I have some thoughts on this.

The term ‘ego’ seems to be repeatedly incorrectly tagged as something bad. I believe ego just means ‘sense of self’.

There’s nothing wrong or damaging about the ego at it’s core.

It’s our inflated ego which can get us into trouble. Thinking ourselves more (or less) than what we truly are.

Not to say that knowing when the ego is inflated is an easy task. It’s that whole ‘what we truly are’ part being the trick.

So let’s start with the ego not being a bad thing, but a good thing. It’s good to have a sense of your self.

The next step, I believe, is figuring out who/what you are.

Then I pose this question.

If we are ‘just’ made of physical materials, and our mind/consciousness is ‘just’ an illusion, born from our brains, is that such a bad or depressing thing?

Chew on that for a bit.

If that is true, then that means that the physical laws of the cosmos has provided itself with self awareness (us). How remarkable is that? And WE are a part of it.

‘we are nothing more that evolved insects with no couse to life.’

I suggest you look closer at what it means to be a living creature. Consider the odds of you (or anyone else) alive at all. You are the result of a specific sperm/egg combo. If it was the next sperm over to your left/right (George/Betty) that got in, you (ok depending on your religious beliefs) would not have existed at all. What this means, to me, is that being alive is like having won the ultimate lottery. All of the events which had to line up for you or me to be here is incomprehensible.

No cause to life? I’m guessing you mean ‘no reason to live’? Is that an accurate interpretation of what you wrote?
If it is, then I suggest you consider that consequence as well.

Let’s say you have two options…
a) the universe has a plan for you, to live a certain life, make certain choices, fulfill a specific plan.
b) the universe exists but there is no plan for you. It’s your choice to spend life as you see fit. ***You develop your own meaning.***

Which universe would you rather live in?

I’ll take option ‘b’ every time.

There seems to be a lot to address in your message, but wanted to hit on the topics of ego, being alive, and free will.

I don’t claim to know everything, or much at all. I am just suggesting that you look at these topics in a new light. Ego, ‘just’ being alive, meaningless universe… these are actually good things.