I have often thought of the importance of “holding space” for my self-conception to be be wrong. This space allows me to observe my behavior as proof-in-the-pudding so to speak. If I say I am kind, do I act it? If I say I am grateful for the contributions of others, do I give credit where credit is due? And so on.

As you point out, a healthy skepticism about our own vision of ourselves should offer perspective to both those who aggrandize and those who think too little of themselves as well.

Certainly an interesting essay!