We can convince ourselves that false things are true.
In this case, we convince ourselves that we are useful when we aren't. Utility is something you can test in the market. If you aren't for sale, there is no such test and instead our utility is self-graded.
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I agree. Our lives are ours to live, and regardless of whether we get a second opinion, the self-grade ends up being the one that matters most anyway.
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