness and greed, turned out to be the last song recorded by the «Fab Four» (as they were once called). John Lennon did not play in the recording. And George Harrison concluded that what they were going through was a war of egos.

As they still did not consider Harrison to be on the same artistic level as they, Paul and John, they often left him out of the band’s affairs. So George, he dedicated himself to observing the clashes between the two presumed «leaders» and noticed that it all came down to «this is mine» or «I did it,» and back to mine again, and again ad nauseam. During those moments there was absolutely no concept of «us» anymore. After all, The Beatles, per se, no longer really existed. What the four lads from Liverpool had been, those phenomenal musicians and songwriters who made…and still make…history, was no longer. Of course at the time they were famous, superstars and they would continue to be so in perpetuum, but in 1970, they were fighting like cats and dogs.

I wonder, how many relationships, marriages, partnerships, etcetera have not been broken due to ego issues, specifically selfishness? There have to be thousands and thousands! The ego is a fragile thing. In narcissists it is aggressive and it knows well how to defend itself from whatever it perceives as harmful, real or imagined. And this could be the cause of a war. Values, education, decency, and humility can go to hell because the selfish person thinks that only fools give in. So they continue with their arrogance even if it ends up being their doom, What is that that the Beatles themselves said «pride comes before the fall?» (Actually from Proverbs 16:18)

The ego is also quite self-destructive. It tells you that you are a great guy, handsome, invincible, irresistible, and convinces you of how much you are worth. You, stupidly do not realise that the ego is having you on and guiding your small brain towards the brick wall where it will smash itself to bits. We see this unique set of behaviours in those who aspire to be leaders of the people, and in many that already are. But also in bankers, generals, etcetera, etcetera. Men and women overflowing with arrogance and completely sans humility.

The lunatics have broken free, take refuge…

George, you really did see it all quite clearly back in 1970 when you wrote «I Me Mine«. The story you narrated in the song is a human tragedy constantly repeated. Not only within members of musical super groups, but in almost all aspects of society. We all know it.

(C.2024 Francisco Bravo Cabrera 18 JUL 2024, Ilica, Turkey)

CHEERS