The ego is the first line of defense between the self and the outside world.
VOA: special.2010.04.13
Perhaps the reality can be different if you are open to the possibility that you are making the most courageous choice of your life when you are willing to put your whole self on the line for a new project, to test an idea, or to take a shot at creating a better and happier life.
That said there is a fine line between self-effacement and self-loathing, and unfortunately for Franklin Pierce, our 14th president, he stumbled over that line.