A Life a Name: Why Are We so Obsessed with Identity?



Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live without a name? Not in the literal sense of losing your given name, but in terms of identity—the way we define ourselves through our job, social status, hobbies, or even personal dreams.

We are used to introducing ourselves with labels: “I am a writer,” “I am a project worker,” “I am a student,” or “I am a friend.” But what if one day you couldn’t describe yourself in that way? If all these labels disappeared, what would be left? Would you still be "you"?

This question may sound strange, even unsettling. From childhood, we are taught to find ourselves as if there is a single, definitive answer to who we truly are. But in reality, we are constantly changing. So why are we so obsessed with defining our identity?

The Fear of Losing Identity

Most people are afraid of losing their identity. We feel safe when we have a specific role or title we can present to the world. In fact, one of the most common questions when meeting someone new is, “What do you do?” This question, though simple, implies that our value and existence are tied to our profession.

But what happens if one day, you stop doing the thing that defines you? If you are known as a hardworking person, but one day you decide to rest, does that mean you have lost yourself? If you are always seen as cheerful, but one day you feel sad, does that mean you have become a different person?

We often fear that without certain labels, we become nothing. But maybe, that fear is what keeps us trapped, unable to fully embrace life’s possibilities.

Identity Is Like Clothing: It Can Be Changed

Think of identity as clothing. Every day, you choose what to wear based on the weather, your mood, or the occasion. There is no rule saying you must wear the same outfit forever.

Similarly, what you believe defines you today might change in five years—or even tomorrow. We are not robots programmed for a single purpose. We are dynamic beings who evolve, explore, and constantly seek new meanings in life.

Yet, society often pressures us to choose a fixed identity. If you’re a writer, you’re expected to always be a writer. If you’re known as an extrovert, people expect you to always be social. But what if we want to step away from those roles?

What Remains When All Labels Are Removed?

Now, imagine an experiment: for one day, you are not allowed to introduce yourself using your job, status, or any role you usually play.

Who are you without those things?

Would you still have value if you could no longer define yourself with your career or achievements?

The answer is yes. You still exist. Your worth is not determined by what you do but by your experiences, thoughts, emotions, and the way you interact with the world.

Why Should We Dare to Let Go of Identity?

1. Because identity is flexible.

There’s no rule saying you must be the same person forever. If today you feel like exploring a different side of yourself, that’s completely fine.

2. Because we are more than just labels.

You are not just a worker or a writer. You are a collection of thoughts, dreams, mistakes, and growth.

3. Because sometimes, we need a break from ourselves.

Try living for a moment without defining yourself. You may find freedom in simply existing without expectations.

4. Because the world changes, and so do we.

The person you are today is not the same person you were five years ago. That’s normal, and it’s beautiful.

How to Live Without Being Too Attached to Identity

1. Don’t be too fixated on self-definition.

Ask yourself, “Is this truly who I am, or just a role I’ve played for a while?”

2. Embrace change.

Allow yourself to grow into different versions of yourself without fear.

3. Stop seeking a definite answer about who you are.

Identity is not something you find—it’s something you create, shape, and redefine over time.

Conclusion: The Freedom of Being "No One"

Perhaps true freedom is not about discovering who we are, but accepting that we don’t always need to define ourselves. Sometimes, just being is enough.

So, what if one day you no longer had to be somebody in the eyes of the world? Maybe that’s not a loss, but the beginning of true freedom.