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Originally Posted by BrazenApogee
Ego is important on some levels, without an Ego (defined as a separate "I" from the world, with intrinsic value in existence) the enmeshment with the rest of reality within the mind would be a destructive force. This is the condition of a baby, for a baby does not realize it is separate from Mother or anything else for that matter. If baby hurts, the whole world must be hurting according to baby's mind. Once baby realizes that "other than baby" exists the Ego has begun to form. This development is important, as without an "I" and "other than I" the world can not be influenced and changed by the person. Choices in life can not be made. Therefore, at some level Ego is necessary. Without an Ego is the land of complete psychosis, where there is no differentiation between self and the world.
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I can say that Ryan Holiday is not attacking the idea that we are separate from the world. That sounds like "ego" from a psychological perspective, as opposed to the destructive idea that any person can be without flaw.
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This of course leads to spiritual teachings (such as my former advisor who messed me up so badly) for they believe that to return to that "oneness" (lack of Ego) is the height of spiritual progression, and they teach this. Yet, people like my former advisor are so full of themselves "I am so great" they have a Big Ego, for they think they are better than everyone else. When someone like me questions what they are saying they attack, emotionally and psychologically, to destroy anyone who does not agree that they are the greatest person ever. Their mind can not handle the thought of being wrong in any way. They can not tolerate their own emotions, so they control everyone around them.
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I think you and Ryan Holiday are on "the same page", in that you both are aware that there are certain attitudes (I am so great... I can't be wrong) that are destructive both to the self, and to others around people with that attitude.