What is the super ego? @Martin Butler The super ego is your internal policeman. Freud discussed three parts of the psyche: the id, the ego, and the super ego. The id encompasses basic animal instincts, while the ego manages planning and control. The super ego, however, is known for its uniquely cruel nature. It imposes a series of shoulds and shouldn'ts, often instilled by parents during childhood. These directives—like needing to look smart—are internalized and can cause lifelong distress if not met. Beyond parental influence, religion further programs the super ego with moral imperatives, adding to the burden of unrealistic ideals. Society's inability to accommodate natural aggression redirects this energy inward, amplifying the super ego's harsh judgments. Consequently, individuals may struggle with feelings of failure and inadequacy, perpetually striving to meet unattainable standards. To achieve inner freedom and happiness, one must undertake the challenging task of deconditioning the super ego, thereby reducing its oppressive influence. #FreudianPsychology #SuperEgo #InnerCritic #PsychologicalHealth #FreudTheory #MentalWellbeing #Psyche #ParentalInfluence #SocietalPressure #SelfJudgment #InnerPeace #Decondition #ReligiousProgramming #Aggression #SelfImprovement #mindfulness #SelfAwareness #EmotionalHealth #PersonalGrowth #MentalFreedom