So true! Growing up seems to be a constant struggle between wisdom and humility, mixed with a generous amount of grace for when you ultimately fall into the ego trap.

I love when people are better than me in a certain spiritual domain or field - if they can back it up. Who else can I learn from if not someone “better” than me?

I definitely suffer from this, through and through. And although this may sound like my ego using twisted logic, I really do wonder if being better than other people is a bad thing exactly. Meaning, isn’t that what we all want and learn from? Someone better than us? Do we not go to the mechanic because they are “better” than us at cars? When finding a guru or teacher do we not want someone again, better? Now thinking that I am better than you could be? That’s dangerous. But acknowledging someone is further on the path… why is that bad exactly. I think my point needs more nuance than a KZread comment section can provide, but I hope I am getting close to explaining it. I love my ego, obviously. But that inflated sense of self also comes with the necessary confidence to go out into the world and make a change. I wonder how close humbleness and low self esteem are related - do either even do anybody any good.