All Segments
The More Successful You Are The Longer You'll Live! Will Storr
60 segments available
Will is an author who brings out the unexpected ways that we’re vulnerable, and how to manage those vulnerabilities and turn them into strengths. The author of six books including Sunday Times bestsellers, he’s one of the most interesting voices on how we can manage our worst impulses to succeed in the modern world. Topics: 0:00 Intro 01:26 Your early years, how was your self esteem shaped In those years? 08:55 Your book selfie, the inspiration 17:49 Would you have been happier if you were told you could succeed? 20:57 Am I actually making decisions? 27:02 How our genes control us 30:56 Story telling 42:46 Why does status matter? 57:20 Can we be to consumed by status? 01:01:02 We live longer with higher status 01:12:09 Our pursuit of status is greater and our pursuit for money 01:14:13 The part social cues play in the status game 01:20:08 How do we advance in the ‘status game’? 01:27:39 What ingredients create happiness for you? 01:40:28 The last guest question Will: https://twitter.com/wstorr https://www.instagram.com/williamstorr/ Will’s book The Status Game: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Status-Game-Will-Storr/ Will’s new book, The Status Game, is out now in the UK and in the US on the 23rd August. Others books mentioned: Selfie: How We Became So Self-Obsessed and What It's Doing to Us The Science of Storytelling: Why Stories Make Us Human and How to Tell Them Better Listen on: Apple podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7iQXmUT... FOLLOW ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steven/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SteveBartlettSC Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenbar... Sponsors: Vodafone Business - https://bit.ly/3Nagd1l Craftd - https://bit.ly/3JKOPFx Huel - https://my.huel.com/Steven Carpets gifted from Tapi - https://bit.ly/3P10anj Chandelier & Lights gifted from Tom Kirk Lighting - https://bit.ly/3Q6vJxd
Segments Timeline
The Myth of Self-Control
Will Storr challenges the common belief that individuals have full control over their lives and destinies. He argues that much of who we are is influenced by our genetics and upbringing, emphasizing the importance of accepting our flaws rather than merely embracing them. This segment sets the stage for understanding how our status in society impacts our health and well-being.
"shouldn't raise your children to believe that they can be beyonce because the chances are they can't wilstar is an award-winning author of six critically acclaimed books his ideas are disruptive chall..."
Childhood Influences on Self-Esteem
Storr reflects on his strict Catholic upbringing and how it shaped his self-esteem. He discusses the negative feedback he received from authority figures, which led to a lasting impact on his self-perception. This segment explores the long-term effects of childhood experiences on adult behavior and mindset.
"that there are kind of three general types of status games we can play first game is a without further ado i'm stephen bartlett and this is the diary of a ceo i hope nobody's listening but if you are ..."
The Lasting Impact of Early Trauma
In this segment, Will Storr discusses the difficulty of overcoming childhood trauma and the belief that early negative experiences can set individuals on a harmful path. He emphasizes that while we can diminish the power of these traumas, they often remain a part of our psyche, influencing our decisions and emotional responses throughout life.
"know one of the things that that's kind of driven my interests into adulthood my you know my my second book the heretics was looking at why do otherwise smart people believe end up leaving these crazy..."
The Role of Self-Judgment
Storr delves into the concept of self-judgment and how it affects our actions and motivations. He argues that a harsh inner critic can drive us to achieve, but it can also lead to negative emotional states. This segment highlights the importance of finding a balance between self-criticism and self-acceptance.
"a good upbringing can you know correct that to a certain degree but a bad one can can set it on a sort of negative course and i'm quite a neurotic person i'm anxious i've always worried a lot so so wh..."
Learning from Our Mistakes
In this segment, Storr discusses the ongoing process of self-discovery and learning from past mistakes. He emphasizes that understanding our emotional responses and the stories we tell ourselves is crucial for personal growth. This exploration of self-awareness is vital for managing our behaviors and improving our mental health.
"conclusion over the last literally weeks has been that we can diminish the power that our early traumas have over us but they're always going to be there and is that is that where you find find yourse..."
The Inspiration Behind 'Selfie'
Will Storr shares the inspiration for his book 'Selfie,' which critiques the self-esteem movement of the 1980s. He discusses how societal beliefs about self-love and individual responsibility have shaped our culture and personal identities. This segment sets the foundation for understanding the cultural implications of self-obsession.
"someone that isn't going to be a harsh judge or on the other extreme someone who's just going to accept and validate and defend everything every behavior you do every thought you have every mistake yo..."
The Fallacy of Self-Esteem
Storr critiques the self-esteem movement, revealing that the correlation between self-esteem and success is often misunderstood. He explains how the belief that self-love leads to success has been debunked by research, emphasizing the need for a more nuanced understanding of self-worth and achievement.
"um what was the inspiration behind writing this book right so the book before that was called the heretics and the heretics was as it says before it was kind of inspired by this idea of what how do sm..."
Cultural Shifts in Individualism
In this segment, Storr discusses how the rise of individualism in Western culture has affected our perceptions of success and failure. He connects this shift to the neoliberal policies of the 1980s, arguing that increased competition has led to higher levels of perfectionism and mental health issues.
"and if you if you loved yourself it would meant that you would be more successful you'd be happier you'd have a better marriage and you know in america they thought the self-esteem was going to solve ..."
The Consequences of Perfectionism
Storr highlights the negative consequences of perfectionism, linking it to various mental health issues such as anxiety and suicidal ideation. He emphasizes the importance of addressing these cultural pressures and finding healthier approaches to self-acceptance and personal growth.
"had um not just changed a person but it changed the culture like the whole culture of the west britain america canada and lots of europe when i was growing up in the eighties and nineties we were just..."
A New Approach to Self-Identity
Will Storr advocates for a shift from self-love to self-acceptance as a healthier approach to personal identity. He discusses the importance of understanding our flaws and embracing our humanity, rather than striving for an unattainable ideal of perfection.
"also kind of savage you know and um i it it means you know that that kind of western myth we have is that um you know that you can do anything that you want just put your mind to it you can achieve it..."
Self-Acceptance vs. Self-Love
In this segment, Storr contrasts self-acceptance with self-love, arguing that the latter can lead to a harmful mindset of individualism. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing our flaws and understanding our social nature, advocating for a more compassionate approach to self-identity.
"to begin the book theory to show why this matters you know this isn't just a kind of abstract academic exploration of the self you know i wanted to begin with this is how it affects people if perfecti..."
The Role of Encouragement in Success
Storr reflects on his own educational experiences, lamenting the lack of encouragement he received as a budding writer. He discusses how positive reinforcement could have significantly impacted his journey, highlighting the importance of identifying and nurturing individual strengths.
"there's a lot to say in its defense but when it goes too far that's where it becomes it becomes that kind of screw you um mindset so i think self-acceptance is different than self-love self-acceptance..."
The Myth of Unlimited Control
Will Storr critiques the belief in unlimited personal control over one's life choices. He shares insights from his research, emphasizing that understanding our inherent traits and passions is crucial for personal development, rather than adhering to unrealistic expectations of self-determination.
"um but it's so weird the school thing i i mean i have to say i think i went to a really bad school um it was a comprehensive school um you know you hear these stories about teachers that inspire you a..."
The Influence of Environment on Behavior
In this segment, Storr discusses how our environment shapes our behavior more than we often realize. He uses the analogy of a lizard on an iceberg to illustrate how changing our surroundings can lead to significant changes in our mindset and actions.
"carried on um but i just stopped you know i just stopped er so yeah but that's what i mean i think the mistake is um somebody you know in the research for selfie this harvard psychologist brian little..."
Understanding Personality and Addiction
Storr delves into the role of personality and genetics in shaping our behaviors, particularly regarding addiction. He challenges the notion that childhood trauma is the sole cause of such issues, emphasizing the importance of recognizing our genetic predispositions.
"about um the different forces that are controlling our behavior and uh it made me think i've you know that i've also had this this ongoing thought about how control of of my life i over what the force..."
The Fluidity of Identity
Will Storr explores the concept of identity fluidity, discussing how our values and behaviors can shift dramatically based on circumstances. He reflects on the dichotomy between our disciplined selves and our more relaxed personas, particularly in relation to societal expectations.
"well i haven't that was i haven't read about that study for a good five years now but i think it was something about they were asked a series of questions about um what were they our series of questio..."
Maintaining Consistency in Self-Identity
In this segment, Storr offers insights on how to maintain consistency in our self-identity across different contexts. He emphasizes the importance of environmental factors in supporting our goals and behaviors, advocating for strategic changes to foster personal growth.
"in in who we are depending on how we're feeling we don't want to be though no it's not how we think of ourselves we think of ourselves as a yeah a certain kind of person yeah with as a certain boxed i..."
The Role of Genes in Self-Help
Will Storr discusses the often-overlooked role of genetics in self-help narratives. He critiques the notion of complete self-control promoted by many self-help books, emphasizing that our genetic predispositions significantly shape who we are. Storr argues that while we have a blueprint at birth, our experiences further define us, challenging the individualistic belief that anyone can become anyone.
"most of them 99 of self-help books never mention genes because it's unhelpful they want to promote that idea of 100 self-control i can be whoever i want to be um but but but genes are so important and..."
Childhood Experiences and Addiction
In this segment, Storr reflects on how childhood experiences and genetic predispositions intertwine, particularly in relation to addiction. He shares his personal struggle with alcoholism and how genetics can create vulnerabilities that may lead to addiction, especially when combined with traumatic experiences. This discussion highlights the complexity of human behavior and the impact of both nature and nurture.
"you know and i've got that addictive personality i was an alcoholic i haven't i'd had to give up drink when i was 26 because i'd lost control of how much i was drinking and i still struggle with kind ..."
The Power of Storytelling in Business
Will Storr elaborates on the significance of storytelling in business and marketing. He emphasizes that effective communication relies on narrative rather than mere facts and figures. Storr teaches that understanding the audience's emotions and values is crucial for crafting compelling stories that resonate, making storytelling an essential tool for marketers.
"on that point of storytelling you mentioned storytelling there in our um in our narrative your book in 2019 was about storytelling i having worked in marketing was very compelled to read this book for..."
Connecting Emotionally with Audiences
Storr shares insights on how to connect emotionally with audiences through storytelling. He recounts his experiences in marketing, illustrating how personal stories can create a bond with the audience. By positioning the audience as the hero of their own story, businesses can effectively engage and persuade, moving beyond traditional sales tactics.
"first understand exactly who you're communicating with and you need to understand um how they feel about the world how they feel about themselves how they feel about um you know justice and uh what th..."
Nike's Light Figure Strategy
In this segment, Storr analyzes Nike's marketing strategy, particularly its campaign featuring Colin Kaepernick. He explains how Nike positions itself as a light figure, supporting social justice causes rather than focusing solely on product features. This approach resonates with consumers' values and emotions, demonstrating the effectiveness of storytelling in modern marketing.
"have a they believe that the the listener wants big numbers and to how many views they got for their clients or yeah and it just doesn't seem to be consistent with reality no it's not i mean so what y..."
Volkswagen's Revolutionary Advertising
Storr discusses a groundbreaking Volkswagen ad from the 1960s that transformed advertising by focusing on storytelling rather than statistics. He highlights how this ad established a new standard in marketing, showcasing the importance of narrative in connecting with consumers. This example illustrates how effective storytelling can elevate brand perception and consumer engagement.
"position for most companies and organizations and leaders is not to be the hero because your audience feels like they're the hero you're the light figure you're there to help them get what they want s..."
The Science of Persuasion in Marketing
Will Storr emphasizes the science behind effective persuasion in marketing. He discusses the importance of understanding audience emotions and tribal affiliations to craft compelling narratives. Storr warns against the pitfalls of misaligned messaging, using examples of failed campaigns to illustrate how brands can succeed or fail based on their storytelling approach.
"well i mean one of the archetypal examples um that i talk about that i love is that there was a an ad that was broadcast i think it was in the 60s by volkswagen and it was the first kind of modern ad ..."
Emotional Engagement in Business
In this segment, Storr stresses the necessity of emotional engagement in business communications. He argues that facts and figures alone do not resonate with audiences; instead, emotional storytelling is key to capturing attention and fostering connections. Storr's insights encourage businesses to prioritize emotional content in their marketing strategies.
"the most important thing i'm thinking about all the newsletters that my companies have been writing i've got various companies and the newsletters they write and the videos we make and how and how som..."
Understanding Status and Its Importance
Will Storr introduces the concept of status and its significance in human interactions. He explains that status is not merely about wealth or fame but relates to feelings of value and belonging within social groups. This segment sets the stage for a deeper exploration of how status influences behavior and relationships.
"you're a small business owner listening right now this tip is for you the only constant in business as you'll probably know if you run a business is change your business your team and your company cul..."
The Significance of Status
In this segment, Will Storr delves into the concept of status and its profound impact on human behavior. He explains that status is often overlooked in discussions, yet it plays a crucial role in our lives. Storr argues that while many associate status with wealth and fame, the underlying desire is to feel valued and connected within social groups, a drive rooted in our evolutionary past.
"why why does status matter and what is status for people that don't understand the word okay so so so it matters massively and and the reason i wanted to write that book is because people just don't r..."
Status Games and Human Behavior
Will Storr elaborates on the various status games people engage in, explaining that these games are not solely about wealth or fame. He illustrates how individuals can derive status from different aspects of life, such as simplicity or material possessions, and how these games reflect deeper social dynamics and personal values.
"that is still true today the more status that you earn the better everything else gets so it's this huge um huge component of human behavior but it's subconscious so we don't like to think about it so..."
The Complexity of Status Symbols
In this insightful discussion, Will Storr examines how status symbols vary across different social contexts. He shares anecdotes about individuals who may reject conventional status symbols, like luxury cars, in favor of alternative expressions of status. This segment highlights the subjective nature of status and how it can be perceived differently depending on the social group.
"want to be famous but i tend to believe that a lot of people do want to be famous and in that book you talk about children in particular when they're asked what they want to be when they're older it's..."
The Evolution of Status Perception
Will Storr reflects on how perceptions of status evolve over time and how individuals may shift their status games as they gain success. He discusses the psychological implications of status pursuits, emphasizing that while status can drive ambition and achievement, it can also lead to feelings of insecurity and loneliness if not balanced with genuine connections.
"lots of people play the fame game lots of people play the money game um but other people don't you know if you if you were if you were hanging around with gandhi in india you wouldn't be playing the t..."
The Dual Nature of Status
In this segment, Will Storr explores the dual nature of status, discussing its positive and negative aspects. He argues that while the pursuit of status can lead to significant achievements and advancements in society, it can also foster unhealthy competition and isolation. Storr emphasizes the need for balance between status and meaningful connections in life.
"the corner of that bag that that is a really good bag and that's what matters because that's that's the game they're playing a game with that person they're not playing the game with me so i don't car..."
Addiction to Status Games
Will Storr addresses the addictive nature of status games and how they can impact personal relationships. He discusses how individuals may prioritize status over genuine connections, leading to loneliness and dissatisfaction. This segment highlights the importance of recognizing the balance between status pursuits and the need for social connection.
"and you know if we're playing a high level status game with lots of lamborghini owners it's really really hard to feel a value in that group so you've got to work really hard um so that's why a brand ..."
The Role of Environment in Status Pursuit
In this thought-provoking discussion, Will Storr examines how one's environment influences the pursuit of status. He explains that individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may have limited access to status games, leading them to seek validation in alternative ways. Storr emphasizes the innate human drive for connection and status, regardless of circumstances.
"um maybe but again again i do think that personality comes a lot into play um like anything some people are more interested in the status than other people like elon musk is obviously incredibly inter..."
Connection vs. Status
Will Storr concludes with a reflection on the relationship between status and connection. He shares observations about individuals who prioritize status at the expense of meaningful relationships, highlighting the potential loneliness that can accompany such pursuits. This segment underscores the importance of balancing the desire for status with the need for genuine social connections.
"it's interesting because when i i think think of some of my friends that i that i believe in my own you know ill-informed observation are addicted to status the ones that are really addicted to status..."
Types of Status Games
In this segment, Storr categorizes the three types of status games: dominance, success, and virtue. He explains how these games manifest in human behavior and social interactions, emphasizing the complexities and overlaps between them, particularly in competitive environments.
"don't really have much of a social life i don't really want one you know i'm not bothered particularly um so you know everybody's dials are set in different ways some people have relatively low need f..."
The Impact of Status on Health
Storr presents compelling evidence linking status to health outcomes, referencing Dr. Michael Marmot's Whitehall studies. He explains how lower status correlates with poorer health, illustrating the biological implications of social hierarchies and the stress associated with status fluctuations.
"and i think that i think the worst games i think the games that are most destructive are what i call virtue dominance games so a virtually dominance game is one in which i i'm raising status by enforc..."
Status and Longevity
This segment delves into the relationship between success and longevity, with Storr asserting that higher status can lead to a longer life. He discusses how social standing influences health, even among individuals with similar lifestyles, highlighting the profound effects of status on mortality.
"have an impact on our health and mortality that we will die younger if we have lower status what evidence have you have you got have you got or found to support this idea well there's lots of evidence..."
Social Genomics: Status and Health
Storr introduces the concept of social genomics, explaining how our social standing affects gene function and health. He discusses the physiological responses triggered by status changes, emphasizing the importance of social connections and the detrimental effects of loneliness on well-being.
"another set of scientists looked at this in the in a laboratory so they took a bunch of monkeys um uh uh who um obviously like us very hierarchical without a status games and um they deliberately felt..."
The Dark Side of Status Loss
In this segment, Storr explores the psychological consequences of losing status, including increased vulnerability to depression and suicidal ideation. He discusses how sudden drops in status can lead to severe emotional distress, using real-world examples to illustrate the risks associated with status fluctuations.
"of trouble um so inflammation goes up antiviral response goes down and so the body changes in such a way that we become more ill there's a really um a narrative in there which some might deduce from h..."
Jealousy and Social Comparison
Storr examines the dynamics of jealousy in social groups, particularly when peers achieve success. He discusses how relative status can lead to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety, highlighting the evolutionary roots of these emotions and their impact on mental health.
"ideation that in particular is quite um an alarming thought that if you're in a group of five friends best friends and four of the best friends do really really well professionally in their careers wh..."
The Mechanisms of Status Learning
In this concluding segment, Storr explains how individuals learn from high-status peers and the psychological mechanisms behind social imitation. He discusses the implications of these behaviors for personal development and the competitive nature of modern society, emphasizing the challenges of navigating status dynamics.
"you talk about how we look up to people who are like us yeah but we also seem to be more jealous of people that are like us yeah because they because they are the the clearest evidence of our own inad..."
The Power of Influence Marketing
In this segment, Storr elaborates on the effectiveness of influence marketing, explaining how our admiration for high-status individuals can lead us to trust their endorsements. He emphasizes that our brains are wired to respond to status cues, making us more susceptible to marketing strategies that leverage celebrity influence. This insight reveals the underlying psychology that drives consumer behavior in today's society.
"piece of us like that person's like me but amazing and so so these very ancient evolved mechanisms switch on even though we're pretty never going to meet that person they just switch on and we become ..."
Status Over Money: A Surprising Preference
Storr presents a compelling argument that the pursuit of status often outweighs the pursuit of money for many individuals. He references a significant study indicating that people are willing to accept higher-status job titles over modest pay increases. This segment explores the evolutionary basis for this preference and how it reflects our innate desire for social standing and recognition.
"um the other the other point that you talk about in the book around the role that status is playing which really alarmed me and made me ponder quite a lot was about how our pursuit for status is more ..."
The Value of Status in Career Advancement
In this insightful discussion, Storr explains how status can be more beneficial than monetary compensation in career contexts. He uses a hypothetical scenario involving a podcast producer's job title to illustrate how a higher status can lead to better job opportunities and social mobility. This segment emphasizes the importance of recognizing and leveraging status in professional environments.
"it isn't just how much money they have in fact the money's often invisible the the the title says a lot so if you were to you know make jax you know he's my podcast ceo he's more likely than to go on ..."
Competition vs. Rivalry in Business
Storr contrasts competition and rivalry in the workplace, arguing that rivalry can be a healthy motivator while competition often leads to toxic environments. He discusses the implications of these dynamics on corporate culture, using the example of Enron's rank-and-yank system to illustrate the dangers of cutthroat competition. This segment advocates for fostering a sense of rivalry to encourage collaboration and innovation.
"uh monitoring our environment for status queues and you know playing that game and and so so we're constantly monitoring other people's body language um we we can measure someone's relative status ver..."
The Status Game and Its Impact on Happiness
In this segment, Storr reflects on the relationship between status and happiness, noting that high-status individuals often face unique challenges and pressures. He dispels the myth that wealth equates to happiness, sharing insights into how status games operate at various levels of society. This discussion highlights the complexities of human motivation and the pursuit of fulfillment beyond material success.
"looking at one person so more and more people start looking at that person then they get reported in the press and then more people start looking at them and they call it the paris hilton effect becau..."
The Space Race of Status
Storr discusses the modern 'space race' among billionaires like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, emphasizing how their competition drives innovation and societal benefits. He argues that while these individuals are often envied for their wealth and status, the reality of their lives can be far more complicated. This segment explores the dual nature of status as both a motivator for progress and a source of personal struggle.
"life can be at the very top because you're not competing with me anymore or the people down there or you know or or even above me you're competing with people they're competing with the people who the..."
Advancing in the Status Game
In this concluding segment, Storr outlines strategies for advancing in the status game, emphasizing that status is a resource we can share rather than hoard. He discusses the importance of fostering healthy rivalries and creating environments where individuals can thrive. This segment serves as a practical guide for navigating the complexities of status in personal and professional contexts.
"chapter 29 of this book you you kind of you talk about how we can advance in the status game status game factor again and the seven rules of the status game um how how do we advance in the status game..."
The Rivalry That Sparked Innovation
Will Storr recounts the fascinating rivalry between Steve Jobs and Microsoft, highlighting how a boastful comment from a Microsoft executive at a barbecue ignited Jobs' determination to innovate. This segment explores how competition can drive creativity and lead to groundbreaking products like the iPhone, illustrating the importance of rivalry in the tech industry.
"against all rivalry is one against one so that's one individual against one individual or one group one team against another team or one organization against another organization and rivalry is charac..."
Harnessing Rivalry as Motivation
In this segment, Will reflects on his personal relationship with rivalry and competition, sharing anecdotes about fitness challenges with friends. He draws parallels to Michael Jordan's competitive spirit, emphasizing how rivalry can serve as a powerful motivator. The discussion delves into the psychological aspects of competition and how it can drive individuals to achieve their best.
"but that's that's what you want to be um in a corporate sense in an organizational sense you want to be um you want to be encouraging rivalry and not competition interesting i've always tried to make ..."
The Trade-Offs of Competition
Will and Steven discuss the complexities of competition, questioning whether it is inherently good or bad. They explore the trade-offs involved, such as the potential for stress and burnout, while acknowledging that competition can also lead to significant achievements. This segment emphasizes the nuanced nature of rivalry and its impact on personal well-being.
"exactly right yeah that's that's fascinating and and so that that that description you say if somebody who's highly deserved constantly looking for rivalries i think that's that that's correct and i i..."
Seeking Connection Through Volunteering
Will shares his intention to start volunteering as a way to foster connections and combat feelings of selfishness. He reflects on the importance of social bonds and how they contribute to overall happiness. This segment highlights the significance of community involvement and the pursuit of meaningful relationships in enhancing personal fulfillment.
"you're completely right it is a trade-off and go working out for three four hours a day was not a good idea yeah it was a significant cost to that with my my relationship with my sleep with you know w..."
The Importance of Social Connections for Men
In this segment, Will and Steven discuss the challenges men face in maintaining social connections as they age. They emphasize the need for intentionality in nurturing friendships and the societal pressures that often lead men to isolate themselves. This conversation sheds light on the importance of camaraderie and support networks for mental health.
"like i was becoming quite a selfish life everything was just about either my part of my dogs so i i'm obsessed with i don't do anything for anything else so i i figure that's that that's a bit of a ho..."
Understanding Male Identity and Connection
Will and Steven explore the differences in how men and women form social connections, discussing the instinctual tendencies of men to go it alone. They address the implications of this behavior on mental health and the importance of developing male-friendly solutions to foster connection. This segment provides insights into the social dynamics that affect men's well-being.
"that's what i'm missing we have to become more and more intentional about that connection i think especially i feel like men probably more so definitely yeah you know and it's one of the things i've s..."
Navigating Status and Success
Will discusses the relationship between male identity, status, and success, particularly during midlife crises. He highlights how feelings of inadequacy can arise from societal pressures and personal failures. This segment delves into the psychological impact of status on men and the importance of redefining success to foster a healthier self-image.
"harder and i always notice with the social stuff it just seems to always happen where when you've got a social appointment coming up you think oh what did i say yes to that for but then ask a hundred ..."
The Role of Status in Mental Health
In this concluding segment, Will reflects on his experiences with suicidal ideation and how they relate to issues of connection and status. He emphasizes the need for diverse sources of status to maintain mental stability and happiness. This discussion underscores the critical role that social dynamics play in shaping individual well-being.
"i'm guessing in a in a in a way that kind of they can relate to what is that well again like you've got to be very careful but but by by not generalizing yeah there's a huge variety in what men are li..."
The Fluidity of Status
Will Storr discusses the inherent hierarchy in human interactions and how individuals perceive their status in relation to others. He emphasizes that while there will always be those at the bottom of the status hierarchy, their experiences are shaped by comparisons within their immediate social circles rather than against high-profile figures. Storr highlights the importance of imagination and personal contributions in redefining one's sense of value and status.
"because just by a measure of comparison there's going to be someone else who is making them feel inadequate or like low status yeah there's always going to be a hierarchy you can't remove the hierarch..."
Finding Meaning in Status Games
In this segment, Will Storr reflects on the role of religion and personal achievements in providing individuals with a sense of purpose and status. He shares his journey from rejecting religion to recognizing its value in offering a framework for status and meaning in life. Storr's insights reveal how status games can be both virtuous and fulfilling.
"and and as you said earlier they can you know they might also play for a sunday league team and be top of the league and yeah captain of that team or they could be religious i mean their religion is a..."
Creating Light in Dark Times
Will Storr shares his personal coping mechanism for dealing with dark moments in life, emphasizing the therapeutic power of creation and art. He explains how engaging in writing not only helps him process his feelings but also boosts his psychological status. This segment underscores the connection between creativity and emotional well-being, illustrating how personal achievements can foster hope.
"was the same i was religious up until i was uh 18 very religious household and i rejected it quite passionately for many years until i stopped caring about it so i'm just like do what you like exactly..."
The Impact of the Status Game
In this concluding segment, Steven Bartlett expresses his appreciation for Will Storr's book, 'The Status Game,' highlighting its illuminating insights into human behavior and decision-making. He reflects on how understanding the forces that influence our lives can lead to more conscious choices aligned with personal values. This discussion encapsulates the book's significance in navigating relationships and personal growth.
"in particular um is my favorite the status game came out last year i believe um yeah just down paper back two weeks ago on people back two weeks ago and i've had a lot of people specifically because y..."