Not having an ego doesn’t mean lacking confidence—it means being free from the need to dominate, impress, or control. It’s the humility to learn, the strength to admit mistakes, and the maturity to let others shine. Ego clouds judgment, blocks growth, and builds walls. But those who let go of ego gain clarity, calmness, and connection. They don’t need to prove they’re great—because they’re focused on doing great things. Here are five insightful quotes about overcoming ego, along with a true story that shows how letting go of pride can change everything.
A True Story: Jim Collins and the Humble Leaders Behind Great Companies
When author Jim Collins studied the world’s most successful companies for his book Good to Great, he expected to find bold, charismatic CEOs at the top. But what he found surprised him: the best-performing companies weren’t led by egotistical visionaries—they were led by humble, quiet, determined people who put mission above self.
These “Level 5 Leaders” shared a powerful combination of intense professional will and deep personal humility. They gave credit to others, took responsibility for failures, and made decisions based on purpose—not ego.
Their story proves that ego doesn’t build greatness—its absence does.
Three Quotes from Books About Letting Go of Ego
In Ego is the Enemy (2016), Ryan Holiday explores how ego undermines success:
Ego is the enemy of what you want and of what you have: mastering a craft, building an empire, finding peace and contentment.
~ Ryan Holiday
In The Obstacle is the Way (2014), Holiday also reflects on the strength of ego-free resilience:
The less attached we are to our identity, the more flexible and fearless we become.
~ Ryan Holiday
In Radical Candor (2017), Kim Scott explains how ego blocks feedback and growth:
The best bosses listen with the intent to understand, not to defend. Ego kills growth. Humility fuels it.
~ Kim Scott
Five More Quotes About Not Having an Ego
In 400 BC, Lao Tzu described ego as an obstacle to wisdom.
He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened. He who conquers others is strong; he who conquers himself is mighty.
~ Lao Tzu
In 1620, Francis Bacon warned against pride in learning.
A man that is proud of his knowledge is like a blind man proud of his eyesight.
~ Francis Bacon
In 1931, C.S. Lewis explained the true opposite of pride.
True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.
~ C.S. Lewis
In 1995, Nelson Mandela spoke about ego in leadership.
Lead from the back—and let others believe they are in front.
~ Nelson Mandela
In 2021, Naval Ravikant reflected on identity and ego.
Play long-term games with long-term people. The ego wants to win now. Wisdom wants to win forever.
~ Naval Ravikant
Life Lesson:
The ego says, I’m important. But the truth is: what matters is what you build, not what you boast. Without ego, you’re open to learning, willing to serve, and free to become better every day. Jim Collins’ research reminds us that the greatest leaders are often the least loud about it. So let go of the need to be right, admired, or feared. Stay grounded. Stay focused. Because when you leave ego behind, your real strength finally comes through.
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