that sounds like you don't have an answer to my question. and perhaps you're projecting(you didn't even read this thread before posting, so i can't trust you've read all my threads and posts). in my natural i have one of the most pragmatic and indifferent attitudes with women compared to what i've read on this forum. i choose to make threads in my vulnerable moments because i want to see how others will rationalize or correct my logic. i know people that empathize will share their wisdom, and i am not shocked or deterred by belittling or condescending behavior such as your own at all. it's expected, just like i expect to see sawdust when i walk into a wood shop. you have my pity. i have no interest in winning your respect(which is what you keep alluding to) and you've repeatedly lost mine. i don't expect your behavior to change, i expect more of the same.
to answer your question my definition is similar to BE's, mother nature has given us ego as a feedback mechanism to chase evolutionary fitness points. fitness points being good food, secure shelter, a reliable mate with optimal childbearing qualities, etc. as guru mentioned these are transient highs because they are designed to be so. fitness points are great for achieving procreation but purposefully disguise the objective truth because knowing the objective truth doesn't serve evolution(or at least doesn't appear to). an egoless mindset is an elevated state of consciousness that recognizes this game of chasing transient highs is selfish and short sighted, and instead focuses on providing value. in a western society i feel like it'll take me a lifetime to master it.
@guru1000
what you explain reminds me of the story of the three stone cutters. there are different flavors of the story but here's a short video if you've never heard it,
it seems you're saying you attempt to exercise this sense of vision of the third stone cutter in all your endeavors.
i know this may be difficult to answer(similar to asking you what love is), but how do you discern between an altruistic motive in yourself and a selfish one when the action is the same? is it really as simple as focusing your intent consciously as you've described? how can you be sure that you're not deluding yourself for the sake of feeling altruistic rather than truly being altruistic? i feel like you've answered this but maybe you have another analogy that will better resonate with me.
@Epic Days
you base your conclusion of social deterioration off census reports? what specific trends are you referring to? if you don't mind me asking.