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Modern WisdomSep 20, 2021

#374 - Will Storr - How To Play The Status Game

Summary, books mentioned, transcript quotes, and timestamps for #374 - Will Storr - How To Play The Status Game on Modern Wisdom.

Guest: Will Storr

Notable books mentioned: The Story of Elliot Rogers, the status game by Will Storr, Laurie Lee's autobiography, selfie by Will Storr

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Sarah Jane Blakemore's book cover
Mentioned at 23:48
Sarah Jane Blakemore's book
Sarah Jane Blakemore

The host references Sarah Jane Blakemore's book to illustrate the concept of the 'imaginary audience' and how our conscience functions as a mechani…

The Story of Elliot Rogers cover
Mentioned at 31:29
The Story of Elliot Rogers

The host discusses the profound impact of humiliation on human behavior, particularly in relation to status and violence. They reference 'The Story…

the status game cover
Mentioned at 35:36
the status game
Will Storr

The host discusses the concept of status games as explored in 'The Status Game,' highlighting how people compete for status in various forms. They…

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Episode summary, books & quotes

#374 - Will Storr - How To Play The Status Game mentions The Story of Elliot Rogers, the status game by Will Storr, Laurie Lee's autobiography, and selfie by Will Storr with timestamps, quotes, and episode context.

Guest: Will Storr
Episode summary
Will Storr is an award winning author and journalist. Status is the original human currency. Prestige, renown, respect and admiration are all sought after because it gave our ancestors better access to mates, safety and resources. Now the modern era has arrived, the lions are no longer chasing us but our desire for status is a strong as ever. Expect to learn why growing a huge yam can make you the favourite in your tribe, why tall poppy syndrome exists, the reason for our conscience, the risks of radically gaining or losing status, the winning qualities to develop if you want to enhance your status, how the status game relates to cancel culture and much more...
Book mentions6
Media mentions0
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Summary, books mentioned, transcript quotes, and timestamps for #374 - Will Storr - How To Play The Status Game on Modern Wisdom.

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  • The conversation centers on effects of humiliation.
  • A second recurring theme is importance of status.
  • Referenced books include The Story of Elliot Rogers and the status game by Will Storr.
  • The strongest audience signal points to Individuals interested in psychology and social behavior and Readers interested in psychology and societal issues.

Which books are mentioned in #374 - Will Storr - How To Play The Status Game?

The Story of Elliot Rogers, the status game by Will Storr, and Laurie Lee's autobiography are the clearest linked books in this episode, each tied back to transcript timestamps and quote cards.

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Topic and sentiment signals

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Mention sentiment
Deep Dive(5)Passing Reference(1)
Audience signals
Individuals interested in psychology and social behaviorReaders interested in psychology and societal issuesAnyone interested in social dynamics and human behaviorReaders interested in social dynamics and statusIndividuals seeking personal growth and happinessIndividuals interested in social dynamics and personal development

Books Mentioned

Sarah Jane Blakemore's book cover
Sarah Jane Blakemore's book
Sarah Jane Blakemore
Best for Individuals interested in psychology and social behaviorOften cited around importance of status

The excerpt mentions a phrase read in Sarah Jane Blakemore's book, discussing the idea of the imaginary audience and conscience as a social mechanism.

View mention details
Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Individuals interested in psychology and social behavior
Key quote: she talks about this idea of the imaginary audience.
The host references Sarah Jane Blakemore's book to illustrate the concept of the 'imaginary audience' and how our conscience functions as a mechanism for navigating social status. This discussion emphasizes the psychological need for status and how it influences our moral judgments and behaviors.
ASIN: B003V1WS78
Buy on Amazon
The Story of Elliot Rogers cover
Best for Readers interested in psychology and societal issuesOften cited around effects of humiliation

In the book, I tell in some detail the story of Elliot Rogers, the incel. He left a hundred and eight thousand word memoir online, which was a truly extraordinary document.

View mention details
Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Readers interested in psychology and societal issues
Key quote: In the book, I tell in some detail the story of Elliot Rogers, the incel.
The host discusses the profound impact of humiliation on human behavior, particularly in relation to status and violence. They reference 'The Story of Elliot Rogers' to illustrate how extreme humiliation can lead to dangerous outcomes, as exemplified by Rogers' own narrative.
the status game cover
the status game
Will Storr
Best for Anyone interested in social dynamics and human behaviorOften cited around status games on Twitter

The speaker mentions a study that was not included in 'the status game' because it was in a previous book, indicating a connection between the two works.

View mention details
Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Anyone interested in social dynamics and human behavior
Key quote: But objectively, there's nothing any more or less ridiculous of a yam versus a Ferrari or versus being the best social justice warrior.
The host discusses the concept of status games as explored in 'The Status Game,' highlighting how people compete for status in various forms. They use an example from Micronesia where growing the biggest yam was a way to gain social standing, illustrating the absurdity and depth of human status competition.
ASIN: B097TVLKSH
Buy on Amazon
Laurie Lee's autobiography cover
Best for Readers interested in social dynamics and statusOften cited around status games and competition

The excerpt references a quote from Laurie Lee's autobiography, discussing his experiences during the time of the British Empire.

View mention details
Sentiment: Passing Reference
For: Readers interested in social dynamics and status
Key quote: He talks about being, being about as poor as they get, they lived on boiled cabbage and that, that was what they ate.
The host references Laurie Lee's autobiography to illustrate the concept of status within groups. Lee's experiences of feeling elevated by the status of the British Empire serve as a metaphor for how group identity can influence individual self-worth.
selfie cover
selfie
Will Storr
Best for Individuals seeking personal growth and happinessOften cited around status and empathy

The speaker mentions writing about the idea of the brain as the hero maker in 'selfie' and another book, discussing the storytelling aspect of human nature.

View mention details
Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Individuals seeking personal growth and happiness
Key quote: one of the things I wrote about in my book selfie, which, which was a few years ago now is this idea that it's actually, you know, contrary to what all the self help gurus will tell you, it's very hard to change yourself and a much better route to kind of something that feels like happiness is by changing your environment.
The host discusses the concept of status and its impact on empathy, referencing their book 'Selfie' to illustrate how changing one's environment can lead to greater happiness. They emphasize that rather than trying to change oneself, it may be more effective to change the people and circumstances around us.
ASIN: 6050978948
Buy on Amazon
The Status Game on Social Position and How We Use It cover
Best for Individuals interested in social dynamics and personal developmentOften cited around social status and behavior

The book discusses social position and how status is utilized in various games of life, emphasizing the importance of warmth, sincerity, and competence.

View mention details
Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Individuals interested in social dynamics and personal development
Key quote: If you can embody those three qualities, it's hard for you to fail in life.
The host discusses the qualities that contribute to high social status, referencing Will Storr's book for insights on optimal self-presentation. The conversation emphasizes the importance of warmth, sincerity, and competence in social interactions.
ASIN: B097TVLKSH
Buy on Amazon

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