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Sometimes ego is suppressed on the ascent. Sometimes an…

“Sometimes ego is suppressed on the ascent. Sometimes an idea is so powerful or timing is so perfect (or one is born into wealth or power) that it can temporarily support or even compensate for a massive ego. As success arrives, like it does for a team that has just won a championship, ego begins…” quote by Ryan Holiday
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““Sometimes ego is suppressed on the ascent. Sometimes an idea is so powerful or timing is so perfect (or one is born into wealth or power) that it can temporarily support or even compensate for a massive ego. As success arrives, like it does for a team that has just won a championship, ego begins to toy with our minds and weaken the will that made us win in the first place. We know that empires always fall, so we must think about why—and why they seem to always collapse from within.””

Ryan Holiday

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Ego can be suppressed, but success often inflates it, leading to internal collapse of empires and teams.

In simple terms: Success can boost ego, causing downfall.

Key Takeaway

Guard against ego after success.

Themes

ego success impermanence

Mood

cautious reflective

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • business growth
  • sports championships
  • political power
  • personal achievement

Key Concepts

psychology leadership hubris

Questions to Reflect On

  • What checks keep ego in balance?
  • How do you sustain humility during triumph?
A Different Perspective

Ego can also motivate continued excellence if managed.

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