A weak ego does not gain substantial strength from being persistently bolstered. A strong ego, secured in its identity by a strong society, does not need and in fact is immune to any deliberate attempt at artificial inflation. Its tendency is toward the testing of what feels real, the mastery of that which works, the understanding of that which proves necessary, the enjoyment of the vital, and the overcoming of the morbid.
Erik EriksonMarie Jahoda’s definition of healthy personality: actively masters his environment, shows a certain unity of personality, and is able to perceive the world and himself correctly.
Erik EriksonThe counterpart of intimacy is distention: the readiness to repudiate, to isolate, and if necessary, to destroy those forces and people whose essence seems dangerous to one’s own.
Erik EriksonMost of our tensions and frustration stem from compulsive needs to act the role of someone we are not.
Erik EriksonSimple and straightforward ratings of feelings of being loved are significantly related to health status.
Erik Erikson