formulating an equation

In order to determine the essence of Self.

Proposed hyptheses:

People + Place                                                        

___________   =   Self        OR        (People + Place)  x  Time  =  Self

       Time

Should Time be the divider or should it be the multiplier? Does time separate/classify/decrease one's sense of Self? Or does it increase/propagate/promote one's sense of Self? To classify is "to arrange in categories; designate as officially secret; a system of ordering and assigning to a set, according to certain characteristics." To promote is to "further the progress of; support or actively encourage; increase public awareness of; advance to a higher position." 

Perhaps I should survey people that are older than me about whether or not their sense of self has increased or decreased with age.