“Because of its phantom nature, and despite elaborate defense mechanisms, the ego is very vulnerable and insecure, and it sees itself as constantly under threat. This, by the way, is the case even if the ego is outwardly very confident.”

German-born spiritual teacher and author of the 1990s and 2000s, Eckhart Tolle is best known for his work on mindfulness and presence, particularly through his bestselling book *The Power of Now*. His teachings blend Eastern philosophy with Western psychology, emphasizing the end of suffering through awareness.