Status Is Life's Core Drive, Not Just A Want
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Resources & Recommendations
Books
- "The Status Game" by Will Storr - This book explores the human desire to judge ourselves and others, and how status influences our lives.
- "The Theory of Moral Sentiments" by Adam Smith - Referenced for its insights into human desire for respect and admiration, particularly the quote "Man naturally desires not only to be loved but to be lovely."
- "Anointed" by Toby Stuart - Mentioned as a book in a similar vein, discussing how status is conferred through recognition or selection by others.
- "Selfie" by Will Storr - His previous book that delves deeper into the cultural changes in the West from the 1960s/70s to the 1980s, specifically focusing on the rise of individualism and competition.
People Mentioned
- Chris Frith (Neuroscientist) - Quoted in "The Status Game" for his perspective on how the brain treats the environment as a reward space.
- Ben Gunn (Prisoner) - An individual interviewed by Will Storr, whose story illustrates the profound human need for status, even in extreme circumstances.
- Yoko Ono - Mentioned in the context of legal disputes with Paul McCartney over songwriting credits.
- Jean Twenge - Referenced for her study on the changing trends of baby names in the US and UK, indicating a shift towards individualism.
- Alfred Kahn (Economic Advisor) - Credited for his role in initiating deregulation in the US during the Jimmy Carter administration.
- Margaret Thatcher (Former UK Prime Minister) - Quoted for her statement on the objective of economics being to change the soul, relevant to the discussion on neoliberalism's cultural impact.
- Ronald Reagan (Former US President) - Discussed in the context of neoliberal policies and their perceived cultural impact.
- Paul McCartney (Musician) - His actions regarding the crediting of Lennon-McCartney songs are used as an example of the insatiable human desire for status, even among highly successful individuals.
- John Lennon (Musician) - Discussed in relation to the Lennon-McCartney songwriting credit agreement.
- Donald Trump (Former US President) - Mentioned as a personality type characterized by a strong desire for power.
- Kanye West (Musician) - Mentioned as an example of a public figure seen as intensely interested in status.
- Taylor Swift (Musician) - Mentioned as a public figure seen as intensely interested in status, and for whom "Swifties" represent a group with strong collective identity.
- Madonna (Musician) - Her song "Material Girl" is cited as an example of 1980s pop culture reflecting values of individualism and materialism.
- Whitney Houston (Musician) - Her song "The Greatest Love of All" is cited as an example of 1980s pop culture reflecting values of self-love.
Organizations & Institutions
- Shalem College (Jerusalem) - Host Russ Roberts' affiliation.
- Hoover Institution (Stanford University) - Host Russ Roberts' affiliation.
- The Library of Economics and Liberty - The organization behind EconTalk.
Websites & Online Resources
- EconTalk.org - The official website for the podcast, where listeners can subscribe, comment, and find additional information.