Self-referential images and messages are not mere decorations—whether they’re built into the paneling of a duke’s splendidly outfitted retreat or tacked to the walls of an office worker’s cubicle. Research shows that in the presence of cues of identity and cues of affiliation, people perform better: they’re more motivated and more productive. The first of these are the tangible signs and signals we employ to support our self-conception: we’re the kind of person who likes cats, or rock climbing, or “Far Side” cartoons. We use our space to advertise our hobbies, to show off our awards and
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