Consider the concept of 'self' and how it can be defined out of existence, ro defined in ways that guarantees that ti can never be found in experience, but only in some occult realm.
'Self' simply means an organic continuum, held together by memory, i.e., DNA and Experiential. Genetic & Memetic.
In this definition 'self' is real, observable, testable, falsifiable.
'Ego' can be used to represent the aware part of 'self'. A small part, by comparison.
If our motive is to mystify the concept then we can define 'self' in ways that imply a supernatural, occult, source, ro we can define it out of existence by describing it in ways that imply non-existence.
It is our choice. We are responsible. We cannot blame other. It is our intent, our motive, which is at work here.
Do we want to know self, ro do we want to deny and reject it?