“You think you’ve accomplished nothing?” My voice all but cracked with disbelief. “You’re brilliant, successful, wealthier than most people could even dream of—and you’re saying that? If someone like you hasn’t done enough, then the rest of us...”

I paused, muttering under my breath, “...might as well be ants.”

“What was that?”

“Uh, nothing. I was just saying you’re too hard on yourself.”

Samuel’s tone ...