From the Bookshelf of The Self-Development Book Club: Reading for Growth …

Ego Is the Enemy

Ryan Holiday

Start date: March 1, 2021

Finish date: March 31, 2021

Discussion: ▶️ Book of The Month (BoTM)

Discussion leader: Trisha

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last updated Jun 09, 2024 10:05AM

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What Members Thought

Nov 01, 2024 Graeme Newell rated it really liked it

Shelves: overdrive, ebook, audible, stoicism

There’s just something so grounding about Holiday’s books. Ryan Holiday has this remarkable way of slicing through complex ideas and presenting them in such a clear, down-to-earth way that it feels like you’re getting life advice from a friend who’s genuinely been around the block. I’ve come to really respect his writing.

What Holiday does so well here, and in his other works, is this: he doesn’t just throw abstract ideas or philosophical theories at you. Every concept he discusses is backed by There’s just something so grounding about Holiday’s books. Ryan Holiday has this remarkable way of slicing through complex ideas and presenting them in such a clear, down-to-earth way that it feels like you’re getting life advice from a friend who’s genuinely been around the block. I’ve come to really respect his writing.

What Holiday does so well here, and in his other works, is this: he doesn’t just throw abstract ideas or philosophical theories at you. Every concept he discusses is backed by a carefully chosen story or example that brings it to life in a way that’s compelling and genuinely thought-provoking.

Holiday’s superpower as a writer is his vast depth of knowledge. This guy is a phenomenal bibliophile—he’s read thousands of books and is constantly immersing himself in new material. When he’s discussing someone like Abraham Lincoln, he doesn’t just Google a few quick facts. He digs in deep, reading entire biographies to understand the nuances. That depth of research makes his work just so freaking rich with detail and spot-on examples and stories.

This vast palette of information gives his writing a depth and richness that’s remarkably hard to find. He finds examples from history, from modern life, and from his own experiences that paint a vivid picture. His writing has this quality of authority without feeling preachy. You can tell he’s put in the work, and it makes you feel like you’re in good hands.

A standout idea from the book that resonated with me was this concept of “live time” versus “dead time.” Holiday uses the story of Malcolm X to illustrate this point. Before he became the influential civil rights leader we know, Malcolm X spent years in prison for petty crimes. But instead of letting that time break him, he chose to view it as an opportunity—he turned those years into his own personal university. He read constantly, educated himself, and transformed his life from the inside out.

Holiday’s message here is powerful: we all experience setbacks, periods where life isn’t going the way we’d like. But we have a choice in how we use that time. Are we going to waste it by stewing in resentment, or are we going to use it to grow? It’s a reminder that hits close to home, especially when you think about all those times you’ve felt stuck or dissatisfied.

While the book has a lot of repetition, it doesn’t feel tedious because the examples are so varied and captivating. You’ll read about entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, and even people from history who struggled with ego in different ways. Holiday’s approach is straightforward, and he’s not out to complicate things. He’s here to drive home his point, and he does it with a steady rhythm that keeps you engaged. I appreciate this kind of thoroughness, especially in a self-help book, where sometimes the message can feel rushed or oversimplified.

In the end, what I enjoyed most about this book is its approachability and good, old-fashioned horse sense. Holiday isn’t interested in reinventing the wheel; he’s just here to share practical wisdom in a way that’s easy to digest. There’s a lot to be said for that, especially today when we’re surrounded by information overload.

This book reminds you of the power of humility, of learning to take a back seat to your own ambitions sometimes, and how much can be gained from that. It’s the kind of read that sticks with you because it doesn’t try to overwhelm—it just asks you to think and apply these ideas to your own life in simple, impactful ways.

Holiday’s writing feels like an invitation to reflect and grow, and who doesn’t need a shot of inspiration these days. ...more

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Nov 05, 2018 Ronald rated it really liked it

Loved the book a lot. Read it and found it really useful. All these lessons are important for the young and ambitious people.

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Jan 02, 2020 Ellen rated it it was amazing

Shelves: non-fiction, 2025, 2019

First lesson: we all have an ego. If you don't think you do chances are you have a pretty dang big one.

This book spoke to me (and my ego) on so many levels. It did a number on me for which I am grateful. Will 100% revisit this book yearly. ...more

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