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The worst part about status is mostly how seriously people take it. If you’re on either extreme, then, yeah, your life is different. But the nature of status i
by mattgreenrocks 5y ago
The worst part about status is mostly how seriously people take it.
If you’re on either extreme, then, yeah, your life is different. But the nature of status is that it is statistically impossible for everyone to be high status. Thus, it is a zero sum game, and one which is usually rigged against you, and full of people who aren’t smart enough to realize this + are willing to give up more than you are. Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.
A small amount of self care and knowledge of oneself and how the world works is all you need to pass as mid-status.
- erikerikson 5y agoAnd, it turns out, this is more conducive to increasing your status. Beyond the signalling games, it's reality that confers status. Consider... Would you rather look rich or be rich? Would you rather look like you can do mostly whatever you want or actually do mostly whatever you want?
- mattgreenrocks 5y agoExactly. And once you internalize this mindset, you see that status is a game that is hard to win in absolute terms, but is easier to manipulate than it would seem. More importantly, you’re content enough to not fall into the hole of lifelong grasping at more status. And then you’re free to be yourself. Able to play the game well enough when necessary, but no longer bound by feelings of needing to 24/7.