To understand the human condition is to understand the ego. The ego is not "bad", it serves the purpose of survival. To banish the ego would mean to banish self-esteem and healthy boundaries which would then allow others to walk all over us. How many times have you kept your heart wide open but have made no conscious effort to balance your ego to that openness in your heart? What happens when someone crosses the line of what you do and do not accept? You get pissed and hurt because you allowed this to happen to you!
When we don't establish boundaries with ourselves and others, we treat ourselves poorly. Ego is needed to establish that boundary because it gives necessary information about your self-worth, to be able to move forward and establish a healthy balance between ego and spirit.
Happy balancing loved ones!<3