Worklife with Adam Grant ReThinking: Overcoming status anxiety with Alain de Botton and RaQuel Hopkins
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Dec 30, 2025 
Alain de Botton, a philosopher and cofounder of The School of Life, joins therapist RaQuel Hopkins to tackle the pervasive issue of status anxiety. They explore how social media fuels our obsession with status and discuss the importance of embracing imperfection to alleviate loneliness. Alain highlights the dangers of snobbery and advocates for deeper values beyond mere success. Together, they examine practical wisdom and the evolving role of therapy, urging listeners to focus on character and personal growth over societal signals.
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Pessimism As A Protective Lens
- Alain de Botton argues pessimism can be useful because expecting imperfections reduces suffering.
- Recognizing normal human struggles prevents feeling uniquely punished and lonely.
Rage From The Gap Between Ideals And Reality
- De Botton links rage to high ideals and the gap between expectations and reality.
- The right to guaranteed happiness increases disappointment when ideals aren't met.
Our Ancient Status Meter Still Runs
- Adam Grant explains humans evolved a social status meter to detect belonging and respect.
- That ancient meter still reacts today to likes and follows, even if survival no longer depends on it.