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> but we also need an aspirational target at the top, so as to inspire us to excellence, creativity and accomplishment. Why do we need this? Is the author sugg

> but we also need an aspirational target at the top, so as to inspire us to excellence, creativity and accomplishment. Why do we need this? Is the author suggesting that without an externally provided target, none shall be inspired? The status game is inherent to all socially cooperative creatures. It's not a morality thing; it's an evolutionary thing. It's nothing we can legislate or moralize or shame away; all you can do is push it underground (as in, "I'm so important that I don't even need to play" or "I disdain all who play, and am therefore superior to the rabble who do"), which doesn't solve anything. In truth, we've already reached a pretty decent point in countering the game's worst effects. When someone demands "just who do you think you are?", I can simply respond "I am a free man." And that's that. They'll usually have no recourse to harm me for such insolence, and their bruised ego is of little concern in the majority of cases. Long gone are the days where insulting a Lord would get you run through. Of course, if you want to enlist the work of others by means other than coercion or bribes, the status game (i.e. charisma, popularity, respect) is the only way to do it. So for some occupations, it is essential.

petra 7y ago
This is a good analysis, going to the core of the issue.but: >> all you can do is push it underground (as in, "I'm so important that I don't even need to play" or "I disdain all who play, and am therefore superior to the rabble who do"), which doesn't solve anything. It's possible to teach people humility. And it's not pushing it underground - It's a good social skill to have if you want to collaborate with other people.
pdonis 7y ago
> if you want to enlist the work of others by means other than coercion or bribes, the status game (i.e. charisma, popularity, respect) is the only way to do it No, it isn't. You can simply trade something valuable to them that you have, for something valuable to you that they have.
lawnchair_larry 7y ago
> Why do we need this? To get to the moon.

petra 7y ago

This is a good analysis, going to the core of the issue.but: >> all you can do is push it underground (as in, "I'm so important that I don't even need to play" or "I disdain all who play, and am therefore superior to the rabble who do"), which doesn't solve anything. It's possible to teach people humility. And it's not pushing it underground - It's a good social skill to have if you want to collaborate with other people.

pdonis 7y ago

> if you want to enlist the work of others by means other than coercion or bribes, the status game (i.e. charisma, popularity, respect) is the only way to do it No, it isn't. You can simply trade something valuable to them that you have, for something valuable to you that they have.

lawnchair_larry 7y ago

> Why do we need this? To get to the moon.