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And while we're debunking ideas of false competition, let's deal with another illusion you live by: the right to own public space.

You're driving as usual, returning from work. You want to make it to your significant other's house on time, where they're waiting for you to go to the movies. You're momentarily distracted and suddenly don't notice a car swerve in front of you. You slam on the brakes, but end up rear-ending it.

A minor accident. No one was hurt. Plans? Ruined. The movie can wait. Everyone makes sure the other driver is okay. The insurance company arrives. A traffic police inspector. You tell the inspector your story: "I was driving within the speed limit, and suddenly this car cut into my lane. I just didn't have time to brake…"

There it is. Let's zoom out. The point of this story isn't the accident—this example was just needed to clarify something. "Your lane"?

Since when did this row become yours? Did you buy it? Is your name on the title deed? Do they give you title deeds when you drive onto the highway?

Traffic lanes are public. They belong to everyone. That other driver has exactly the same right to use that lane as you do.

But here's what happens when you think you own a lane: road rage. Once you believe that space is YOURS, any car entering it feels like an intrusion. Like someone breaking into your home. Your stress levels skyrocket because someone has "taken" something from you.

But they didn't. Because it was never yours.

I'm not saying you should be thrilled when someone changes lanes without signaling or cuts you off. I'm saying that the intensity of your anger is directly proportional to how much you feel like you own public space.