"I own and operate a ferocious ego"

Owning and operating a ferocious ego implies an awareness of the self as a powerful, sometimes unruly engine driving personal ambition, perception, and interaction with the world. Rather than denying the existence of ego, there is an acknowledgment and even acceptance of its potency. The use of the word "ferocious" suggests energy, passion, and perhaps even danger, ego is not timid or passive, but wild and forceful. To operate such an ego requires skill, intention, and perhaps humility, since ferocity unmanaged can lead to arrogance or destructive behavior.

The phrase expresses the complicated relationship many creative or ambitious people feel toward their sense of self. Ego can be a source of motivation, pushing one toward new achievements, striving for excellence and recognition. At the same time, it can consume, blinding one to the needs or perspectives of others, inflating self-importance to the detriment of genuine connection or understanding.

In professions like journalism, literature, activism, or art, a strong ego might help cut through self-doubt and external skepticism, allowing one to express unconventional ideas or challenge established norms. Yet, Moyers' expression carries with it the awareness that such an ego must be handled intentionally, it is owned and operated, not simply surrendered to. This hints at an ongoing struggle or discipline: to master ego, rather than be dominated by it.

The phrase also calls attention to the times when ego becomes overwhelming, suggesting that recognizing and "owning" its ferocity is the first step in preventing it from causing harm. Acknowledgment, self-reflection, and even humor in speaking frankly about ego become tools of self-management and self-awareness. Ultimately, the statement is an honest admission: the forces that drive us can be both formidable and volatile, but conscious exertion can turn them into a source of creative and personal power.