[alexashka]

> I always believed that my work speaks for itself and transcends beyond my limited time on this cosmic experience

Any statement preceded by the word 'believe' is a coping mechanism.

> This notion of immortality was just a small intangible bonus I hoped for when I jumped into grad school

Any statement preceded by the word 'hope' is a coping mechanism.

> AI is making me feel less worthy

Worth comes from understanding, not achievement.

[MinimalAction]

I strongly disagree on beliefs and hopes are coping mechanisms. Coping from what? Beliefs and hopes are what they are.

But I agree worth should be derived from understanding, not through achievement.

[alexashka]

> Coping from what?

From not having the thing you hope for or believe in.

I want a cookie.

I'm going to get a cookie. No believe, no hope.

I may not get a cookie. Oh no. I'm stressed. How do I deal with the stress? I hope I get a cookie. I believe I'm going to get a cookie. That's a coping mechanism.