Capitalism’s language also says that our labor is a commodity to be bought and sold in a competitive marketplace. And it equates our personal identities with our economic roles in the market place. Think, for instance, of the intrinsically bizarre way we describe someone to a stranger. We usually say “He (or she) is an x,” where “x” is the persons profession.

– Thomas Homer-Dixon, The Upside of Down

I have often pondered this, but have been unable to articulate it myself. Capitalism has many pros and many cons, but it is a damn shame we have become defined by our professions. Should we not be defined by who we actually are? By our mannerisms, our temperaments, even our idiosyncrasies? Yes, I know, what we do is very much a part of who we are, but these days it is given far to much emphasis. I would rather be known as funny or a great snowboarder then a business owner or programmer.

I kept thinking that the entrepreneur is like an artist, only business is the means of his expression… He creates [a business] from nothing, just a blank canvas. It’s amazing. Somebody goes into a garage, has nothing but an idea, and out of the garage comes a company, a living company. It’s so special what they do. They are a treasure

– Bernard A. Goldhirsh, founder of Inc. magazine.
(From the final chapters of Small Giants, an incredible business book by Bo Burlingham. )

Sometimes we get so caught up in what we are doing, we forget what we have done.