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Federn's concepts of the ego resemble Freud's, but they also differ in some important respects. Weiss discusses their respective formulations in regard to such questions as origin of the ego, theoretical versus 'factual' orientation, significance of the drive for mastery, 'ego feeling', and the relation of the ego to the preconscious. Freud and Federn especially disagree on the unconscious portion of the ego. For Freud the ego was primarily body ego; for Federn, a mental ego preceded a body ego. Weiss discusses the implications of the word 'self'. Hartmann and his co-workers agree with Federn that ego autonomy rests on the concept that ego cathexis is composed of libidinal and aggressive energy. Unlike Federn, they reject the idea of a death instinct. Federn's introspective approach to the ego has no parallel in respect to the id and the unconscious part of the superego. This does not alter the validity of Federn's opinions about the ego.
Weiss suggests that the different meanings attributed to the word 'ego' contribute to grave variations between groups of analysts. He urges a more precise use of terms for clarity, and he considers Federn's concepts of the ego most valid.