Premanand Maharaj Ji

What is the difference between self-respect and ego?

Self-respect is not body-pride

Pride of body, caste, family, learning and status all come from ignorance. The Atma (the soul) can never be insulted, so there is no need for ego.

The body-proud soul takes the body to be the self and treats its honour as honour. No one can ever insult the Atma.