There are three types of status games: dominance, competence, and virtue. Dominance is about violence or the threat of violence, including physical and social violence. Competence is based on being valuable by excelling in certain skills or roles. Virtue is centered around following rules, enforcing them, and believing in sacred beliefs. Dominance games are exemplified by acts of war, mafias, and boxing matches. Competence games are demonstrated by being skillful in various domains like being a great sorcerer or story-teller. Virtue games include institutions like churches or the British royal family where following rules and sacred beliefs are crucial for gaining status.
“Life is a game. There’s no way to understand the human world without first understanding this. Everyone alive is playing a game whose hidden rules are built into us and that silently directs our thoughts, beliefs and actions. This game is inside us. It is us. We can’t help but play.”
So begins “The Status Game,” a new book by acclaimed writer Will Storr.
He continues: “We play for status, if only subtly, with every social interaction, every contribution we make to work, love or family life and every internet post. We play with how we dress, how we speak and what we believe. … Life is not a journey towards a perfect destination. It’s a game that never ends. And it’s the very worst of us.”
Does it have to be?
We may not be able to quit the status game, but Will says we can learn to play it better. In this episode, he explains how.
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