Ryan Holiday - Ego is the Enemy

Ryan Holiday is one of his generations finest thinkers, and this book is his best yet.

STEVEN PRESSFIELD , author of The War of Art

The comedian Bill Hicks said the world was tainted with fevered egos. In Ego Is the Enemy, Ryan Holiday writes us all a prescription: humility. This book is packed with stories and quotes that will help you get out of your own way. Whether youre starting out or starting over, youll find something to steal here.

AUSTIN KLEON , author of Steal Like an Artist

This is a book I want every athlete, aspiring leader, entrepreneur, thinker, and doer to read. Ryan Holiday is one of the most promising young writers of his generation.

GE ORGE RAVELING , Hall of Fame Basketball coach and Nikes Director of International Basketball

I see the toxic vanity of ego at play every day and it never ceases to amaze me how often it wrecks promising creative endeavors. Read this book before it wrecks you or the projects and people you love. Consider it as urgently as you do a proper workout regimen and eating right. Ryans insights are priceless.

MARC E CKO , founder of Ecko Unltd and Complex

I dont have many rules in life, but one I never break is: If Ryan Holiday writes a book, I read it as soon as I can get my hands on it.

BRIAN KOPPELMAN , screenwriter and director of Rounders, Oceans Thirteen, and Billions

In his new book Ryan Holiday attacks the greatest obstacle to mastery and true success in lifeour insatiable ego. In an inspiring yet practical way, he teaches us how to manage and tame this beast within us so that we can focus on what really mattersproducing the best work possible.

ROBERT GREENE , author of Mastery

Were often told that to achieve success, we need confidence. With refreshing candor, Ryan Holiday challenges that assumption, highlighting how we can earn confidence by pursuing something bigger than our own success.

ADAM GRANT , author of Originals and Give and Take

Once again Ryan Holiday has laid down the gauntlet for readers willing to challenge themselves with the tough questions of our time. Every reader will find truths that are pertinent to each of our lives. Ego can be the enemy if we are unarmed with the cautionary insights of history, scripture, and philosophy. As was said to St. Augustine more than a thousand years ago, Pick it up and read; for to not do so is to allow the enemy to bring despair.

DR. DREW PINSKY , host of HLNs Dr. Drew On Call and Loveline

In this day and age where everyone seeks instant gratification, the idea of success is skewedmany believing the road to their goals is a linear path. As a former professional athlete I can tell you that the road is anything but linear. In fact, it is one that consists of twists, turns, and ups and downsit requires you to put your head down and put in the work. Ryan Holiday hits the nail on the head with this book, reminding us that the real success is in the journey and learning process. I only wish I had had this gem as a reference during my playing days.

LORI LI NDSEY , former U.S. Womens National Team soccer player

Philosophy has gotten a bad rap, but Ryan Holiday is restoring it to its rightful place in our lives. This bookpacked with unforgettable stories, strategies, and lessonsis perfect for anyone who strives to do and accomplish. Its no exaggeration to say that, after finishing it, youll never open your laptop and sit down to work the same way again.

JIMMY SONI , Former Managing Editor of The Huffington Post and author of Romes Last Citizen

I would like to rip out every page and use them as wallpaper so I could be reminded constantly of the humility and work it takes to truly succeed. In the margins of my copy, I have scrawled the same message over and overpre-Gold. Reading this inspiring book brought me back to the humility and work ethic it took to win the Olympics.

CHANDRA CRAWFORD , Olympic Gold Medalist

What a valuable book for those in positions of authority! It has made me a better judge.

THE HONORA BLE FREDERIC BLOCK , U.S. District Judge and author of Disrobed

ALSO BY RYAN HOLIDAY

Growth Hacker Marketing: A Primer on the Future of PR, Marketing, and Advertising

Trust Me, Im Lying: Confessions of a Media Manipulator

The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph

PORTFOLIO / PENGUIN

An imprint of Penguin Random House LLC

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New York, New York 10014

penguin.com

Copyright 2016 by Ryan Holiday

Penguin supports copyright. Copyright fuels creativity, encourages diverse voices, promotes free speech, and creates a vibrant culture. Thank you for buying an authorized edition of this book and for complying with copyright laws by not reproducing, scanning, or distributing any part of it in any form without permission. You are supporting writers and allowing Penguin to continue to publish books for every reader.

ISBN 9781591847816 (hardcover)

ISBN 9780698192157 (ebook)

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Do not believe that he who seeks to comfort you lives untroubled among the simple and quiet words that sometimes do you good. His life has much difficulty and sadness and remains far behind yours. Were it otherwise he would never have been able to find those words.

RAINER MARIA RILKE