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.

Ego is the enemy book review