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Status is the most icky forms of non-reality b/c it is not only purely human driven, but can’t directly be consumed. Hedonism is at least based in direct sensation.

That’s not to say it’s bad. But it should be similar to public speaking under the glare of a hundred spotlights. There should be a dose of healthy fear due to the responsibility of temporarily monopolizing attention.

Wanting to live in it is trying to use it as a form of surrogate home love. Living in a glass house is only fun while the novelty lasts.

I suspect we’re at or nearing a tipping point where these status games are starting to spill into the “real world”. Credentialed journalists are having to compete with podcasts and bloggers. Academics with those learning in public.

This isn’t necessarily good though it does seem more meritocratic. Even systems that seem incredibly broken are often working very well at something specific.

Going corporate or professional means to bind status and ability. While there are downsides, it also generates social stability.

Stabilized status means people know where to look. It creates order and reliability. This allows navigation and orientation, even if the landmarks are mcdonalds, apple products, and engineering/doctor degrees.

If the sun came up in a different direction everyday it wouldn’t be fun novelty. It would mean something has gone terribly awry.