What you do for a living is not be creative, what you do for a living is ship.

Writing a book is a tremendous experience. It pays off intellectually. It clarifies your thinking. It builds credibility. It is a living engine of marketing and idea spreading, working every day to deliver your message with authority. You should write one.

Set a goal, and in small, consistent steps, work to reach it. Get support from your peers when you start flagging. Repeat. You will change.

The problem with the race to the bottom is that you might win

Human beings, thanks to culture and genetics, are inclined to be pessimistic, fearful, skeptical and believers in conspiracy theories. We also don't like change.

Go do something interesting. Ask if you need help.

Just about every great, brave or beautiful thing in our culture was created by someone who didn't do it for money.