--- title: "Ryan Holiday Author of The Ego Is The Enemy and Thoughts on Practical Stoicism  – Episode #62 | The Sales Blog" description: Ryan Holiday is a prolific author who’s become notable as being a clear thinking person in a disruptive age. This conversation digs into the philosophy behind much of what Ryan believes and writes about – Stoicism. Anthony digs into Ryan’s first exposure to the philosophy, why it’s so appealing to him, and how it’s benefitted […] image: https://www.thesalesblog.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/ITA-ryan-holiday.jpg --- ### [Now booking SKO meetings for 2026/27! 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This conversation digs into the philosophy behind much of what Ryan believes and writes about – Stoicism. Anthony digs into Ryan’s first exposure to the philosophy, why it’s so appealing to him, and how it’s benefitted his life. But they go beyond that to the topics of Ego, building space into life, and the struggle each of us has to feel significant about our lives. It’s a packed conversation that takes many twists and turns, so set aside time to listen.   [The Ego is the Enemy author, Ryan Holiday on this episode of In The ArenaClick To Tweet**](https://twitter.com/share?text=The+Ego+is+the+Enemy+author%2C+Ryan+Holiday+on+this+episode+of+In+The+Arena&via=iannarino&url=https://thesalesblog.com/2016/06/15/ryan-holiday-author-of-the-ego-is-the-enemy-and-thoughts-on-practical-stoicism-episode-62/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=SocialWarfare) ## Accepting life as it is, not as you wish it was. Ryan Holiday summarizes the Stoic way of thinking by saying this: “Things are how they are. Your job is to learn how to live with that.” But that doesn’t mean you should resort to being a couch potato who lets the world pass you by. You have the power to take initiative and make a difference in the world, and must for the good of the world. Ryan unpacks a lot of gems in this conversation, including the 3 main sections of his new book, “[Ego is The Enemy.](https://www.amazon.com/Ego-Enemy-Ryan-Holiday/dp/1591847818)” You’ll want to hear this one. ## How can a person quiet their ego, and why would you want to? Much of what Ryan Holiday believes comes from the Stoic tradition and the stoics believed that the ego (pride in self) is a destructive force when it is allowed to rule a person’s life. It’s important to ensure that the ego stays in check, that its voice is not allowed to be dominant. Anthony asks Ryan a very pointed question in this conversation, “How can a person quiet their ego?” Ryan takes his best shot at answering it and adds a lot more value in addition, on this episode of In The Arena.   [How can you quiet your ego to accomplish more? Ryan Holiday answers on this episodeClick To Tweet**](https://twitter.com/share?text=How+can+you+quiet+your+%23ego+to+accomplish+more%3F+Ryan+Holiday+answers+on+this+episode&via=iannarino&url=https://thesalesblog.com/2016/06/15/ryan-holiday-author-of-the-ego-is-the-enemy-and-thoughts-on-practical-stoicism-episode-62/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=SocialWarfare) ## The benefits of making space in life. We seem to intuitively know that our bodies need a rest. Most people don’t workout every day – they take a break to give their muscles time to recover. Most people take vacations now and then, at least for a long weekend. But we live in a culture that has failed to realize that in the same way the body needs a break, the mind needs some down time now and then as well. Ryan Holiday gives some suggestions for how modern people who have much to accomplish can be sure to create space in their lives, for a healthier and more productive existence. ## Grab a copy of Ryan’s new book, “Ego is the Enemy.” In “Ego Is the Enemy” Ryan Holiday draws from many stories and examples, stories of people who reached the highest levels of power and success by con­quering their own egos. In an era that glorifies social media, reality TV, and other forms of shameless self-promotion, the battle against ego must be fought on many fronts. Armed with the lessons in this book you will be less invested in the story you tell about your own specialness, and as a result, you will be liberated to accomplish the world-changing work you’ve set out to achieve. That’s Ryan’s promise from the book – and you can find out how to get it on this episode.   [If you respond to something immediately, you’ll immediately regret that response ~ Ryan HolidayClick To Tweet**](https://twitter.com/share?text=If+you+respond+to+something+immediately%2C+you%E2%80%99ll+immediately+regret+that+response+%7E+Ryan+Holiday&via=iannarino&url=https://thesalesblog.com/2016/06/15/ryan-holiday-author-of-the-ego-is-the-enemy-and-thoughts-on-practical-stoicism-episode-62/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=SocialWarfare) ## Outline of this great episode - Anthony’s introduction of Ryan Holiday. - What is [Stoicism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoicism)? Why did Ryan get into it? - The pain of writing a book and how Ryan gets through it. - The challenges and benefits of having a personal philosophy. - How is Stoicism different and similar to the practice of Zen Buddhism? - What does the practice of Stoicism look like for a modern person? - Practical applications of Stoicism. - Why is it so difficult to recognize how much our ego is involved? - What is behind our need for significance or importance? - The 3 major sections of Ryan’s book, “Ego is the Enemy.” - How can a person quiet their ego? - The benefits of making space in life. - What Ryan is reading now. - The most important book Ryan has ever read. - The people who have had the biggest impact on Ryan. - The most important advice Ryan has received. - What Ryan feels he would do if he weren’t writing and speaking. - What Ryan hopes to be remembered for. > ## Our Sponsors: > > [Jeffrey Gitomer Sales Seminars](https://jeffreygitomer.mykajabi.com/Virtual-Sales-Seminar-Series) – use the code “Anthony” to receive your discount. > > [Sales Gravy University](http://www.salesgravy.com/online-sales-training/) – tell Jeb that Anthony sent you. ## **Connect with Ryan** - On [Ryanholiday](http://ryanholiday.net/) - On [Twitter](http://www.twitter.com/ryanholiday) - On[ Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/ryanholiday) ### **Ryan’s Books** 1591847818 1591846285 1591846358 1591847389 ### Additional Resources Mentioned 0812968255 0679734228 080701429X 0385313489 0812979680 006177460X 014312417X 0679729453 > The theme song “[Into the Arena](https://soundcloud.com/ohhushmusic/sets/songs-ive-written-produced)” is written and produced by Chris Sernel. You can find it on Soundcloud ## Connect with Anthony Website: [www.TheSalesBlog.com](http://thesalesblog.com) Youtube: [www.Youtube.com/Iannarino](http://www.youtube.com/Iannarino) Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/iannarino](https://www.facebook.com/iannarino) Twitter: [https://twitter.com/iannarino](https://twitter.com/iannarino) Google Plus: [https://plus.google.com/+SAnthonyIannarino](https://plus.google.com/+SAnthonyIannarino) LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/iannarino](https://www.linkedin.com/in/iannarino) ## Tweets you can use to share this episode   [Things are how they are. Your job is to learn how to live with that ~ Ryan HolidayClick To Tweet**](https://twitter.com/share?text=Things+are+how+they+are.+Your+job+is+to+learn+how+to+live+with+that+%7E+Ryan+Holiday&via=iannarino&url=https://thesalesblog.com/2016/06/15/ryan-holiday-author-of-the-ego-is-the-enemy-and-thoughts-on-practical-stoicism-episode-62/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=SocialWarfare)   [The benefits of making space in life, with Ryan Holiday on this episodeClick To Tweet**](https://twitter.com/share?text=The+benefits+of+making+space+in+life%2C+with+Ryan+Holiday+on+this+episode&via=iannarino&url=https://thesalesblog.com/2016/06/15/ryan-holiday-author-of-the-ego-is-the-enemy-and-thoughts-on-practical-stoicism-episode-62/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=SocialWarfare)     [![Podcast editing and show notes - www.PodcastFastTrack.com](https://www.thesalesblog.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Client-editing-show-notes-image-Jun-11-2021-03-03-10-31-PM.jpg?width=537&height=223&name=Client-editing-show-notes-image-Jun-11-2021-03-03-10-31-PM.jpg)](http://www.PodcastFastTrack.com) ###### Tags: [The Anthony Iannarino Show](https://www.thesalesblog.com/blog/tag/the-anthony-iannarino-show) [2016](https://www.thesalesblog.com/blog/tag/2016) Post by [Anthony Iannarino](https://www.thesalesblog.com/blog/author/anthony-iannarino) on June 15, 2016 Written and edited by human brains and human hands. ![Anthony Iannarino](https://www.thesalesblog.com/hubfs/ai-blog-profile-crop.jpg) Anthony Iannarino is an American writer. He has published daily at [thesalesblog.com](https://www.thesalesblog.com) for more than 14 years, amassing over 5,300 articles and making this platform a destination for salespeople and sales leaders. Anthony is also the author of four best-selling books documenting modern sales methodologies and a fifth book for sales leaders seeking revenue growth. His latest book for an even wider audience is titled, The Negativity Fast: Proven Techniques to Increase Positivity, Reduce Fear, and Boost Success. Anthony speaks to sales organizations worldwide, delivering cutting-edge sales strategies and tactics that work in this ever-evolving B2B landscape. He also provides workshops and seminars. Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn, X or Youtube. You can email Anthony at [iannarino@gmail.com](mailto:iannarino@gmail.com) [Follow me on my website](https://www.thesalesblog.com/anthony-iannarino) [Follow me on Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/thesalesblog) [Follow me on LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/iannarino/) [Follow me on Twitter ](http://www.twitter.com/iannarino) [![AISA-square-ad-SKOs-26-27](https://www.thesalesblog.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AISA-square-ad-SKOs-26-27.jpg?width=400&height=400&name=AISA-square-ad-SKOs-26-27.jpg)](https://www.thesalesblog.com/authority) [![ai-cold-calling-video-sidebar-offer-1](https://www.thesalesblog.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ai-cold-calling-video-sidebar-offer-1.jpg?width=318&height=179&name=ai-cold-calling-video-sidebar-offer-1.jpg)](https://www.thesalesblog.com/free-cold-calling-video) ![hustler-ebook-v3-1-cover](https://www.thesalesblog.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Free%20Resources/ebooks-2020/hustler-ebook-v3-1-cover.jpg?width=768&height=994&name=hustler-ebook-v3-1-cover.jpg) ### Guide to Becoming a Sales Hustler You weren’t put here to survive. You were put here to do something and to flourish. You’re here to reach your full potential and to make a difference. [![DOWNLOAD EBOOK](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2922376/5746f431-45b9-48ee-a8d8-e9a950e5ab3f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2922376/5746f431-45b9-48ee-a8d8-e9a950e5ab3f) ## Are You Ready To Solve Your Sales Challenges? ![Anthony-Solve-Sales](https://www.thesalesblog.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Anthony-Solve-Sales.png?width=290&height=221&name=Anthony-Solve-Sales.png) Hi, I’m Anthony. I help sales teams make the changes needed to create more opportunities & crush their sales targets. What we’re doing right now **is working**, even in this challenging economy. **Would you like some help?** [![Solve for Sales](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2922376/d3a4938b-2008-4a27-8b44-7b2223f6d035.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2922376/d3a4938b-2008-4a27-8b44-7b2223f6d035) ### Join my Weekly Newsletter for Sales Tips Join 100,000+ sales professionals in my weekly newsletter and get my *Guide to Becoming a Sales Hustler* eBook for FREE! --- ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org/", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Anthony Iannarino" }, "dateModified" : "2021-09-17T1:42:45 PM", "datePublished" : "2016-06-15 17:32:16", "description" : "Ryan Holiday is a prolific author who’s become notable as being a clear thinking person in a disruptive age. This conversation digs into the philosophy behind much of what Ryan believes and writes about – Stoicism. 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