Sharper distinction should be drawn between the superego and the ego ideal. The superego, a functional pattern of introjection, is punitive and often ego-alien. The ego ideal, always egosyntonic, derives from primitive parental identifications and often from relationships with other significant individuals, even in adult life. 'The ego ideal is a distinct psychic institution related to the ego and the superego, and it makes essential contributions to the process of sublimation bound by an inner reality making for inspired performance.' The contribution to character of ego ideals found after childhood has been underestimated.