[Goodwin]

This is by no means the most foolish or egotisticial thing I've done. In the context of this thread, it seemed worth mentioning. There is nothing wrong with a bit of ego, as long as I can see it for what it is -- in myself -- as well as in others.

Of course, I can try to destroy my ego, so much more completly, than anybody else.

Yep. I have this discussion with people who have Buddhist leanings.

I sugest that we need our ego. It allows us to identify ourself and therefore to take care of ourself. Taoism does not teach the destruction of ego. It does, however, teach the lessening of ego just as it teaches lessening our desires.

Thing is, if our ego, that is, our perception of ourself, is true to reality then IMO there is no problem. The problem is when we think we are more, or better, than others.

If we hold ego in check I see no reason why it would cause any blockage in the development of our spiritual nature.