The ego comes into being because or the limitations of the id in dealing with the real world. Through learning and experience, the ego develops the individual's capabilities of realistic thinking and ability to deal appropriately with his environment. It operates on what is called the reality principle, which is capable of postponing the release of tension until that time when it will be effectively directed at coping with the external environment. To illustrate, although the hungry individual's id would encourage him to just take food away from his friend, the ego might reason that asking for the food may take longer but may also result in getting a greater portion. Because it serves in this way as the organized focal point for effective action in the environment, the ego is said to be the executive of the personality.