Ego is the Enemy

"Ego is the Enemy" by Ryan Holiday is a compelling exploration of how ego, defined as an unhealthy belief in our own importance, can sabotage our ambition, success, and growth. Drawing on historical and contemporary examples, Holiday illustrates how ego can creep in during every stage of our lives: when we aspire to greatness, when we achieve it, and when we experience setbacks. Whether it's the hubris that derails promising careers or the entitlement that blocks growth, Holiday makes a powerful case for humility, discipline, and self-awareness as antidotes.

Through the stories of figures like Jackie Robinson, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Bill Belichick, the book teaches that true greatness comes not from grandiosity or self-promotion, but from service, purpose, and resilience. Holiday emphasizes that mastering one's ego is a lifelong process that requires constant vigilance, reflection, and the willingness to put mission over recognition.

"Ego is the Enemy" offers a practical roadmap for building character and achieving lasting success by confronting and quieting the ego. It’s a must-read for anyone striving to lead with authenticity, stay grounded in their purpose, and avoid the traps that come with pride and self-importance.