"Ego is the Enemy" by Ryan Holiday

A timely meditation on the perils of ego in an age where social media often becomes a mirror reflecting our worst traits.

What do you think of when you read the word "ego"? Yeah...I know, someone who is 'full of themself'. But that's not really what it's about; we all have an ego, it sits inside us and can subconsciously guide us to personal and professional decisions for the benefit of? Yes, you guessed it...other people (or at least other people's perceptions of us).

Holiday, a master at distilling ancient wisdom for modern times, weaves Stoic philosophy into the fabric of contemporary life. He doesn't just rehash ancient texts; instead, he applies Stoic lessons to the very real and timeless challenges of the human condition. The book brilliantly structures its narrative around the different stages of life and career—growth, success, and failure—to show how ego can be either a formidable adversary or a subtle saboteur at each turn.

"Ego is the Enemy" serves as an excellent primer to Stoic philosophy, especially for those at the start of their journey or looking to deepen their understanding. Holiday concludes with a helpful reading list and an invitation to further exploration, underscoring his commitment to lifelong learning and personal growth.

This book is more than just a read; it's a call to introspection and a guide for anyone seeking to understand and manage the complexities of their ego. Whether you're at the zenith of your career or just starting, "Ego is the Enemy" is a book that deserves your time and attention.

Andrew