Find Us, Keep Us (DB Exclusive, 8.12.25)

What is the Basis of Identity?

Photo by Ewoud Van den Branden on Unsplash

I was having lunch with a friend the other day, and we both observed how a distant, but mutual, acquaintance had taken “a big swing” at being dramatically successful - but also having taken that swing, our acquaintance’s choices were now limited to those that would enable her to see things through. Did our acquaintance control her decision to take a swing, or did the decision to take a swing now control her?

That in turn led to a discussion on what it means to live in a society that measures itself by yardsticks of success: title, salary, net worth, fame, influence. If chasing success leads to such distortions as our acquaintance faces, is success intrinsically pathological?

I explored some aspects of this question in a three-essay arc earlier this year. In Work & Worry, I ask if we can truly find meaning in work. In Service & Servility, I ask if altruism can be the basis of healthy identity. And in Pride & Purpose, I offer my perspective on where the true basis of identity lies, if not in these.

I hope you will enjoy the read.

Grace and peace,

J

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