Ego Is the Enemy

"History is made by people who battled their egos at every step, shunned the spotlight, and put their higher goals above their desire for recognition, even though the history books are full of tales of obsessive, visionary geniuses who remade the world in their image with sheer, almost irrational force." - from the introduction

Many of us think that the outside world is the primary obstacle to living a successful, fulfilling life. Actually, our ego is the most prevalent opponent that we face. It is a hindrance to learning and talent development early in our careers. Success might make us oblivious to our shortcomings and cause issues in the road. When something fails, it amplifies every hit and makes getting better harder. We are held back by our ego at every turn.

The Ego is the Enemy uses a wide range of narratives and illustrations from history, philosophy, and literature. We get to know interesting people like Eleanor Roosevelt, Bill Belichick, Katharine Graham, and Howard Hughes, who all overcame their own egos to achieve the pinnacles of success and power. We may also use their methods and strategies.

However, in a time that exalts social media, reality TV, and other brazen self-promotional mediums, why should we even try combating ego? Equipped with the knowledge found in this book, Holiday states that "you will be liberated to accomplish the world-changing work you've set out to achieve because you will be less invested in the story you tell about your own specialness."