Ego Is the Enemy

I have read many books on leadership throughout my graduate studies in organizational leadership and management, and throughout my own career in management. While this is not specifically a book on leadership or management, it has become absolutely clear that success in these fields requires an understanding of how ego affects one’s self, and others in a professional setting. What I appreciated most about this book over all the others is it’s candid approach to identifying the effects of ego on individuals, organizations, and on society as a whole. The author’s straightforward examples will repeatedly provoke the reader to recall their own real-life experiences where someone’s ego has impacted their personal or professional life. Maybe these realizations will involve past events or occurrences where the reader didn’t recognize ego as a factor until the author’s examples made comparisons to such past events so clear. Throughout the book, I found myself saying, “Damn! I did that, and it really was my ego that was running things. I should have thought it through better. It cost me....” Quite frankly, I have nothing but praise for this book, which I believe is a “must-read” for managers within any profession. It is neither oversimplified, nor overstated. In fact, the author drives his points home through multiple approaches and with a diverse array of references to historical figures and events, which exemplify both the control of ego and the lack thereof. The book is beyond a mere self-help resource, and is actually quite interesting to read. The author is obviously well-prepared and has done the reader the favor of dissecting individual, organizational and political actions through a specialized lens that ferrets out how ego has led to failure. These examples are not archaic parables, but include modern business figures, both well known and virtually unknown. Yet he does not simply call out failures of renowned egotistical figures, but offers analysis of how successful individuals chose the high ground over receiving personal praise in order to produce favorable outcomes on a much larger scale and for the greater good. Perhaps more importantly, he provides an equal number of examples were a humble individual or approach led to success on many levels. In the end, the reader will hopefully and candidly assess himself/herself, or as was the case for me, become more self-aware and see the glaring comparisons to my own past acts of egotistical actions. If one accepts the author’s many examples that support the assertion that ego holds so many of us back from our potential, then his ensuing suggestions and stoic philosophies become meaningful propositions worthy of our considerations. I did not find the book preachy or sanctimonious. I didn’t feel the author was pushing any specific dogma, but he does use the platform of stoicism as the guide here. Nonetheless, subsequent to laying out his case, the author’s pronouncemnts appear less as indictments of people, but rather the specific natural human tendency that is stronger is some of us than it may be in others: unchecked self-indulgent ego and the overemphasis on one’s own importance. The author challenges us to think back to the reason we started a career, chose a profession, accepted an assignment or launched a project. Was the purpose to feed our own egos, or did that proclivity sneak in somewhere along the way. The author aptly discusses the paradox wherein we must either choose to complete the job we originally were tasked to do, or merely to achieve recognition without truly accomplishing as much as we would have without expending the energy and capital seeking personal accolades. I found the author’s choice of content and his writing style to be inspiring, while still being very readable and relatable. I would propose that those considering this book are somehow aware that they could be affected by their own egos. Perhaps someone suggested it to them, or maybe a review or ad made them curious about how their ego might be at work. The paradox, of course, is that many people with pronounced egos will reject overtures into the examination of their own egos, as self-awareness is not a common trait among egotistical people. Hopefully, they will be motivated by some measure to start reading this book. As for me, the way I came to read the book is unimportant here, but within the first few pages, I found myself intrigued and looked forward to each reading session until I had finished. Aside from the impact it has had on me of purposefully controlling my own ego, a never-ending task indeed, the book has also launched me into seeking a better understanding of stoicism, and practicing it in my daily life. Now, as an instructor of organizational leadership, I’ve incorporated into my presentations quite a bit of the author’s teachings and even quotes from his book (because he seems to capture some points so well that I could find no renowned scholars or historical figures that said it better). I certainly hope we see more offerings of this caliber and practical utility from author Ryan Holiday.

This is one of the most needed books today. Everyone has an ego, and those who do not believe this truth, are the most blinded themselves. This was a great read, the stories are excellent, the wisdom is true, and the book helps to navigate an ego inflating world. "Now more than ever, our culture fans the flames of ego. It’s never been easier to talk, to puff ourselves up (4)". This is a book that everyone young person should read. It will inspire you to focus on substance, and not on image. We need more people of real character, and not more people trying to make a name for themselves. "Impressing people is utterly different from being truly impressive." The book talks about staying the student, still working hard, and realizing actions should be motivated through true motives. Too often we hid away from feedback, because we cannot admit we are wrong. We protect ourselves, but really behind these actions is an ego. We create static positions for ourselves. The author writes "It is impossible to learn that which one thinks one already knows,” Epictetus says. You can’t learn if you think you already know. You will not find the answers if you’re too conceited and self-assured to ask the questions. You cannot get better if you’re convinced you are the best." I really like some of the characters from history that the author talked about. One was General Sherman, and his approach to fame. Other men who were successful during this time, demanded power, but it seemed that Sherman was happy to serve, and be content with this truth. The book talks about the need to help others. Imagine if for every person you met, you thought of some way to help them, something you could do for them? And you looked at it in a way that entirely benefited them and not you. The cumulative effect this would have over time would be profound: You’d learn a great deal by solving diverse problems. You’d develop a reputation for being indispensable. You’d have countless new relationships. You’d have an enormous bank of favors to call upon down the road." Instead people sometimes write and work to help themselves, to create advantages for themselves, but this approach is more concerned with YOUR needs, and not those around you. Help others, and others will help you perhaps. Ego is probably one of the most destructive forces in the world today. Too many of fallen to its sweet song of pain. Great book to read.

I enjoyed this book... good reminder for us on keeping our egos in check. I enjoyed the stories and history used to teach lessons. Each chapter is sort of it's own little story. You could almost read the chapters out of order, and it would still be a good read. I've stolen some ideas for sure to use with future presentations and reminders for myself.

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I am currently reading this book. And i highly recommend this one

Will have to re-read this book as he says, we need to keep sweeping the dirt every day to keep progressing in the right direction. Enjoyed this read as it is truly applicable to every aspect of my life

worth reading but might get repetitive

Ryan Holiday's Ego Is the Enemy is a provocative and insightful look at how allowing ego to go unchecked can undermine our efforts and prevent us from reaching our full potential. Drawing deeply from ancient philosophy, Holiday provides a sobering reminder that the greatest enemy lies within each of us. The book offers a wealth of wisdom on how to cultivate humility, focus on the process rather than the results, and pursue mastery by remaining a perpetual student. Holiday argues persuasively that our ego's constant craving for recognition, entitlement, and creating self-aggrandizing narratives can blind us to reality and practical progress. Some of the most compelling sections explore the perils of early pride, how success can breed complacency, and the toxic "disease of me" that often infects teams after tasting victory. Holiday's antidote is to find inspiration in the vast cosmos, maintain an "indifferent spectator" to judge yourself by internal standards, and recognize that failure and adversity are inevitable phases of growth. With examples ranging from historical figures to modern entrepreneurs and artists, Ego Is the Enemy provides a powerful framework for steadying one's mind and nurturing the qualities - resilience, purpose, diligence - required for enduring achievement. An invigorating and honest book, it will fortify readers to disarm ego's grip and master their greatest internal opponent. In its relentless focus on combating the ego through self-awareness, discipline and non-attachment, the core message resonates strongly with the seminal Hindu scripture, the Bhagavad Gita. Like Holiday's work, the Gita emphasizes doing one's duty without being attached to the fruits of action or adulation as the path to fulfillment.