UPBUILDING THE SELF

Moral Superiority: The Cost of Needing to Be “Better” Than Others

Moral superiority is a trap that almost everyone falls into, often without realizing it. In this episode, Michael, Hari Prasada, and Rasanath unpack the ways in which the ego drives us to feel “better” than others—even in the name of values and virtue. They share personal anecdotes and insights to explore how moral superiority can mask unresolved emotions, hinder relationships, and alienate us from others. With vulnerability and depth, they reveal how to distinguish genuine values from ego-driven behavior and discuss the path toward transcending this subtle, yet powerful, egoic tendency. If you’ve ever struggled with the need to be “right” or “good,” this conversation will challenge and inspire you to reflect more deeply.

Podcast Hosts: Michael, Rasanath and Hari Prasada

Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform

Highlights

  • [00:50] What is moral superiority and why it matters

  • [01:20] Personal examples of moral superiority

  • [07:30] How the ego uses character to build an unshakable identity

  • [14:40] The tension between standing up for what’s right and avoiding superiority

  • [21:10]  The crutch of feeling “better” than others to sustain values

  • [25:30] The ego's last stand

  • [30:30] I Dislike in You What I Dislike in Me

  • [36:00] The innate sense of rightness

  • [38:30] The global impact of moral superiority

  • [40:00] Steps to recognize and overcome the need for moral superiority

Quotes

  • “There is no better place for hypocrisy to hide than in moral superiority.” - Hari Prasada

  • “As Hari often says, a superiority complex is just the flip side of an inferiority complex.” - Michael

  • “Moral superiority is…the self-pep talk that allows me to live with myself and try to not let the dissatisfaction overcome me.” - Hari Prasada

  • “Acknowledging moral superiority often transforms it into humility.” - Hari Prasada

  • “When you start seeing your own tendencies towards moral superiority and start really looking for it, that's when the ego starts to die.” - Rasanath

  • “Spiritual practice and faith gives us ground to be able to feel that feeling of enoughness that we're all looking for.” - Michael

  • “Standing up for the right thing cannot be sustained by the ego—it requires the spirit.” - Rasanath

For first timers, welcome to Upbuilding the Self

About the podcast: Two former monks, a former startup founder and CEO, and a former equity derivatives trader dive into how to be our best selves, free from the ego. Our egos are the identities we create for ourselves and wish the world to validate, but when we are not seen as we want to be, we feel insecure. This podcast lives at the intersection of leadership and spirituality. It will help you understand your ego and shed light on your inner world so that you can act with greater clarity, compassion, and the freedom to be your best self.

We also have three upcoming programs. Please reserve your spot ASAP.