A deeper look shows that the view is also fed by a tendency to merge what we do with who we are. “We are nothing,” we tell ourselves, “unless we are doing.” Our value as humans becomes dependent on whether we’ve gotten the A in the class, raised the funds our nascent start-up needs, gotten the right accolades from those above us, married the right partner, purchased the right home. I am what I do, and if what I’m doing is fast and, therefore, important, then I must be worthy enough to have earned your respect, your love. And if not your love, then maybe—just maybe—the love of my parents.
