Ego is the Enemy – Painful Prologue

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Vocabulary	Definition
Hypocrite	a person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that he or she does not actually possess, especially a person whose actions belie stated beliefs.
Context	the circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea, and in terms of which it can be fully understood and assessed.
Aspiration	a strong desire, longing, aim, or ambition.
Protégé	a person who is guided and supported by an older and more experienced or influential person.
Notoriety	the state of being famous or well known for some bad quality or deed.
Evisceration	the act of removing the entrails or internal organs of a person or animal.
Adversity	difficulties; misfortune.
Implosion	the violent collapse inward of a structure or object.
Whiplash	a sudden, sharp movement resembling the lash of a whip.
Ephemeral	lasting for a very short time.
Trappings	the outward signs, features, or objects associated with a particular situation, role, or job.
Prone	likely to or liable to suffer from, do, or experience something unpleasant or regrettable.
Compulsion	the action or state of forcing or being forced to do something; constraint.
Epiphany	a moment of sudden revelation or insight.
Solace	comfort or consolation in a time of distress or sadness.
Fulfill	to bring to completion or reality; achieve or realize (something desired, promised, or predicted).
Eschew	deliberately avoid using; abstain from.
Admonish	warn or reprimand someone firmly.
Remade	to make again or anew.
Engaging	charming and attractive.
Absorbing	fully taking away one’s attention; extremely interesting; engrossing.
Lean on	to rely on or derive support or comfort from someone or something.
Repress	suppress (a thought, feeling, or desire) in oneself so that it becomes or remains unconscious.
Fulcrum	the point on which a lever rests or is supported and on which it pivots.
Moral	concerned with the principles of right and wrong behavior and the goodness or badness of human character.
Straight	not curved or bent; having a uniform direction throughout its length.
Liberated	freed from imprisonment, slavery, or enemy occupation.
Accomplish	achieve or complete successfully.
World-changing	having a significant impact on the world or a large part of it.
Specialness	the quality or condition of being special or unique.

Conversation Prompts

• Reflecting on the author’s personal journey, do you believe there is a correlation between early success and the development of ego? Why or why not?
• The author emphasizes the importance of understanding oneself and the world differently to combat ego. How do you interpret this idea in your own life experiences?
• Discuss the role of mentors in the author’s life and the impact they had on shaping their identity and understanding of ego.
• The author mentions the concept of “the obstacle is the way.” Can you share a personal experience where facing adversity led to personal growth or self-discovery?
• How does societal pressure contribute to the development of ego, as depicted in the author’s narrative? Do you see similar pressures in your own life or community?
• The author suggests that ego can lead to a treadmill of pain and frustration. How do you differentiate between healthy ambition and ego-driven behavior in yourself or others?
• Analyze the author’s decision to use historical examples and philosophy to illustrate the dangers of ego. Do you find this approach effective in conveying the book’s message?
• Discuss the significance of the author’s tattoos (“EGO IS THE ENEMY” and “THE OBSTACLE IS THE WAY”) as daily reminders. Would you consider adopting a similar practice in your life?
• In what ways do you think societal attitudes towards success and achievement contribute to the prevalence of ego in modern society?
• The author states that the aim of the book is to encourage readers to think less of themselves and be less invested in their own specialness. Do you agree with this aim? Why or why not?