Ego Is the Enemy: The Fight to Master Our Greatest Opponent

Holiday labels the arrogant and entitled attitude many successful people have as “the disease of me” (133), claiming that this attitude often makes it difficult to collaborate with others. Holiday argues that it is better to avoid “the disease of me” by rejecting the ego and remaining humble and results-oriented instead.

Holiday uses the term “ego” to refer to “an unhealthy belief in our own importance. Arrogance. Self-centered ambition” (2). He characterizes the ego as a “petulant child” that only thinks about its own needs (2).

Holiday defines one’s “inner scorecard” as one’s personal conscience, values, and integrity. He urges readers to value their “inner scorecard” above the “external scorecard”—i.e., the external appearances of success. Maintaining this “inner scorecard” also provides opportunities for self-reflection and self-growth.