To survive the ego has to believe it is real, and that it has a separate, independent existence. The other motive for its continuance is the belief that through the ego and its betterment, happiness can be found at last and the perfect conditions for it are secured. Therefore, the ego/mind constantly seeks control and gain in all its various forms and appearances. It seeks successes by whatever yardstick it measures that illusory goal. Happiness is always around the next corner, so it strains harder to achieve its goals.
At some point, the illusion breaks down and the opening for the start of the spiritual quest commences. The quest turns from without to within and the search for answers begins.”
from The Eye of the I: From Which Nothing Is Hidden, p. 115-116