Think Again!

Introduction • 11

While some will label themselves using a single identity (“I am Latino” or “I am a woman”), most people prefer to describe themselves as a unique composite of several personal interests. For example, “I am a Chevy-driving, Dodger-supporting, photography-loving, millennial, fitting the ENFJ Myers-Briggs profile, who likes drinking Mountain Dew.” For others, identity is based on their role as a parent, or a passion they have like gardening or environmentalism. Sadly, some even frame their identity by living vicariously through sports teams or celebrities. But it is difficult to “find myself” when there are so few absolutes in life. There are so many choices and not enough objective bases to make decisions. The more people pursue information, the more confused they become. So it becomes overwhelmingly complex to find personal identity. And once someone has successfully defined their identity, there is no rest, because they must work equally hard to maintain that identity. 3 Narcissism Since 1958, there has been an explosion of the number of people suffering from a vague, ill-defined anxiety, a dread that something is missing. More and more people have become self-absorbed with their infantile needs, producing a desire for instant gratification, which is called “narcissism.” 4 As affluent countries have become richer, received more leisure time, and enjoyed a higher standard of living, unhappiness has risen 20% and depression rates have increased 10-fold. In America, 15% now suffer from an anxiety disorder. 5 This is because Americans believe a lie: find your identity, you will be happy. After 50 years of chasing after personal identity, the result has been increased emptiness, worry, boredom, and addiction.