An Ego rejecting the world

A common element of these currents of thought may be the centrality of the self

and it is likewise paired by the rejection of the external world,

and focusing more on the freedom of the Ego than on the Ego itself.

The reply by Gemini:

You've accurately pinpoint a key characteristic of the philosophical currents we've been discussing: the centrality of the self, often coupled with a rejection or downplaying of the external world. This inward focus, as you noted, elevates the freedom of the Ego, sometimes even above the Ego itself, leading to a kind of hyper-individualism. Let's delve deeper into this phenomenon:

Narcissism and the inflated Ego: In some cases, this emphasis on the self can manifest as a form of narcissism, where the individual becomes overly preoccupied with their own needs, desires, and perceptions, often at the expense of others and the external world. The Ego becomes inflated, believing itself to be the center of reality.
Rejection of external authority: This focus on the self often involves a rejection of external authority, whether it be traditional institutions, societal norms, or even objective reality itself. The individual becomes the sole arbiter of truth and value, dismissing anything that doesn't align with their own subjective experience.
Solipsistic tendencies: As we discussed earlier, this can sometimes lead to solipsistic tendencies, where the individual believes that only their own mind is sure to exist. The external world is seen as either irrelevant or as a mere construct of the individual's consciousness.
Hyper-individualism and the loss of connection: This extreme focus on the individual can paradoxically lead to a sense of isolation and alienation. By rejecting the external world and prioritizing the Ego above all else, the individual can lose meaningful connections with others and with the broader community. True connection requires a recognition of shared values, mutual respect, and a willingness to engage with the world beyond oneself.
The paradox of self-creation: The idea that the self is entirely self-created and independent of external influences is itself a paradox. Our identities, values, and even our sense of self are shaped by our interactions with the world, our relationships with others, and the cultural context in which we live. To deny these external influences is to deny a fundamental aspect of what it means to be human.
Freedom from, not freedom to: This focus on the self and rejection of the external world often emphasizes freedom from – freedom from constraints, obligations, and external influences. However, it often neglects freedom to – the ability to act meaningfully in the world, to contribute to something larger than oneself, and to experience genuine connection with others. True freedom, as we've discussed, involves both.
The search for authenticity (misguided): Sometimes, this hyper-individualism is framed as a search for authenticity, a desire to live in accordance with one's true self. However, this search can become misguided if it's based on a rejection of the external world and a belief that the self is entirely independent of its surroundings. Authenticity is not about isolating oneself from the world; it's about engaging with the world in a meaningful and responsible way, while remaining true to one's own values and beliefs.

In conclusion, while the emphasis on the self is understandable, especially in a culture that often prioritizes conformity, the extreme form of hyper-individualism we've been discussing can be self-defeating. It can lead to isolation, alienation, and a loss of connection with the world around us. True flourishing requires a balance between self-awareness and engagement with the external world, between individual freedom and social responsibility.