At a cosmic level, we all enjoy an absolute identity—a grand totality of distinguishing differences, including unique DNA sequences and an unrepeatable series of life experiences. Every single person on earth is different. When we ask “Who am I?” then, the question is simply whether others effectively acknowledge the distinctiveness of our existence. Before modern times, personal identity was simply a role and status: membership in a clan, tribe, and caste, as well as the specific position within that community. We now seek an individual identity that transcends demographic categories and
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