I also agree with Sam's thesis, and I also strongly agree with your addition. It's very easy for startup culture to fall into the trap of equating the people w

I also agree with Sam's thesis, and I also strongly agree with your addition. It's very easy for startup culture to fall into the trap of equating the people with the project/company they're working on, resulting in unhealthy consequences when things don't go perfectly. It's a tricky thing to come to terms with, because in the early days that overlapping identity—while never healthy—is probably critical to having the momentum to carry on. But as time passes, separating your own identity from that of your project/company is critical to avoid burnout and depression; the company will always crest and trough, but you can't be pegged to its state anymore.