Community and self care

One of the things I've seen mentioned in not only Evolver and Reality Sandwich, but also a lot of other forums is the idea that we should reimagine ourselves.

It is called the "Story of Self", the "Ego", I've heard "Mara" used once or twice. And according to many it has to go. It should be replaced with defining who you are as interdependant and not separate.

I think that to some extend this is a good idea, an acceptance of what is. However, taken to extremes, this idea has one big disadvantage.

In a nutshell, it can lead to a sense of entitlement. If you think of yourself as part of a community, then if you help and sustain the community it should help and sustain you. In an ideal world, that would be the case, but in this world, nothing could be further from the truth. I can think of three examples off of the top of my head(Issac Bonewitz, Robert Anton Wilson, and Kerry Thornley) of people who gave a great deal to their community and are either not supported sufficiently by their community or had to beg and/or sell their belongings to be supported by them. Except in cases where you enter into a contract no-one must help you in any way.

I'll write more as I think about "egoless issues".

Edit- I forgot to add. The way in Buddhism is to have the view of relative and ultimate reality. Ultimately the ego doesn't exist and there is no separation. Relatively you still have to worry about food, supporting yourself, and making sure you are supported when you are unable to work.