Key Takeaways

 

1. Throughout history, the most influential people have been those who have placed the importance of advancing their fields above their need for fame and accolades.
2. A person’s biggest challenge to overcome—no matter their profession or role in society—is their own ego.
3. The most creative thinkers are often the most plagued by egotism.
4. Ego does not allow people to cultivate an honest and realistic assessment of their own abilities.
5. Due to the illusions of instant fame and recognition offered by social media, ego has never been more encouraged than it is in contemporary Western society.
6. Anyone can learn to manage their ego.
7. Once success is achieved, a person should not indulge in feelings of superiority.
8. Failure can be the hardest on people who cannot check their ego. People with controlled egos avoid internalizing failure and are therefore best equipped to handle it.