The Problem With... The Problem With Buddhism: Will Storr
9 snips
Oct 14, 2025 
Will Storr, an award-winning author and science writer, dives into the clash between Buddhism and human motivation. He argues that Buddhists misinterpret our drive for ambition and status, emphasizing its evolutionary necessity for survival. Storr links status loss to issues like violence and mental health crises, while highlighting how modern storytelling shapes our identity. The conversation also discusses the impact of social media and competition on well-being, and practical strategies to navigate the invisible games of status we're all playing.
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Wanting Drives Civilisation
- Will Storr argues Buddhism misunderstands human nature by dismissing wanting and striving as the root of misery.
- He claims wanting and striving are essential drivers of progress and civilisation, not problems to eradicate.
Status Is An Evolutionary Need
- Humans evolved as cooperative, status-driven apes who need connection and respect to function in groups.
- Status determines resource access and safety in tribes, so the drive for respect is deeply wired and universal.
Buddhist Monks Still Play Status Games
- Will Storr observes that Buddhist monks play their own status game via beliefs about reincarnation and higher realms.
- He uses this to show status-seeking persists even in traditions that preach detachment.
