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The sage battles his own ego. The fool battles everyone else’s.

This saying highlights a contrast in the way people approach challenges and conflicts.

“The sage battles his own ego” suggests that wise individuals focus on self-awareness and self-improvement. They recognise their own faults, biases, and limitations, and work on overcoming them. The battle against the ego refers to the constant struggle to control one’s desires, fears, and attachments, in order to achieve inner peace and wisdom.

On the other hand, “the fool battles everyone else’s” implies that foolish individuals often blame others for their problems and shortcomings. They may engage in conflicts with others, trying to control or change them, without looking within themselves for solutions. This approach can lead to unnecessary conflicts, misunderstandings, and negative outcomes.

In essence, this saying emphasises the value of self-reflection, self-improvement, and taking responsibility for one’s own actions and emotions. It suggests that true wisdom lies in understanding and mastering oneself, rather than trying to control or change others.