Chapter Content
Okay, so, you know, we're talking about playing the right games, right? Specifically, these things called status tests. And it all comes down to earned status. There's this story I always think about, about this philosopher guy, Denis Diderot. He was a pretty big deal back in the day, known for being super smart. But, uh, he wasn't exactly rolling in dough, you know? Didn't seem to bother him too much until he needed to get his daughter a dowry. That's when it hit him, like, "Oh man, I'm broke."
Luckily, he'd made some powerful friends, including Catherine the Great, the Empress of Russia. She, like, offered to buy his whole library and make him her personal librarian, paying him a ton. So, suddenly, Diderot's swimming in cash.
And here's where it gets interesting. He buys this fancy, like, ridiculously fancy scarlet robe. He *loved* the status it gave him, but then he looked around and was like, "Wait a minute... this robe is way too good for my, like, awful chair, my beat-up shoes, my crummy desk!" So, what does he do? He goes on a shopping spree. New leather chair, new shoes, a super elaborate desk. All to match the robe.
It's like the robe created this whole new identity that he felt he had to live up to. He even wrote an essay later called "Regrets for My Old Dressing Gown," where he basically said, "I used to be in charge of my old robe, now this new robe is in charge of *me*!" He fell into the trap of bought status, that constant need for more, for that next thing that's supposed to make you look good.
So, how do we avoid this? Well, the trick is to focus on earned status. And to do that, you gotta, like, identify the games you're playing, right? Are you playing the bought-status game or the earned-status game?
There are two tests that can help you out. First, the bought-status test. Basically, ask yourself: "Would I buy this thing if I couldn't show it off to anyone?" You know, would you still want it if nobody knew you had it?
Bought status is all about that fleeting social boost you get from stuff you buy. This question really helps you figure out if you actually like the thing, or if you're just trying to impress people.
Like, are you buying that expensive watch because you're genuinely into the craftsmanship and engineering, or because you want people to see you wearing a fancy watch? Are you buying that fast car because you love driving and dream of hitting the open road, or because you want people to think you're successful? Are you donating to that charity to be a good person or to be seen at a fancy event?
I mean, we're probably never gonna completely get rid of bought-status games, right? But just asking yourself these questions can make you more aware and help you focus on what really matters.
Which brings us to the earned-status test. Ask yourself: "Could the richest person in the world buy this thing I want by tomorrow?"
Earned status is the stuff that money can't buy – like, respect, trust, admiration, you know? It's things like free time, loving relationships, meaningful work, knowledge, a healthy mind and body, and real financial success that you've actually worked for.
The wealthiest people can't just snap their fingers and get these things. You can't rush a good relationship. You can't instantly become wise or an expert in something. Money *might* make some of these things a little easier, like freeing up some time, but you still have to put in the work. It's like the saying goes, "Rome wasn't built in a day."
Someone said, "Play stupid games, win stupid prizes." And, you know, Diderot kind of did that with his robe situation. Don't fall into the same trap. Steer clear of the bought-status games and really focus on earned status, because those prizes are way more satisfying, you know? They actually matter.