jimmysong on Nostr: # Desiring Status The allure of status and the desire for approval from high-status ...

# Desiring Status

The allure of status and the desire for approval from high-status peoples is intoxicating. Such esteem boosts our social standing and offers us credibility, essentially serving as a social drug. It’s similar to the rush of being treated like a rock star, with your every action being celebrated.

However, this pursuit of validation has its drawbacks. The praise and respect from the influential comes with a price. Usually, you have to achieve something remarkable to earn it, which is a challenging but merit-based approach. Alternatively, you can hack the system, navigating through political manipulation. This involves currying favor, flattery, and altering your beliefs to appease the elite - a fiat method that has sadly become quite popular.

Unfortunately, this second method destroys your soul. You end up debasing your original beliefs, becoming a chameleon that changes color according to the situation. Any genuine belief you retain becomes so diluted and non-controversial that it holds no power to effect any meaningful change, even if you acquire a position of influence. This phenomenon explains why many politicians, products of the fiat system, are so ineffective in bringing about substantial changes.

To truly effect change, one must resist the temptation to play this approval-seeking game. The moment we achieve greatness, the game shifts, and the approval from the elites can trap us, forcing us to conform to their values. This conformity distracts us from our original path to success.

In essence, seeking status offers instant gratification and superficial prestige, but it also debases your being and hinders your power to do good. Hence, the best approach is staying true to your convictions and focusing on meritorious actions, rather than succumbing to the allure of fiat approval.