He also states, "Clear a path for the people above you and you will eventually create a path for yourself" (53). He notes that "Passion typically masks weakness" (48). He demonstrates how we can be blind to reality. Holiday includes an interesting discussion on the Segway, which was supposed to be a huge new breakthrough (47). I like Holiday's statement that "Opportunities are not usually deep, virgin pools that require courage and boldness to dive in to, but instead are obscured, dusted over, blocked by various forms of resistance" (46). He later quotes an old saying that claims that "When student is ready, the teacher appears" (43). He cites Epictus, who claimed that "You can't learn if you think you already know" (41). He also claims that the pretense of knowledge is our most dangerous vice (39). Holiday quotes Frederick Douglas, who said, "A man is worked on by what he works on" (33). He notes, "The only relationship between work and chatter is that one kills the other" (28). He suggests that there is a danger in talking too much and acting too little (27). Holiday offers a number of insights that are worth careful reflection. As someone who likes to cite examples from history, I recognize the complexities of giving specific examples, and I acknowledge that Holiday is not suggesting that these people are without faults. Of course, she has many admirable qualities. But in later years, many people would claim that the coach is not the model of humility! Holiday also cites Angela Merkel as a good example. Again, at least in his early career, the example is compelling. Holiday also cites Bill Belichick, coach of the New England Patriots, as an example of someone who kept his ego in check (55). He was known as a womanizer during the Civil War, which suggests he did not always keep his ego in check! Of course, Sherman, like all leaders, had feet of clay. This story provides a good example of keeping ego in check. Sherman was urged to seek political office as one of the most popular and successful war leaders. Holiday offers an interesting discussion of General Sherman during the Civil War (17). I also enjoy authors who make extensive use of history! Of course, when using history, and especially when citing current leaders, examples can be challenged. Throughout this book, Holiday pushes against common views and practices. This point is debatable, as it is never the best argument to suggest that data that contradicts a theory is an outlier. But Holiday argues Jobs' ego did not make him successful, but rather his success stemmed from the times he reined his ego in long enough to use his considerable abilities (7). He concedes that there are outliers, such as Steve Jobs, who have a huge ego and still manage to be successful. He notes that, at any point in time, people are in one of the stages of ego he outlines (5). He adds, "Now, more than ever, our culture fans the flames of our ego" (4). He suggests that "When we remove ego, we're left with what is real" (8). Holiday warns that "Ego inhibits true success by preventing a direct and honest connection to the world around us" (3). Holiday defines ego as "an unhealthy belief in our own importance. He notes that "Precisely what makes us so promising as thinkers, doers, creatives, and entrepreneurs, what drives us to the top of these fields, makes us vulnerable to the darker side of the psyche" (1). He claims, "There is no one moment that changes a person. Holiday notes that there are four stages of ego: 1) aspiration, 2) success, 3) failure, 4) back again (xix). Clearly, this message resonates with him! But it is interesting that Holiday has "ego is the enemy" tattooed on his right forearm (xxiii). By removing his personal story from center stage, Holiday lets history make his case rather than relying on his own limited life experience. Sometimes authors have a profound life experience and then write a book as if their experience, whether it be suffering bankruptcy, divorce, or a breakdown, is everyone's inevitable destiny. But then he steps away from personal storytelling and draws on history and wisdom literature to undergird his thesis.
My friend Cheryl Bachelder recommended it, and when she makes suggestions, I pay attention! Ryan Holiday begins the book by sharing his own journey and why the subject matter is important to him. This book is thought-provoking and highly practical. (aff.) New York: Portofino, Penguin Books, 2016.