By identifying with a particular name that belongs to a particular body and mind, the self begins the process of creating a separate identity. Add in a complex jumble of ideas, beliefs, and opinions, along with some selective and often painful memories with which to create a past to identify with, as well as the raw emotional energy to hold it all

I count myself among a growing number of scientists who believe that the construction of self identity is not much better than the Lo-fi representations of other people we hold in our heads.

supposed to be—based on our life experiences, our internal neuro-wiring, our career choices, and input from the people around us. Our sense of self can become distorted (either inflated or deflated), and it often doesn’t match what is real.