Taxi!

Sorry to hear that, Malee. Keep working on your novel - you might change your mind one day and at least then the time in limbo wouldn't be wasted :)

You could also publish under a pen name but I suppose criticism can still hurt no matter what name you use.

Stephen, this is the VERY reason I've decided to permanently shelve my novel - I don't want to put myself out there as an author and have people trounce all over me whenever they feel like it. And it doesn't seem to matter how good a writer you are (see how many 1-star reviews Freedom has and I loved it), people just love to hunt.

I did some research on Buddhism and ego (thanks again, Jacqueline!) and this was interesting...

The feeling of a separate "I", which we call ego-consciousness, is directly related to the strength of ignorance, greed, and hatred. The deepest meaning of ignorance is the believing in, identifying with and clinging to the ego, which as we have seen, is nothing but an illusive mental phenomenon. But because of this strong clinging to ego-consciousness, attachment/desire, anger/hatred arise and repeatedly gain strength.

http://www.maithri.com/articles_new/ego_desire.htm

I'm surprised anyone has an ego these days with so much anonymous vile hatred all over the Internet. The moment anyone seems to enjoy some success, along comes the masses intent on destroying it. It's a sad, sad world ... but I'm doing fine :)

Thanks so much, Beth.

I agree - I think monologues aimed at convincing yourself you're amazing can only lead to disappointment :) But that doesn't mean you can't believe in life's possibilities while being humble, in my opinion.

It's an interesting discussion especially when you think of all those self-help courses that teach people to love themselves and believe they are great which is often misplaced :) I saw one US show which encouraged people to look in the mirror each morning and say "I am awesome!" repeatedly. Sounds like it could be self-defeating instead.

PS loved RAIN, Leigh. Posted a 5-star review on Amazon.

Yep, definitely hate being ripped-off and I am definitely one of those people who will not let it go - it eats away at me unless I can rectify the injustice! I'm hoping that might change now that I realize why and who (my 'alter' ego) is responsible!

I had no idea this was an aspect of Buddhism, so thanks for that Jacqueline - I'll investigate further. It's such an interesting topic.

I'm with you, Leigh - I pride myself on not having an ego :) but I can see how everyday reactions can be attributed to it when you think about it so I'll be looking out for it from now on!

So true, Jacquie. Ego is responsible for a lot of negativity, anger and resentment. If you're feeling miffed about something, it's a good idea to check your ego first.

Yep! As a buddhist, I beleive that anything that ruffles our equanamity can be related back to ego. We all have an ego or sense of self, and the ego is upset when others behave in a way contrary to that we desire or that we think is correct. Our egos are the primary source of all our mental pain.

LOL!

Hi Alice, I would love to hear from you at 2am should you come up with an alternative answer. Call me on my hotline: 000 - this will ensure the right people attend to your particular needs immediately :)

Yes they do but it's not usually said in a derogatory way ... as far as I know :)

I've also heard it means "red face" rather than "red hair" and arises from the early days of British colonization - the Brits would often have red faces from the heat and humidity.

Ironically, it is the locals who struggle most with the heat these days which is why shopping centres are ALWAYS packed all day, every day (and they're open until 10pm).

I read the definition of Ang Mo - very interesting. Do the locals really refer to foreigners that way?

Another philosophical blog post from Ms Cunningham - I like it!

I'm with Allan - wish there was another explanation as to why being ripped-off causes so much mental pain ... I hope I don't wake up at 2am with an answer. I'll call if I do. What's your number? :)

You're right, Leigh - time really is the most valuable commodity we have. I don't like to think about it disappearing as fast as it has been these past 10 years!

I tend to agree, Tara - you would have to be super-human to NOT be bothered by a rip-off. If it was for a significant sum for example, your life's savings, or a scammer ripping off a pensioner, then it would be hard to let it rest. I wouldn't be able to but I'd like to be able to let the little things go.

Who doesn't resent being ripped-off? I guess it all comes down to how you react and how quickly you can get over it. Not easy.

Those 'cultural' visits on tours are a rip-off in themselves!

Good one, Leigh. I've been trying to answer your question and come up with a reason other than it is ego - nothing so far, but I'll keep at it! There must be some other reasonable explanation.

OMG, I SO hate being ripped-off. My poor husband - I can go on about an incident for years, probably even decades although I might have a new husband by then :)

I know exactly what you mean about taxis - it's a universal problem. Thank God for iPhone maps so I can track where I should be going and keep them on track! They don't seem to like it much :)

Great post, Leigh and interesting analysis - it never occurred to me that being strung-up over being ripped-off (oh yeah, that's me!) could be a smack to the ego but I think you might be on to something there, I hate to admit.