Many of us think that the outside world is the primary obstacle to living a successful, fulfilling life. In actuality, our ego is our most frequent opponent. It hinders learning and the development of potential early in our careers. If successful, it might make us oblivious to our shortcomings and cause more issues in the road. It intensifies each blow in failure and makes recovery more challenging. Ego keeps us back at every step.
Ego Is the Enemy uses a wide range of anecdotes and references from philosophy, literature, and history. We get to know amazing people like Eleanor Roosevelt, Bill Belichick, Jackie Robinson, George Marshall, and Katharine Graham, all of whom overcame their own egos to achieve the greatest success and power. We can also use their methods and strategies.
Read about I Thought It Was Just Me (But It Isn’t) – Brené Brown with this detailed guide!
About the Author
Ryan Holiday is among the best-selling living philosophers in the world. His works, including the #1 New York Times bestseller Stillness Is the Key, The Obstacle Is the Way, Ego Is the Enemy, and The Daily Stoic, have sold over 5 million copies and are available in over 40 languages.
When combined, they have been on the best-selling lists for more than 300 weeks. Living outside of Austin, he has two boys, his wife, and a small herd of goats, donkeys, and cows. Bastrop, Texas’s historic Main Street is home to his bookshop, The Painted Porch.
Review
This is Ryan Holiday’s best book to date, and he is one of the best thinkers of his generation. Steven Pressfield, author of The War of Art, a New York Times bestseller. “You’ll find something to steal here whether you’re just starting out or starting over. Austin Kleon, author of Steal Like an Artist, a New York Times bestseller
“I want every athlete, future leader, businessperson, thinker, and doer to read this book. One of the most talented young authors of his generation is Ryan Holiday. —George Raveling, Director of International Basketball at Nike and a Hall of Fame basketball coach
It never fails to surprise me how frequently potential creative undertakings are destroyed by the corrosive vanity of ego, which I witness every day. Before it destroys you, your projects, and the people you care about, read this book.
Think about it as urgently as you would a healthy diet and exercise routine. Ryan’s insights are priceless.” The originator of Ecko Unltd and Complex, Marc Ecko. I don’t have many rules in life, but one I never break is: If Ryan Holiday writes a book, I read it as soon as I can get my hands on it.”Rounders, Ocean’s Thirteen, and Billions director and screenwriter Brian Koppelman
Ryan Holiday tackles our hungry ego, the biggest barrier to mastery and real success in life, in his latest book. He shows us how to control and tame this inner beast in an inspirational yet realistic manner, allowing us to concentrate on what truly counts—creating the greatest work possible. Robert Greene, author of Mastery, the number one New York Times bestseller
Read about How to Love Yourself (and Sometimes Other People) – Lodro Rinzler & Meggan Watterson with this detailed guide!
We frequently hear that confidence is necessary for success. Ryan Holiday questions that presumption with refreshing candour, emphasising how we may gain confidence by striving for something greater than our individual accomplishment. Adam Grant, author of Originals and Give and Take, two New York Times bestsellers
Ryan Holiday has once again set the bar high for readers who are prepared to take on the difficult issues of our day. Every reader will uncover facts that are important to each of our lives. Without the sobering lessons of philosophy, theology, and history, ego may be our worst adversary.
As St. Augustine was told over a millennium ago, “pick it up and read,” since failing to do so would allow the enemy to instil hopelessness. Dr Drew Pinsky, host of HLN’s “Dr. Drew On Call” and “Love Line”, Ryan Holiday serves as a reminder that the journey and learning process are where true success lies.” Lori Lindsey, former U.S. Women’s National Team soccer player
In order to be continuously reminded of the humility and effort required to achieve true success, I would like to tear out every page and use them as wallpaper. I have repeatedly written the same phrase in the margins of my copy: “pre-Gold”.
Reading this motivational book reminded me of the perseverance and humility required to win the Olympics. Chandra Crawford, Olympic Gold Medallist. How useful this book is for those in positions of power! I’m a better judge now because of that.” The Honorable Frederic Block, author of Disrobed and a United States District Judge
Rarely do I finish a book and then go back and read it again right away, this time using a yellow marker. I have nothing but praise for this book. Kevin Rose, entrepreneur and technology investor. In an age where self-promotion and notoriety are praised to the extent that ‘hero’ becomes overused.
Read about Love for Imperfect Things – Haemin Sunim with this detailed guide!
Summary
Ryan Holiday’s book is a reminder that the largest hindrance to accomplishment is frequently oneself. Holiday recounts tales of the well-known and lesser-known that will both motivate and pause you. To really appreciate this book, read it gradually so that the examples’ impact may be felt and you have time for constructive introspection.
If the rat race pace of modern life has you feeling worn out, Ego is the Enemy just could help you understand philosophy as anything but a remnant of the ancient Greeks. Removing the ego is a daily struggle but it feels a little easier after reading this.
The fight against ego must be waged across multiple fronts in a time when social media, reality TV, and other blatant forms of self-promotion are praised. As Holiday states, “armed with the lessons in this book, you will be less invested in the story you tell about your own specialness, and as a result, you will be liberated to accomplish the world-changing work you’ve set out to achieve.”