"می‌توان رابطه‌ی خودآگاه را با ناخودآگاه، همانند رابطه‌ی یک سوار با اسبش مقایسه کرد."

The main idea here is that our conscious self, or ego, has a relationship with our subconscious impulses, the id, similar to how a rider interacts with a horse. Imagine trying to steer a powerful horse. You’re in control, but only to a certain extent. The horse has its own instincts and energy, just like our id has its own desires and urges. The rider (our ego) tries to guide and direct the horse (our id) toward the desired path, but it's a dynamic and sometimes challenging interaction.

Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, introduced this idea to explain the complex dynamics of our psyche. He saw the id as the primal part of us, driven by basic urges and desires, while the ego is the rational part that tries to manage those urges within the constraints of reality. This analogy has stuck around because it’s a pretty relatable way to think about how we try to balance our wild, instinctual side with our more controlled, rational side.

Let’s bring this to life with a real-world example. Picture an athlete preparing for a big competition. Their id might be screaming for immediate pleasure—eat that cake, skip the training, sleep in. But the ego knows better. The ego says, "Let’s hit the gym, stick to the diet, and get enough rest to perform well." The athlete is like the rider, constantly navigating between the immediate desires (the horse) and long-term goals (the path).

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your life? Start by recognizing that it’s perfectly normal to have conflicting impulses. You’re not alone in feeling a tug-of-war inside. The key is to develop strategies to strengthen the ego, the rational part, so it can guide the id without squashing it completely. This might mean setting clear goals, finding healthy outlets for your impulses, or practicing mindfulness to become more aware of your inner dialogue.

Consider a relatable scenario: imagine you have a big project due at work. Your id might want to binge-watch the latest series, scroll through social media, or take a nap. Your ego, however, understands the importance of meeting deadlines and producing quality work. The ego steps in and sets up a schedule, maybe with a few small breaks to satisfy the id’s need for relaxation. You end up completing the project on time, and because you’ve balanced work with short bursts of rest, you’re not completely drained.

This dynamic balance is crucial. It’s not about letting the ego dominate completely and becoming a rigid taskmaster, nor is it about giving the id free rein and turning into a hedonist who never gets anything done. It’s about understanding that both parts have their roles and finding a way to harmonize them.

So, next time you feel that internal struggle, remember the rider and the horse. Acknowledge your impulses but use your rational mind to guide them in a way that aligns with your goals. It’s a dance, a partnership, and with practice, you can learn to ride that horse with grace and confidence.