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

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.

“Katabasis” is a Greek term denoting someone hitting “rock bottom” in their lives. In Greek mythology, katabasis can lead to transformation and greater knowledge for those who experience it. Holiday argues that everyone can learn from the low points in their lives as long as they embrace difficult circumstances with self-reflection and humility instead of ego or denial.