The ego's sense of self desperately needs conflict, since its self-identification as something separate and isolated is reinforced by its war against everything and everyone and its clear division into "I" and "not-I".

The ego's sense of self desperately needs conflict, since its self-identification as something separate and isolated is reinforced by its war against everything and everyone and its clear division into "I" and "not-I".

Often, tribes, nations, and religions strengthen their sense of collective identity by creating enemies. And basically: who would the "loyal" be if the "traitors" did not exist?

Silence speaks

Eckhart Tolle