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It would be utterly ridiculous not to grant some kind of existence to the ego within his world of appearances. This, our own eyes, our own sensations, tell us to be the case. But it is equally ridiculous for the ego to arrogate to itself a higher and more durable kind of existence than it actually possesses or a self-sufficiency that belongs only to its infinite source. None of the elements which form it is a permanent nucleus and none by itself is entitled to its name. Dissolve these elements and the ego likewise dissolves, thus revealing its temporary character. Still all thoughts, give the quietus to all passions, calm all emotions, and individual characteristics of an ego vanish.

-- Notebooks Category 8: The Ego > Chapter 5 : Detaching from The Ego (Part 2) > # 407